Best Chocolate Cake

Basically the best chocolate cake I've ever had at any one time. Rich, ultra soggy, feathery and this chocolate buttercream is simply divine!

BAKING A HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE CAKE?

• Margarine and flour three 8-inch cake tray. I enthusiastically prescribe the use of cake strips for a more even heat. Filter the dry fixings (count the sugar) into the bowl of a blender and compete to make the cake. 

• Put the wet attachments in a large bowl and mix together. 
• Include the wet fixings with the dry fixings. Accelerate the link at this point to level 2 for two minutes. Circulate player just to the three skillet and heat for about 35-40 minutes at 350F or until a toothpick embedded in the inside tells the truth. I prescribe the swinging of the shell partly by the heat. Let the time for 10 minutes at this point change to wire racks to cool down completely. 
• In a small bowl of half-sweet chocolate with 2 tablespoons of cream at this point microwave for 40 seconds to consolidate half power. Mix at this point in a safe place to join. Whip the margarine for about 5 minutes using a rowing joint (in an excellent blender). Gradually beat into the confectioner's sugar. Include the cream. 
• Gradually mix into the 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. Include the salt. You may include the discretionary vanilla and coffee in this progression. Mix until you have a soft, even consistency. Beat in the liquefied and chilled chocolate ganache.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1/2 cup sour cream (120mL)
• 1 cup buttermilk (236mL)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cup strong hot coffee (355mL) (Use a Moka pot so it's basically espresso)
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil (177mL)
• 1 tbs vanilla extract (13mL)
• 3 cup all-purpose flour (360g)
• 2 2/3 cup granulated sugar (533g)
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder (50g)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder (4.8g)
• 1 tbs baking soda (14.3g)
• 1 tsp kosher salt (5.7g)

For the Chocolate Buttercream:

• 1 1/2 lb confectioner's sugar
• 1 1/2 cup unsalted butter (338g) room temperature
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream (60mL)
• 1/4 cup Cocoa powder (25g)
• 1 tsp vanilla (5mL) optional
• 1 tsp espresso (5ml) optional
• 1/4 tsp salt (1.5g)
• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate (45g)

For the Decoration:

• 1/4 cup cacao nibs (about 60 grams)

Instructions

For the Cake:

• Butter and flour 3 eight inch cake pans. I highly recommend using cake strips for a more even bake.
• Sift together the dry ingredients (including the sugar) into the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk to combine.
• Add the wet ingredients into a large bowl and whisk together.
• Add the wet ingredients the dry ingredients. 
• Whisk to combine then mix on level 2 for two minutes.
• Distribute batter evenly to the three pans and bake for about 35-40 minutes at 350F (176C) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I recommend rotating the pans halfway through the bake.
• Allow time to cool for 10 minutes then invert onto wire racks to cool fully.

For the Chocolate Buttercream:

• In a small bowl combine the semi-sweet chocolate with 2 tbs of cream then microwave for 40 secs on half power. Stir to combine then set aside. 
• Whip the butter for about 5 minutes using a paddle attachment (in a stand-up mixer).
• Beat in the confectioner’s sugar slowly.
• Add the cream.
• Slowly mix in the ¼ cup of cocoa powder. Add the salt, as well. 
• You may add the optional vanilla and espresso at this step. 
• Mix until you have a fluffy, even consistency.
• Beat in the melted and cooled chocolate ganache. 

For the Assembly:

• Pipe chocolate buttercream between each layer.
• Pipe the buttercream on the outside of the cake. Smooth with a bench scraper and offset spatula.
• Add a smooth coat of chocolate buttercream to the surface of the cake. 
•  Use an 869 tip to pipe dollops on top.
•  Press cocoa nibs to the bottom of the cake (or the entire side, if desired).