I came across this recipe a few years ago and I am so glad I did.  It’s deliciously decadent and very easy to prepare. From start to oven it only takes about 10 minutes – there’s no reason anyone should ever buy a chocolate boxed cake mix again! Who needs all those additives and preservatives anyway? Try it yourself.

Prepare oven and pans. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour average round cake pans; set aside.

Deliciously Decadent Chocolate Cake

1 cup buttermilk                                                                                                                            1 cup water                                                                                                                                   2/3 cup cooking oil                                                                                                                  2 cups sugar                                                                                                                                2 eggs                                                                                                                                          1 tsp. baking soda                                                                                                                   1/2 tsp. salt                                                                                                                                  2 cups flour                                                                                                                               3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Combine in an extra large mixing bowl buttermilk, water, oil, sugar, eggs, baking soda, and salt. Use large wire whisk, whisk until well combined. Add all flour and cocoa powder; whisk vigorously until smooth. Divide batter between pans.

Bake for 30-35 minutes – until the top springs back when lightly touched. Cool in pans on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely.

Filling

1/2  whipping cream

Whip cream in mixer (or by hand) until slightly stiff. Spread over the top of the first layer of cake,  then top with second layer of cake.                                                                                   * I also like to spread this filling while the cake is still slightly warm; it causes the whipped cream to slightly melt into the cake itself making it that much more moist…I then serve each slice with just a smidgen more of the freshly whipped cream – why not?

Chocolate Ganache Glaze

1/2 cup whipping cream                                                                                                              4 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped

In a saucepan bring whipping cream just to boiling over medium to high heat. Remove from heat – add chocolate – do not stir. Let stand 5 minutes – then stir until smooth…cool 15 minutes or until slightly thickened. Pour over cake, allowing it to drip down the sides – pour in middle and it will naturally flow over sides…Chill until set, about 30 minutes or so.

Slice and serve with a bit of freshly whipped cream and fresh fruit, chopped nuts or simply by itself. Yum. Let me know what you think!