Edd kimbers chocolate cake. Divine!
The sponges will freeze so just defrost and ice as needed.
Serves 12–16
110g unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus extra for greasing
110g plain chocolate (at least 60-70% cocoa solids)
280ml boiling water
3 tbsp cocoa powder
140ml buttermilk
280g plain flour
2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
½ tsp salt
340g soft brown sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 eggs, lightly beaten
For the ganache
225g butter
285g plain chocolate (at least 60–70% cocoa solids)
2 tbsp golden syrup
240ml double cream
Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Grease and line three 20cm round cake tins with baking parchment, then grease the parchment too.
Melt the chocolate in a microwave or a heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water, making sure the base of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Set aside to cool slightly. In a medium bowl, whisk the water and cocoa powder together, then whisk in the buttermilk and set aside.
Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt together into a medium bowl. In a separate bowl use an electric hand mixer beat the butter, sugar and vanilla together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs, a little at a time, beating until fully combined. With the mixer on low pour the cooled chocolate down the side of the bowl and, once fully combined, add a third of the flour mixture followed by half the buttermilk mixture. Repeat and then add the final third of flour mixture. Divide equally among the three prepared tins and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a cocktail stick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool in the tins for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely.
To make the ganache, melt the butter, chocolate and golden syrup in the microwave or a heatproof bowl over a pan of gently simmering water, making sure the base of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Once melted and smooth, add the cream and mix to combine. Remove from the heat and allow to set until spreadable, about 15–20 minutes. If the ganache is not setting at room temperature you can refrigerate, but watch carefully that it stays spreadable. To assemble the cake, put the first layer of cake on a serving plate or cake board. Spread a layer of ganache over the top of the cake and put the second cake layer on top, then repeat. Put the final layer of cake on top and spread the remaining ganache over the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with anything you fancy.
Or scones or soda bread both will freeze. 