Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake

Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Filling and Topping:

• 1 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/2 cup crushed toffee bits or chopped peanuts
• Additional chocolate ganache or fudge sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined (the batter will be thin).
4. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the heavy cream, beating on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and mix until combined.
6. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter over the top. Add a layer of chocolate frosting over the peanut butter. Repeat with the second layer. Place the final cake layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining chocolate frosting.
7. Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the crushed toffee bits or chopped peanuts over the top of the cake. Drizzle with additional chocolate ganache or fudge sauce if desired.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve this indulgent chocolate layer cake to your guests!

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