This is an easy-to-make two-layer birthday cake featuring rich chocolate cake layers and a creamy chocolate and cream cheese frosting, perfect for any celebration.
1. Prepare the cake trays: Brush the pans with oil and place a baking sheet at the bottom of the pans.
2. In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients (all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda). Sieve the cocoa and espresso powder before adding them to the dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients (eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla).
4. Bring milk to almost a boil.
5. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ones until you get a stiff batter. Then add the warm milk and mix well until smooth.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pans. Tap the pans to release any air trapped in the batter.
7. Bake for 50 minutes in a preheated oven at 330F (170C).
8. Perform a toothpick check to see if the cakes are ready. Let the cakes cool down completely in the pans.
9. For the cream: Place a bowl over boiling water (bain-marie), melt the chocolate chips with the heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
10. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth. Add the chocolate mix (ensure it's not hot) to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well combined and smooth.
11. Remove the cakes from the pans. Using a bread knife, level and straighten the tops of the cakes if needed.
12. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or stand, cover the top generously with the prepared cream.
13. Place the second cake layer on top of the first. Cover the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining cream.
14. Sprinkle whatever you like on top, such as sprinkles, for decoration.
