Birthday Chocolate Cake

Ingredients (16)

• unsalted butter100 g
• caster sugar350 g
• eggs2
• plain flour225 g
• cocoa powder50 g
• baking powder1 tsp
• bicarbonate of soda0.25 tsp
• buttermilk250 ml
• vanilla extract1 tsp
• icing sugar285 g
• cocoa powder2 tsp
• unsalted butter3 tbsp
• boiling water1.5 tbsp
• two 22 cm round cake tins or
• three 18 cm round cake tins
• ---

Method

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).

2. 2

   Grease the cake tins and line the bases with baking paper.

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy.

4. 4

   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

5. 5

   Sift together:

6. 6

   Plain flour

7. 7

   Cocoa powder

8. 8

   Baking powder

9. 9

   Bicarbonate of soda

10. 10

    Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.

11. 11

    Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract.

12. 12

    Mix until a smooth batter forms.

13. 13

    Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins.

14. 14

    Bake for 19–25 minutes, or until:

15. 15

    the cake springs back when lightly pressed,

16. 16

    and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

17. 17

    Leave the cakes in their tins for 5 minutes.

18. 18

    Turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

19. 19

    Sift together the icing sugar and cocoa powder.

20. 20

    Stir in the melted butter.

21. 21

    Gradually add 1–2 tablespoons boiling water, mixing until the icing becomes smooth and spreadable.

22. 22

    Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

23. 23

    Spread a layer of chocolate icing over the top.

24. 24

    Place the second cake layer on top.

25. 25

    Cover the top and sides with the remaining icing.

26. 26

    Decorate as desired with:

27. 27

    Chocolate sprinkles

28. 28

    Fresh berries

29. 29

    Chocolate curls

30. 30

    Colourful birthday decorations

31. 31

    Serve with vanilla ice cream.

32. 32

    Fresh whipped cream.

33. 33

    Fresh strawberries or raspberries.

34. 34

    Hot chocolate or coffee.