Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened

2-1/2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup baking cocoa

2 cups boiling water

2-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Filling:

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup butter, cubed

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

2-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar

Preparation

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Whisk cocoa and water unril smooth. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with cocoa mixture. Beat until smooth. Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350 F. for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. In a mixing bowl, beat cream, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla on high speed until soft peaks form. Chill until firm. In a saucepan, melt chips and butter over medium heat; stir in cream. Remove from the heat; stir in confectioners’ sugar. Chill for at least 1 hour or until completely cooled. Beat with electric mixer to achieve spreading consistency. Spread half of the filling over one cake layer; top with second layer and remaining filling. Top with third layer; frost top and sides of cake. Chill for 2 hours before cutting.Yield: 10-12 servings.

More good recipes at: www.havefunbaking.com And check out: www.lovetobakeandcook.blogspot.com