Name: Simple Two-Layer Chocolate Birthday Cake with Milk Chocolate Ganache
Yield: 12 Servings
Ingredients: ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan; 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan; 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped; 1 cup brewed coffee; ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process); 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1¾ teaspoons kosher salt; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; 1½ teaspoons baking soda; 2½ cups (packed) light brown sugar; ¼ cup vegetable oil; 8 ounces milk chocolate, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; ¼ teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces, room temperature

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Alex Lau

Icing on top and in the middle, sides left bare: This modern-looking style shows off the cake’s decadent (and perfectly even) chocolate layers.

Recipe notes