Brian’s birthday is in August, however, this also marks the busiest time for Brian at work. He spends long hours away from home, and when he comes home he spends a lot of time at his computer. Because of this, we typically wait to celebrate his Birthday with our extended family well into September. However, I always make his favorite dinner and a special dessert on his actual birthday.
Brian’s Favorite Dinner is grilled filet mignon, homemade smashed potatoes, and fresh steamed green beans.
This is not really what this post is about though. It is ALL about the dessert. Brian loves all things chocolate. Basically, to Brian, if there isn’t chocolate involved, it isn’t dessert. So, I decided to combine three types of chocolate to make a Triple Chocolate Cake. Apparently, it was so good some people couldn’t wait until after dinner to try it. We are still trying to find the culprit. My guess is one of the boys (as in Brian).
This cake has a three parts to it, but overall is not that hard to make.
The first was I used a simple Betty Crocker boxed cake mix (Chocolate Fudge), and made it in two 9 inch round cake pans.
Then, I made a simple chocolate buttercream frosting.
2 sticks unsalted butter softened
3 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
pinch of salt
In a mixer with paddle attachment or large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, mix all ingredients until well incorporated and set aside.
Then, I made simple dark chocolate ganache.
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
In a large bowl put over simmering water, heat cream. Then slowly add chocolate chips and vanilla. Whisk together until chocolate is completely melted and remove from heat.
Then, comes time for assembly. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one of the cake rounds on a cake plate and frost the top with a thick layer of the chocolate buttercream. Next, layer the second cake round on top of the buttercream, and frost the sides and top of the cake. Finally, using a ladle, spoon the ganache over the entire cake and let fall down the sides.
Once the cake was complete, I went to grab my camera, and this is what I found.
Fingerprints! I literally turned my back for two seconds. I guess when there is this much chocolate involved, some people just cannot resist.
The kids and I were happy to make something so special for Brian, and I know with how hard he has been working lately, he appreciated it.
2 comments
That looks sooooo good!! I'm totally inspired to bake today. 🙂
Also, I'm sorry I haven't commented more on your blog! I've been keeping up with it as best I can, but we've been in the midst of a move so it's been a little crazy. Keep up the wonderful work though!
Love you!
Thanks Sarah! It was so delicious. It is already gone, and it is only Tuesday. No one could resist. It also means that I might have to run a few extra miles this week 🙂
Take care,
Erin