Isn't this beautiful? We ate this for my husband's birthday party and it was amazing. Watch out the fat and calorie content is huge, but the taste is totally worth it. The recipe come from Taste of Home.
1 package (18-1/4 ounces) chocolate cake mix1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
4 eggs
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup canola oil
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
FROSTING:
2 cups butter, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup 2% milk
GARNISHES:
2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
1 pound fresh strawberries, tops removed
GANACHE:
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
*Combine the first seven ingredients; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Transfer to two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans.
* Bake at 350° for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Beat the butter, confectioner's sugar and cocoa until blended; add milk and beat until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. (Note: When you put the cakes together, cut the tops off so they are level and sit nicely on top of each other)
* Pipe or spoon melted chocolate onto waxed paper in decorative designs; let stand until set. Arrange strawberries on top of cake. For ganache, place chocolate in a small bowl. Heat cream just to a boil; pour over chocolate and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over top of cake, allowing ganache to drape down the sides. Top with chocolate garnishes.
