Blue Ribbon Chocolate Dream Cake

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1 cup boiling water

For the Creamy Filling:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For Garnish:

• Chocolate chunks

• Whipped cream swirls

Instructions:

1. Bake the Cake:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
   In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; beat until combined. Slowly add boiling water and mix until smooth.
   Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool completely.

2. Make the Creamy Filling:
   In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. In another bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.

3. Assemble the Cake:
   Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread 1/3 of the creamy filling over it. Repeat with remaining layers.

4. Make the Ganache:
   Heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.

5. Decorate:
   Pour ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Top with whipped cream swirls and chocolate chunks.

6. Chill Before Serving:
   Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing for perfect layers.