Chocolate Torte

*Best if made a day a head of time

CAKE BATTER

1 c. butter, softened

2 1/2 c. sugar

4 eggs

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 c. baking cocoa

2 c. boiling water

2 3/4 c. all-purpose flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

FILLING

1 c. heavy whipping cream

1/4 c. powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

FROSTING
1 c. (6 oz) semisweet chocolate chips

1 c. butter, cubed

1/2 c. heavy whipping cream

2 1/2 powdered sugar

Directions: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Beat in vanilla. Whisk cocoa and water until 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° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. In a 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 spreadable 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.

This was an AMAZING, Moist, Chocolaty, Delicious cake. I will DEFINITELY be making this one again.

*It takes 1 lb. butter so beware.

*I made a mistake with the frosting. I didn't read all the directions a head of time, and I thought the frosting looked really runny, so I kept adding powdered sugar until I thought it was a good consistency. It ended up turning into fudge. So make sure you follow the directions, and read it all the way through!!!!