Easy Chocolate Cake

• golden sugar↗200g g
• unsalted butter200g g

  softened, plus extra for the tins

• large eggs↗4
• self‑raising flour↗200g g
• cocoa powder↗2 tbsp tbsp
• baking powder↗1 tsp tsp
• vanilla extract↗½ tsp tsp
• milk↗2 tbsp tbsp
• milk chocolate↗100g g

  chopped

• butter↗200g g

  softened

• powdered sugar↗400g g
• cocoa powder↗5 tbsp tbsp
• milk↗2 tbsp tbsp
• dark chocolate↗50g g
• milk chocolate↗25g g
• білий шоколад↗25g

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 190°C/170°C with convection/gas mark 5. Grease the bottom and sides of two 20 cm round cake tins with butter and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, beat together 200 g golden sugar, 200 g softened unsalted butter, 4 large eggs, 200 g self‑raising flour, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons milk and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy.

3. 3

   Divide the batter between the prepared tins. Bake for 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

4. 4

   Let the cakes cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

5. 5

   For the buttercream, place 100 g chopped milk chocolate in a heat‑proof bowl and melt in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Let the melted chocolate cool for 5 minutes.

6. 6

   Beat 200 g softened butter and 400 g powdered sugar with a fork, then continue mixing with a wooden spoon or electric mixer if available.

7. 7

   Sift 5 tablespoons cocoa powder with a pinch of salt, add the melted chocolate and 2 tablespoons milk. Mix again until smooth.

8. 8

   On a cake stand or large plate, stack the layers together, using half of the buttercream, then spread the remaining on top. Garnish with chocolate crumbs if desired.

9. 9

   To make chocolate crumbs: melt 50 g dark chocolate and pour it onto a tray lined with parchment or foil.

10. 10

    Now melt 25 g milk chocolate and 25 g white chocolate and drizzle them over the dark chocolate until set.

11. 11

    Gently shake the tray to even the mixture, then let it set in a cool place. Cut into crumbs.