Ultimate Chocolate-Vanilla Swirl Birthday Cake

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Vanilla Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup milk, at room temperature
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:

• 1 and 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 12 oz (340g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. Make the Chocolate Cake: a. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. b. Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. c. Gradually add the boiling water, mixing until smooth and well combined. d. Pour the batter evenly into one of the prepared cake pans.

3. Make the Vanilla Cake: a. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. b. Add softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined. c. Pour the batter evenly into the other prepared cake pan.

4. Bake the Cakes: a. Bake both cakes in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. b. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

5. Make the Chocolate Ganache: a. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to boil. Remove from heat. b. Add the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. c. Stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the ganache to cool to a spreadable consistency.

6. Assemble the Cake: a. Level the cakes if needed, using a serrated knife to make them even. b. Place one layer of chocolate cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache on top. c. Place the vanilla cake layer on top and spread a layer of chocolate ganache. d. Continue layering with the remaining chocolate and vanilla cakes, spreading ganache between each layer. e. Use the remaining ganache to frost the top and sides of the cake.

7. Decorate: Decorate the cake with additional chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or other decorations of your choice.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy your delicious chocolate and vanilla birthday cake!