Chocolate Layer Cake

Ingredients (serves 10)

• 2 cups self-raising flour
• 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 200g butter, softened
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• milk chocolate flakes, to decorate

• Chocolate icing

• 250g butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder, sifted
• 500g icing sugar mixture, sifted
• 2 tablespoons milk

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C fan-forced. Grease a 6cm-deep, 22cm (base) round cake pan. Line base and side with baking paper. Sift flour, bicarbonate of soda and cocoa into a medium bowl.
2. Place butter, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating after each addition. Add half the flour mixture. Stir to combine. Add half the buttermilk. Stir to combine. Repeat with remaining flour mixture and buttermilk.
3. Spread mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 40 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Stand in pan for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool.
4. Make Chocolate icing: Place butter, vanilla and cocoa in a bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat until fluffy. Gradually beat in icing sugar. Add milk, beating for 2 to 3 minutes or until light and fluffy.
5. Using a serrated knife, cut cake into thirds crossways. Place base on a plate. Spread with 1/2 cup icing. Repeat with middle layer. Sandwich with cake top. Spread remaining icing over top and side of cake. Decorate with chocolate flakes. Serve.