Chocolate Suit Cake
Ingredients:
For the cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 cup hot water
For the chocolate ganache (to cover the cake):
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the chocolate decorations:
Fondant (white for the shirt, brown for the suit and tie)
Cocoa powder (for dusting and shading)
Edible glue or melted chocolate
Preparation Steps:
Bake the cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and hot water to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. The batter will be thin.
Pour evenly into the prepared pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the chocolate ganache:
Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
Let the ganache cool at room temperature until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
Assemble and decorate the cake:
Once the cakes are completely cool, level them if necessary.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of ganache on top.
Place the second cake layer on top.
Cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat of ganache and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
Apply a thicker, smooth layer of ganache over the entire cake, shaping it as best as possible.
Create the suit decorations:
Roll out white fondant for the shirt collar and cuffs. Cut and attach to the top of the cake.
Roll out brown fondant. Cut out shapes for the suit lapels, vest, and tie. Use cocoa powder for shading and detail.
Attach the fondant pieces to the cake using edible glue or melted chocolate.
Use small pieces of brown fondant to create buttons, a pocket square, and any other suit details.
For the "Happy Birthday!" message, roll out thin ropes of brown fondant and shape the letters, then attach them to the cake board.
Chill the cake until serving.
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