Chocolate Ganache Champagne Cake RecipeIngredients for the batter2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour2 1/4 cups brown sugar1 1/2 cups dark cocoa powder(at least 70% cacao)2 1/4 teaspoons baking soda2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder1 ½ tbsp. cacao powder3 eggs1 1/2 cups milk3/4 cup sunflower oil1 tbsp. vanilla extract1/2 cup Champagne1/ 2 cup hot waterIngredients for the chocolate ganache filling2 1/4 cups heavy cream14 oz. 70% bittersweet baking chocolate, choppedIngredients for the frosting1 ½ cup heavy cream8 oz. dark chopped 50% cacao chocolate2 tbsp. maple syrup3 oz. salted butter at room temperatureIngredients for the garnish2 or 3 23kt edible Gold leavesDirections for the batterPreheat the oven to 350 degrees F.Spray each cake molds with cooking spray, line with parchment paper and spray again. Reserve.Sift the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder and salt into a bowl. Reserve.Using an electric hand mixer, beat the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla extract until uniformly blended, then with a wire whisk add the sifted dry ingredients, mixing well until you get a smooth batter. Add the champagne and hot water, mix until well combined.Divide the batter into the 3 cake pans and bake 20 to 25 minutes, until the tops are set and the center slightly firm. Remove from the pan and let cool five minutes. Unmold the cakes upside down over a plate previously lined with parchment, cover with a clean cloth and set aside to cool completely.Directions for the chocolate ganache fillingPlace the chopped chocolate in a bowl, heat 1 cup of the cream in a medium pot until it hot but not boiling, then pour over the chocolate until it melts. Stir until well blended integrated and let cool – should be pourable, not stiff.With an electric whisker whip the remaining 1 1/4 cups cream in a big bowl until thickened, then add the cooled chocolate to the cream, mixing slowly with a wire whisk until it smooth, but don’t over mix.Directions for the chocolate frostingPut the chocolate and maple syrup in in a heat-safe bowl.Heat the cream in a small pot until hot but not boiling., then pour over the chocolate and syrup. Let stand until it melts.With an electric hand whisker beat the butter until it is creamy. Mix it in slowly and in batches with the chocolate and cream, blending with a spatula until well combined and smooth. Reserve and assemble the cake.Directions for the cake assemblyPlace 1 layer of the prepared cake, flat-side down, over a cake stand or plate. Spread half of the ganache filling, then add with the second cake layer, press a little to fully attach, and spread the other half of ganache filling. Top with the final cake layer, flat side up. Frost the cake by pouring the frosting in the middle so it will slowly cover the cake, then spread smoothly. Reserve in the fridge until the cake frosting is set, then decorate with the gold leaf. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.This recipe is found in:Recipes by Course or Meal: Cake Recipes, DessertRecipes by Occasion: Thanksgiving Recipes, Holiday Recipes, Valentine's Day RecipesRecipes by Season: Winter Recipes