Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240ml) Heavy Cream (Double Cream)
  • 8 ounces (225g) Semi-Sweet Chocolate, finely chopped (at least 50% cocoa solids)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) Light Corn Syrup (Glucose syrup)
  • 1 cup (227g) Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar), sifted
  • 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) Milk
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Vanilla Extract
  • 1 pre-made or homemade Chocolate Cake (double-layer is ideal, about 8-9 inches/20-23cm diameter)
  • Assorted Chocolate Shavings (milk, dark, or white)
  • Colorful Sprinkles

Instructions:

  1. Heat the cream and corn syrup (if using) in a saucepan until simmering. Pour over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 1 minute. Whisk until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly until thickened but still pourable (about 20-30 minutes).
  2. Use a serrated knife to level the top of each cake layer, ensuring a flat surface for decorating.
  3. Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of buttercream over the top. Top with the second cake layer. Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream over the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Chill for 15 minutes.
  5. Apply a second, thicker layer of buttercream over the crumb coat, smoothing it out with an offset spatula or pallet knife.
  6. Gently pour the cooled (but still pourable) ganache around the edge of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. You can use a spoon to guide the drips. Fill the center of the cake top with the remaining ganache and smooth it out.
  7. Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip with the remaining buttercream. Pipe decorative swirls around the top edge of the cake.
  8. Generously sprinkle chocolate shavings around the base of the cake and over the buttercream swirls. Add colorful sprinkles for extra fun!
  9. Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set slightly before serving. Enjoy this spectacular chocolate birthday cake decoration!