1Make the chocolate simple syrup by heating a half a cup of water and a half a cup of granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2Make the chocolate simple syrup by heating a half a cup of water and a half a cup of granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3Make the chocolate simple syrup by heating a half a cup of water and a half a cup of granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved.
4Mix in a tablespoon of dark cocoa powder.
5Mix in a tablespoon of dark cocoa powder.
6Mix in a tablespoon of dark cocoa powder.
7Pour into a jar to cool.
8Pour into a jar to cool.
9Pour into a jar to cool.
10Whisk together all the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup dark cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda, and 1 teaspoon fine salt.
11Whisk together all the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup dark cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda, and 1 teaspoon fine salt.
12Whisk together all the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup dark cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda, and 1 teaspoon fine salt.
13Combine 1 cup warm water, 1 cup sour cream, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon instant espresso.
14Combine 1 cup warm water, 1 cup sour cream, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon instant espresso.
15Combine 1 cup warm water, 1 cup sour cream, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon instant espresso.
16Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk together until smooth.
17Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk together until smooth.
18Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk together until smooth.
19Pour batter into lined and greased cake pans.
20Pour batter into lined and greased cake pans.
21Pour batter into lined and greased cake pans.
22Bake at 350°F for 22 to 26 minutes.
23Bake at 350°F for 22 to 26 minutes.
24Bake at 350°F for 22 to 26 minutes.
25Make the chocolate frosting.
26Make the chocolate frosting.
27Make the chocolate frosting.
28Mix together 2 cups unsalted butter, 1 cup dark baking cocoa, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon salt.
29Mix together 2 cups unsalted butter, 1 cup dark baking cocoa, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon salt.
30Mix together 2 cups unsalted butter, 1 cup dark baking cocoa, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon salt.
31Mix in 5 cups powdered sugar and ¾ cup heavy cream on low speed.
32Mix in 5 cups powdered sugar and ¾ cup heavy cream on low speed.
33Mix in 5 cups powdered sugar and ¾ cup heavy cream on low speed.
34Mix in 1 ⅓ cups of dark chocolate that’s been melted and cooled.
35Mix in 1 ⅓ cups of dark chocolate that’s been melted and cooled.
36Mix in 1 ⅓ cups of dark chocolate that’s been melted and cooled.
37Brush the cake layers with chocolate simple syrup and spread on an even layer of the chocolate frosting.
38Brush the cake layers with chocolate simple syrup and spread on an even layer of the chocolate frosting.
39Brush the cake layers with chocolate simple syrup and spread on an even layer of the chocolate frosting.