1Make the chocolate simple syrup by heating together ½ cup of water and ½ cup of granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved, then mix in 1 tablespoon of dark cocoa powder.
2Make the chocolate simple syrup by heating together ½ cup of water and ½ cup of granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved, then mix in 1 tablespoon of dark cocoa powder.
3Make the chocolate simple syrup by heating together ½ cup of water and ½ cup of granulated sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved, then mix in 1 tablespoon of dark cocoa powder.
4Whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of dark cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of fine salt.
5Whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of dark cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of fine salt.
6Whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of granulated sugar, ¾ cup of dark cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of fine salt.
7Combine the wet ingredients: 1 cup of warm water, 1 cup of sour cream, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of instant espresso.
8Combine the wet ingredients: 1 cup of warm water, 1 cup of sour cream, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of instant espresso.
9Combine the wet ingredients: 1 cup of warm water, 1 cup of sour cream, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of instant espresso.
10Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk together until smooth.
11Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk together until smooth.
12Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk together until smooth.
13Pour the batter into lined and greased 8-inch cake pans (3 layers) and bake at 350°F for 22-26 minutes.
14Pour the batter into lined and greased 8-inch cake pans (3 layers) and bake at 350°F for 22-26 minutes.
15Pour the batter into lined and greased 8-inch cake pans (3 layers) and bake at 350°F for 22-26 minutes.
16While the cakes are baking, prepare the chocolate frosting by mixing together 2 cups of unsalted butter, 1 cup of dark baking cocoa, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
17While the cakes are baking, prepare the chocolate frosting by mixing together 2 cups of unsalted butter, 1 cup of dark baking cocoa, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
18While the cakes are baking, prepare the chocolate frosting by mixing together 2 cups of unsalted butter, 1 cup of dark baking cocoa, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
19Mix in 5 cups of powdered sugar and ¾ cup of heavy cream.
20Mix in 5 cups of powdered sugar and ¾ cup of heavy cream.
21Mix in 5 cups of powdered sugar and ¾ cup of heavy cream.
22Mix in 1 ⅓ cups of melted and cooled dark chocolate.
23Mix in 1 ⅓ cups of melted and cooled dark chocolate.
24Mix in 1 ⅓ cups of melted and cooled dark chocolate.
25Brush cake layers with chocolate simple syrup and spread an even layer of chocolate frosting between each layer.
26Brush cake layers with chocolate simple syrup and spread an even layer of chocolate frosting between each layer.
27Brush cake layers with chocolate simple syrup and spread an even layer of chocolate frosting between each layer.
28Add one thick layer of chocolate buttercream frosting to the top of the cake.
29Add one thick layer of chocolate buttercream frosting to the top of the cake.
30Add one thick layer of chocolate buttercream frosting to the top of the cake.
31Decorate the edges of the cake with extra cake crumbs (optional).
32Decorate the edges of the cake with extra cake crumbs (optional).
33Decorate the edges of the cake with extra cake crumbs (optional).