Dad's Super Rich Chocolate Fudge Cake | Flour & Fig

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (114g)
• 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar (300g)
• 3 Grade "A" large egg yolks
• 1 cup vegetable oil (237ml)
• 1 cup half & half (237ml)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (4.3g)
• 2 1/2 cup all purpose flour (300g) I prefer King Arthur
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (80g) Guittard's Dutched Cocoa Rouge
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder (6g)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (2.5g)
• 3 Grade "A" large egg whites
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g) for beating the egg whites
• 6 oz Bittersweet chocolate (57g)
• 1 lb powdered sugar - one box (454g)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (178ml)
• 1 recipe of the Italian Buttercream
• 2 oz melted semi sweet chocolate (57g)
• 1 tsp espresso powder (mixed with 1 teaspoon hot water)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g)
• 1 tbsp soft butter (14.g)
• 1 tbsp whipping cream (15g)