Favorite Fudge Birthday Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups (397g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (240g) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
• 2 tablespoons (11g) Instant Clearjel or cornstarch
• 3/4 cup (64g) Dutch-process cocoa
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons espresso powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon table salt
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup (149g) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/4 cups (283g) water
• 2 cups (340g) semisweet chocolate or chocolate chips, chopped
• 3/4 cup (170g) cream (light, whipping, or heavy) or milk, or a combination*
• Flavors of your choice (see filling directions)
• 1 1/3 cups (227g) semisweet chocolate or chocolate chips, chopped
• 1/2 cup (113g) heavy cream, light cream, or whipping cream