Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
• Gradually stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth.
• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
• For the filling: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract.
• For the ganache: Place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until simmering.
• Pour hot cream over chocolate chips and let stand for 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth.
• Once cakes are completely cool, spread filling evenly over one cake layer. Top with the second cake layer.
• Pour ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
• Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.