PERFECT CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH WHIPPED CREAM FILLING

Steps:

• For Cake: Combine cocoa with boiling water and mix with a whisk, then cool completely.
• In another bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Grease 3 9" layer cake pans.
• In large bowl of electric mixer, beat butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla at high speed for 5 minutes.
• At low speed, beat in flour mixture in 4ths alternately with cocoa mixture in 3rds.
• Begin and end with flour mixture.
• Do not overbeat.
• Divide evenly in prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
• Cool in pan 10 minutes, then remove and cool on rack.
• For Filling: Whip cream, add sugar and vanilla.
• Beat until thick.
• For Frosting: In medium saucepan, combine chocolate chips, cream and butter.
• Stir over medium heat until smooth.
• Remove from heat and blend in powdered sugar with a whisk.
• In a bowl over ice, beat until it holds its shape.
• To assemble Cake: Place 1 layer top side down on large plate and spread with half the whipped cream.
• Place 2nd layer top side down on whipped cream and spread remaining whipped cream on top.
• Place 3rd cake layer on top, top side up.
• Frost sides and top of cake with chocolate frosting.
• Refrigerate for 1 hour or longer before serving.