First, this picture was taken with an iPhone.  Usually I wouldn’t share it, but the cake was too amazing to keep quiet.  Ashley and I had so much fun making this together for Christmas Eve dinner.  Mom made a fabulous prime rib and the whole family feasted like we’ve never feasted before!  Our favorite part was most definitely Ashley’s chocolate buttercream – OUT OF THIS WORLD!  Absolutely amazing.

Ingredients

• 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) chocolate cake mix
• 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
  FROSTING:
• 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 – 5 cups confectioners’ sugar
  GARNISHES:
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
  GANACHE:
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

• Combine the first seven ingredients; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Transfer to two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans.
• Bake at 350° for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. With mixer on low speed, add chocolate until just combined. Add vanilla and 3 cups sugar; mix on medium until well combined, being careful not to overmix. Add more sugar according to desired texture and taste (we used only 3 cups).
• Pipe or spoon melted chocolate onto waxed paper in decorative designs; let stand until set. Arrange strawberries on top of cake.
• For ganache, place chocolate in a small bowl. Heat cream just to a boil; pour over chocolate and whisk until smooth. Drizzle over top of cake, allowing ganache to drape down the sides. Top with chocolate garnishes.  
• Yields 12 servings: 1 slice estimated at 990 calories