The Chocolate Encounter – A Layered Love Story Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar to sour it)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup water (optional, for moisture adjustment)

For the Coffee-Infused Chocolate Filling:

• 200 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup brewed coffee (hot)

For the Blackberry Compote:

• 1 ½ cups fresh blackberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust sweetness to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon water

For the Whipped Cream Layer:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions