It was Courtney’s birthday on Sunday and this is the cake she picked.  It was easy to make but took a little bit of time and my ganache was way too runny (as you can see), I should have added some more chocolate to it to get it a little thicker but it tasted great and everyone seemed happy so I guess it was a win.  The recipe comes from “OMG Chocolate Desserts”.  You should go look at her cake, it’s much prettier than mine.

cake:

2 cups sugar

1 3/4 cups flour

3/4 cup cocoa

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1/2 cup oil

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup boiling water

cheesecake filling:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

8 oz cream cheese

3/4 cup powdered sugar

12 Oreos, coarsely crushed

ganache:

8 oz milk or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

1 cup heavy whipping cream

garnish:

1/2 cup chocolate chips

3/4 cup whipped cream

(I also crushed up some more Oreos and sprinkled them on the top)

Cake:

1  Preheat oven to 350.  Spray two 9″ round cake pans with cooking spray with flour.

2  Stir together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in mixing bowl.

3  Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla and mix on medium for 2 minutes.

4  Add boiling water and mix until smooth.

5  Divide batter between pans and bake 30 – 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

6  Cool 10 minutes in pans then remove to wire racks.

Filling:

1  Beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.

2  In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

3  Combine cream cheese mixture with whipped cream and stir in Oreos.

Ganache:

1  In saucepan over low heat melt chocolate, remove from heat and stir in heavy cream until smooth.  If runny, let sit until thickened or add more chocolate.

To assemble:

1  Spread filling on bottom layer then place 2nd layer on top of filling.  Spoon ganache over top, allowing to drip down sides.  Garnish with chocolate chips, whipped cream and crushed Oreos.