It was Zach’s 29th birthday on Saturday so I created this chocolate filled extravaganza as part of his birthday feast!  It was decadent!

2 layers chocolate cake prepared with this recipe

mousse/frosting filling layer

1 small box instant chocolate pudding mix

1/3 cup powdered sugar

1 cup milk

4 oz whipped cream cheese

8 oz thawed Cool Whip

ganache layer

8 oz semisweet baking chocolate

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 tablespoon butter

candy layer

1 regular size Kit Kat bar

Hershey Kisses and Hugs

Rolos

Mini Reeses Peanut Butter Cups

or whatever candy your heart desires!

1  Prepare cake layers according to instructions found in link above and allow to cool completely.

2  Prepare chocolate filling – whisk together pudding mix and powdered sugar then whisk in milk until smooth with no lumps.  Beat in cream cheese until smooth with no lumps.  Fold in Cool Whip carefully with a spatula.  Place in fridge for 1 hour.

3  Prepare ganache – Break up chocolate into small pieces and place in bowl.  Heat whipping cream until just starting to boil then pour over chocolate in bowl.   Allow to sit until chocolate is melted then stir in butter until mixture in smooth.  Allow to cool to room temperature.

4  Assemble cake – place one cake layer on serving platter with bottom side up, spread filling over layer allowing to spill over the sides just a bit.  You probably won’t need all of the filling.  Next place second cake layer over filling, bottom side up, pressing down slightly.  Pour ganache over top of cake to cover entire top, allowing some to spill down the sides.  You probably won’t need all of the ganache either.  Decorate with candy as desired.  Store in fridge.

frosting/filling recipe from Just A Pinch Recipes