Name: Chocolate Layer Cake with Milk Chocolate Frosting
Cook time: 1 hr
Total time: 2 1/2 hr (includes cooling)
Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-process); 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup packed dark brown sugar; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 4 large eggs at room temperature for 30 minutes; 2 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla; 1 1/2 cups well-shaken buttermilk; 2/3 cup whole milk; 3 large egg yolks; 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour; 1 1/3 cups confectioners sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon pieces and softened; 8 oz milk chocolate, melted and cooled; 2 oz unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled

Image may contain Food Dessert Cake Torte and Birthday Cake

Chocolate Layer Cake with Milk Chocolate FrostingAnna Williams

For more information about melting chocolate, see Meltdown.

Cooks' notes:

·Cake layers can be made (but not halved) 1 day ahead and kept, wrapped well in plastic wrap, at room temperature. ·Frosting can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Bring to room temperature (do not use a microwave) and beat with an electric mixer before using.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Okonomiyaki Tater Tots

Crispy tots topped with savory-sweet sauce, mayonnaise, furikake, scallion, and katsuobushi.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.