For the cake
200g golden caster sugar
200g unsalted butter, softened plus extra for the tins
200g self-raising flour
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk
For the buttercream100g milk chocolate, chopped
200g butter, softened
400g icing sugar
5 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp milk
Method
STEP 1
Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5. Butter the base and sides of
two 20cm round sandwich tins and line the bases with baking parchment.
STEP 2
In a large bowl, beat together 200g golden caster sugar, 200g
softened unsalted butter, 4 large eggs, 200g self-raising flour, 2 tbsp cocoa
powder, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp vanilla extract, 2 tbsp milk and a pinch of
salt until pale.
STEP 3
Divide the mixture between the prepared tins. Bake for 20 mins
or until a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.
STEP 4
Leave to cool in the tin for 10 mins, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
STEP 5
For the buttercream, put 100g chopped milk chocolate in a
heatproof bowl and melt in the microwave, stirring every 30 secs. Leave the
melted chocolate to cool for 5 mins.
STEP 6
Mash 200g softened butter and 400g icing sugar together with a
fork, then switch to a wooden spoon or electric beaters, if you have them.
STEP 7
Sift in 5 tbsp cocoa powder with a pinch of salt and pour in the
melted chocolate and 2 tbsp milk. Mix again until smooth.
STEP 8
On a large plate, sandwich the cakes together with half of the
buttercream, then spread the rest on top. Leaving the sides open.