Vanilla Layer Cake with Chocolate Drizzle

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for shine)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
   Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
6. Bake the Cakes:
   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cakes:
   Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle:
   Place the chocolate and butter (if using) in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer — do not boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
9. Assemble the Cake:
   Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting or whipped cream (optional) if you’d like filling. Place the second layer on top.
10. Drizzle with Chocolate:
    Let the chocolate drizzle cool slightly, then spoon or pour it over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful effect.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
    Let the chocolate set slightly, slice, and enjoy your gorgeous vanilla layer cake with rich chocolate drizzle!

If you’d like, I can help you add a simple buttercream or whipped cream filling/frosting too. Just let me know!