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

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Easy Banana Bread Recipe

Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Meatball Tagine

Warming harissa and cinnamon, briny olives, and sweet dried fruit make up the flavorful base for this weeknight-friendly take on tagine.