Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Prepare a cardboard circle using the bottom of cake pan as a guide; set aside.
  3. Grease two 9-in round cake pans then dust with powdered cocoa, knocking out excess.
  4. For the cake, in a large bowl combine flour, cocoa and baking powder.
  5. In a medium size bowl, combine the milk and vanilla.
  6. Set both aside.
  7. Place egg whites in a clean bowl and beat at high speed until peaks are formed.
  8. Turn the mixer down to medium speed and gradually add the sugar to the egg whites.
  9. Once the sugar is dissolved, add egg yolks and beat for 3 minutes.
  10. Continue beating egg white mixture on medium-low speed and add flour and milk alternately until well blended.
  11. Divide batter between the two pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  12. Leave the cakes in the baking pans.
  13. While the cakes are still warm, punch holes in cake with wooden skewer.
  14. Combine the sauce ingredients and pour evenly over the two layers.
  15. Place the cakes in refrigerator and allow to cool.
  16. In a small, heavy saucepan on medium heat, stir the cream and chocolate together until chocolate is melted and mixture is blended.
  17. Add vanilla and stir for 1 minute.
  18. When ready to assemble, remove cake for refrigerator and allow to reach room temperature.
  19. The cakes will be very moist and will need special handling.
  20. Run a spatula around the inside of the pan and slightly under layers to loosen.
  21. Place the prepared cardboard over one pan and invert.
  22. Pour some frosting over the layer and spread with spatula.
  23. Using your hand or a spatula to hold second layer in pan, invert onto frosted layer and carefully lift pan away.
  24. Set the cake on a rack over a jellyroll pan and power the warm frosting over the cake, smoothing with a spatula to completely coat top and sides of cake.
  25. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes and scape any excess frosting from the jellyroll pan back into the saucepan.
  26. Heat excess frosting, stirring until smooth.
  27. Cool slightly and againpour over the cake, smoothing with a spatula over top and sides.
  28. Refrigerate until glaze is set.
  29. Let cake stand at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving.
  30. Garnish with fresh strawberries or dust lightly with powdered sugar.