Chocolate birthday cake

Method

• 1
  Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease and line the base and sides of two 20cm round cake pans with baking paper.

• 2
  Use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl until pale and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition. Add the combined flours, cocoa, bicarbonate of soda and milk, in alternating batches, and stir until just combined. Combine the coffee and water in a small bowl. Add to the batter and stir to combine. Divide the mixture evenly among the prepared pans. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the surface.
• 3
  Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted in the centres comes out clean. Remove from oven and set aside for 5 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool completely.
• 4
  To make the chocolate icing, use an electric mixer to beat the butter in a medium bowl until very pale. Gradually add the icing sugar, beating well between each addition. Add the cocoa powder and milk and beat until well combined.
• 5
  Use a large serrated knife to split each cake into 2 layers. Place one layer on a serving platter. Spread with one-quarter of the chocolate icing. Continue layering with remaining cake and icing. Cut into wedges to serve.