The Ultimate Birthday Cake

It was my husband's birthday this weekend and I wanted to make him a special cake.  Little did I realize how involved it would be.  However, the outcome produced a cake that I am sure my family will beg me for in the future.

 I'll tell you right up front, this is not the easiest cake to make.  If you want to give it a try, set aside a lot of time and tackle it one step at a time.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons boiling water

filling

• 1/3 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup salted roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup Rice Krispies

ganache

• 1 1/4 pounds milk chocolate, chopped
• 1 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream, warmed

 Start by making the ganache and then set it aside to come to spreading consistency.

 Make the meringue and top it with the peanuts then bake it.

 Split the cake in half horizontally.

Spread it with some ganache.

 Top it with the baked meringue.

Make the peanut butter/chocolate/rice krispie mixture.

Spread it on top of the meringue and then spread another layer of ganache on it.

 Add the top layer of the cake.

 Spread the remaining layer of ganache over the top letting it drip down the sides. refrigerate it until set.

 This is a decadent, rich, moist chocolate cake with a crunchy, salty, peanutty filling.
 

My family flipped out over this cake which is really a shame because I am not particularly looking forward to making it again! It took over 5 hours to make this.