- Chocolate shavings or curls (chocolate decorations, garnish)
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### Delicious Anniversary Chocolate Buttermilk Layer Cake with Toffee and Toasted Almonds
Celebrate your special day with a decadent chocolate buttermilk layer cake that's perfect for sharing! This rich and flavorful cake is complemented by toffee and toasted almonds, making it a delightful treat for any anniversary.
#### Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk, fresh and cold
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
#### Toffee and Almond Layer:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional)
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup toasted sliced almonds
#### Equipment Needed:
- Stand mixer with a paddle attachment
- 9-inch cake pans
- Aluminum foil
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Pastry brush
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease two 9-inch cake pans with butter, then line the bottoms with parchment paper cut to fit.
2. **Prepare Dry Ingredients:**
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and baking soda into a large bowl.
- Set aside for later use.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:**
- In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream 1 cup of softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:**
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
- Alternately add flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter-sugar mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
6. **Add Milk and Vanilla Extract:**
- Stir in 1/2 cup milk and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Gently fold in melted butter.
7. **Bake Cakes:**
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Make Toffee Sauce:**
- In a small saucepan, combine sugar and butter over medium heat.
- Stir until sugar dissolves, then cook without stirring until golden brown (about 6-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat; stir in cream and salt until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
9. **Toast Almonds:**
- Spread sliced almonds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Toast in the oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden.
10. **Assemble Cake:**
- Once cakes are completely cooled, level them if needed using a serrated knife.
- Place one cake layer on your cake stand and brush with toffee sauce.
- Top with another layer, repeat the process, and finish by brushing the top with the remaining toffee sauce.
11. **Garnish:**
- Sprinkle toasted almonds over the surface of the cake for added texture and flavor.
12. **Serve:**
- Serve your stunning anniversary chocolate buttermilk layer cake at your celebration or as a special treat any time!
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Enjoy crafting this beautiful and delicious anniversary chocolate buttermilk layer cake!