Step-by-Step Directions: Chocolate Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder ...

Place one layer of cake onto a cake stand or serving plate. Top with a 1/2"-thick layer of buttercream frosting, then place the other layer of cake on top of that. Set aside.

At Engine Co. No. 28, for example, the classic double-chocolate layer cake created by founding executive chef Ed Kasky has a silky ganache filling and frosting.