Chocolate Birthday Cake

1 . Stage

Preheat oven to 350°. Line two 9” cake pans with parchment and grease with cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. 

2 . Stage

In a large glass measuring cup, whisk hot coffee and sugars together. Add oil and sour cream and whisk to combine. Pour into dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. 

3 . Stage

Divide batter between prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean, 20 to 22 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire cooling rack and let cool completely. 

4 . Stage

Make ganache: Place chocolate chips into a heat safe bowl. In a small pot over medium heat, heat heavy cream until bubbles form around the edges. Pour cream over chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth. Let cool to room temperature and thickened, about 20 minutes. 

5 . Stage

Using a hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat ganache until lightened in color and thickened, 5 to 10 minutes. 

6 . Stage

Place one layer of cake on a platter and frost top with about half of the frosting, then place second layer on top and frost with remaining frosting. Top with sprinkles, if desired.