Chocolate Torte

A TOH recipe that I would like to try. I am posting it here so that I don't lose it. Looks really impressive.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 1 cake

Ingredients

• 1  cup butter, softened
• 2 1⁄2 cups sugar
• 4  eggs
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1  cup  baking cocoa
• 2  cups boiling water
• 2 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2  teaspoons baking soda
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

• FILLING

• 1  cup heavy whipping cream
• 1⁄4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1  teaspoon vanilla extract

• FROSTING

• 1  cup  semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1  cup butter, cubed
• 1⁄2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 1⁄2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Beat in vanilla.
4. Whisk cocoa and water until smooth.
5. Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with cocoa mixture. Beat until smooth.
6. Pour into three greased and floured 9" round baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks.
8. FILLING:.
9. In a mixing bowl, beat cream, confectioner's sugar and vanilla on high speed until soft peaks form.
10. Chill until firm.
11. FROSTING:.
12. In a saucepan, melt chips and butter over medium heat; stir in cream.
13. Remove from the heat; stir in confectioner's sugar.
14. Chill for at least 1 hour or until completely cooled.
15. Beat with electric mixer to achieve spreading consistency.
16. PREP:.
17. Spread half of the filling over one cake layer; top with second layer and remaining filling.
18. Top with third layer; frost top and sides of cake.
19. Chill for 2 hours before cutting.
20. Yield: 12 servings.