Chocolate Birthday Cake

Recipe base:

Sheldo's chiffon cake:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLO7A--OehA&ab_channel=sheldo%27skitchen

Chocolate buttercream: https://www.recipetineats.com/fluffy-vanilla-frosting/#wprm-recipe-container-50424

Chocolate cake: https://addapinch.com/the-best-chocolate-cake-recipe-ever/#wprm-recipe-container-31552

Chocolate ganache: https://natashaskitchen.com/perfect-chocolate-ganache-how-to-glaze-a-cake/

Mascarpone whipped cream: https://bojongourmet.com/5-minute-mascarpone-whipped-cream/

Modifications:

1. chiffon cake: add cocoa powder (1/8 cup) to warm milk- but the chiffon cake is very soft, turned out more like mousse bc the other components are heavy. It goes well to contrast the sponge

2. chocolate buttercream: added 1/4 cup cocoa powder at the end

3. the chocolate cake: was too dry, will try another recipe next time

4. mascarpone whipped cream: whipped mascarpone cold next time and whipped the cream separately first. Since the mascarpone was room temp, it split needed to be reheated in a double boiler and whipped again. Added more sugar to taste.

5. chocolate ganache on the outside: next time will try chocolate mirror glaze instead:

6. decor: white chocolate cage (it breaks when unmolding, need to be thicker) and milk chocolate pearls

7. the scalloped cake board is very difficult to clean