Step 1

Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350F

Step 2

whisk together flour, baking soda and salt and set aside

Step 3

Whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale, thick and fluffy. About 4 minutes

Step 4

mix together the milk and butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave at 30 second intervals until the butter is melted and the milk is steamed

Step 5

With your mixer on low gradually mix together the flour and egg mixtures. Add the eggs in the bowl, then slowly and gradually add the flour about 1/4 cup at a time, allowing it to combine before adding more.

Step 6

Once combined, add vanilla and milk / butter and continue mixing until a thick batter forms

Step 7

Pour batter evenly into two greased 8" baking pans and bake on the middle rack for around 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

Step 8

In a medium microwave safe mixing bowl microwave the the cream until steaming- about 1 minute

Step 9

Add the chocolate to the bowl and let stand for 5 minutes.

Step 10

Stir until chocolate fully melts into the cream and it all becomes smooth

Step 11

pour the milk into a medium sauce pan and heat over medium until boiling. Immediately remove from heat and set aside

Step 12

Whisk together egg yolks and sugar until light and thickened. Add corn starch and continue mixing until all lumps are gone

Step 13

add 1/4 cup of milk to the sugar and eggs while mixing, once incorporated add the remaining milk and continue whisking till homogenous.

Step 14

Pour the mixture through a sieve, back into the pot and cook over medium high heat, whisking constantly until thickened and boiling slowly.

Step 15

Cook while whisking for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.

Step 16

Remove from heat, stir in the butter, allow to cool slightly, then cover to prevent a skin forming. Chill in fridge until needed

Step 17

Once cooled, remove the cakes from their pans and allow to fully cool to room temperature on a cooling rack

Step 18

Place one cake down on a plate or cake stand, optionally dust with shaved chocolate around the rim

Step 19

Evenly pipe or spread the filling on top of the cake

Step 20

Place the second cake on top of the filling, pressing lightly

Step 21

Spread ganache on the top liberally, allowing to drip down the sides.