Ingredients

  • 2 14 cups cake flour
  • 34 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup instant malted milk powder
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 14 teaspoon baking soda
  • 34 teaspoon salt
  • 14 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 12 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 12 cup vegetable shortening, room temperature
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups ice cold water
  • 4 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 10 ounces quality bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 10 ounces quality milk chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1 34 cups heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 2 cups unsalted butter, cut into 1 inch chunks, softened
  • malted milk balls, for garnish

Method

  • CAKE: Preheat the oven to 325.
  • Butter and flour three 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the flours with the malt powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and nutmeg.
  • In the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with a paddle, beat the butter with the shortening until creamy.
  • Add the sugar and vanilla and beat at medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  • Beat in the dry ingredients in 3 batches at low speed, alternating with the ice water, occasionally scraping down the side of the bowl.
  • In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites at medium high speed until soft peaks form.
  • Fold the egg whites into the batter.
  • Divide the batter between the pans, spreading it evenly and bake the cakes for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 20 minutes, then invert them onto a rack and let cool completely.
  • Peel off the parchment.
  • FROSTING: Place the chocolate in a large bowl.
  • In a small saucepan, bring the cream to a boil, then remove from the heat.
  • Add the corn syrup; immediately pour the mixture over the chocolate.
  • Let stand for 2-3 minutes until the chocolate has melted, then whisk until smooth.
  • Let cool to room temperature.
  • Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with a wire whisk.
  • Gradually beat in the butter at medium speed, a few chunks at a time and beat until thoroughly incorporated between additions.
  • The frosting should be smooth and silky.
  • Refrigerate the frosting just until it is thick enough to hold its shape, 10-15 minutes.
  • Place one cake layer on a serving platter and spread 1 1/4 cups of the frosting over the top in an even layer.
  • Repeat to form 2 more layers.
  • Spread a thin layer of frosting over the side of the cake and refrigerate briefly until firm.
  • Frost the side with the remaining frosting.
  • Garnish the cake with malted milk balls and refrigerate briefly to firm up the frosting before serving.
  • The cake and be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Bring to room temperature to serve.