Easter triple-layer mud cake

1.Preheat oven to moderately slow, 160°C (140°C fan forced) . Lightly grease and carefully line a deep, 20cm round cake pan.

2.In a medium saucepan, combine butter, chocolate, sugar and milk. Stir over a low heat, without boiling, until smooth.

3.Sift combined flours into a large bowl. Carefully fold in chocolate mixture with eggs and vanilla.

4.Pour into pan. Bake 1 3/4 hours, until cooked when tested with a skewer. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool completely.

5.To make chocolate ganache, in a small saucepan, bring cream to boil on medium. Remove from heat, add chocolate and stir until it melts.

6.In a large bowl, beat thickened cream until soft peaks form. Mash 1/2 of the strawberries and chop remaining. Lightly swirl through cream.

7. Trim top of cake to create an even surface. Cut cake into 3 even layers.

8.Place base on a serving platter. Spread with half of the cream mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with cake. Spread ganache over top and decorate for Easter with chocolate bunnies, flowers, petals or eggs.