Mud Cakes

• 500 gms – 1.1 lbs. butter chopped
• 400 gms – 14 oz. dark chocolate chopped
• 900 gms – 4 cups caster sugar
• 480 ml – 2 cups cold water
• 4 eggs lightly beaten
• 250 gms – 2 cups self-raising flour sifted
• 380 gms – 3 cups plain flour sifted
• 60 gms – ½ cup cocoa powder sifted

Chocolate ganache

• 400 gms – 14 oz. dark chocolate chopped
• 330 ml – 1 1/3 cups heavy cream

Sugar Syrup

• 240 ml – 1 cup water
• 120 gms – ½ cup sugar
• 1 shot Rum optional

Swiss Meringue Buttercream

• 5 large egg whites
• 225 gms – 1 cup + 2 tbsp sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 400 gms – 1 lb. unsalted butter cut into tablespoons, room temperature
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Food colouring optional