Name: "Top Tier" Devil's Food Cake with Sour Cream-Fudge Frosting
Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients: ¼ cup (21g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 oz. (28g) high-quality milk chocolate, such as Lindt, Perugina, or Valrhona, chopped; ¼ cup (57g) boiling water; ¼ cup (57g) buttermilk; ⅔ cup (80g) cake flour; ½ tsp. baking soda; ¼ tsp. salt; ⅓ cup (71g) dark brown sugar; ¼ cup (50g) sugar; ¼ cup (50g) canola oil; 1 large egg; ½ tsp. vanilla extract; 8 oz. (227g) high-quality milk chocolate, such as Lindt, Perugina, or Valrhona, chopped; ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, room temperature; ⅔ cup (150g) sour cream; 4 tsp. light corn syrup; Organic roses (for garnish); 2 5-inch-diameter cake pans with 2-inch-high sides

Image may contain Flower Plant Blossom and Rose

"Top Tier" Devil's Food Cake with Sour Cream-Fudge FrostingDan Forbes

We love the idea of sharing the top tier of a wedding cake, but eating a dessert that's been frozen for a year can be less than satisfying. This adorable five-inch layer cake was inspired by the romantic tradition—and can be enjoyed right now.

Test-kitchen tip:

Five-inch cake pans are available at some kitchenware stores and restaurant supply stores and online from cheftools.com and amazon.com.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

The Complete Epicurious Cake Recipe Finder
Explore our cake recipes finder to find the cake that suits your schedule and your cravings. Click on a cake icon and read more\!

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans

This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Speedy Chicken Stroganoff

This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.

Cod With Lemon Butter Sauce

A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.

Recipe notes

The Complete Epicurious Cake Recipe Finder