Extreme Dark Chocolate Cake

Directions

1. 1
   1. Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and preheat the oven to 350 F/177 C.
2. 2
   2. Combine water and 1/2 cup of the sugar and bring to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. When it hits a boil remove from the heat, add chocolate and stir until the chocolate is completely melted. Stir in the butter until melted. Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
3. 3
   3. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl using a whisk attachment, whip the eggs, the remaining sugar, and vanilla extract until is has reached maximum volume. This process should take about 10 minutes.
4. 4
   4. Gently fold the chocolate into the egg mixture.
5. 5
   5. Pour into prepared cake pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until a knife inserted comes out clean. Remove pan from oven and set on a rack.
6. 6
   6. Cool then wrap in plastic wrap (with the cake still in the pan) and refrigerate overnight so it's easier to work with for decorating.