'v' chocolate layer cake

Prep and cook time: 1hour 15 mins, plus 2-3h resting time

present the oven to 180c/350f. Grease the base of an 8 1/2 in /22 cm spring release cake pan (tin) and wrap a piece of folded, greased baking parchment around the outside to increase the height of the pan by about a third.

separate the eggs. Beat the egg folks with half of the sugar and the vanilla extract until foamy. Sift the flour and cornstarch over the mixture and good in.

whisk the egg whites until they form soft peaks, then trickle in remaining sugar and continue whisking until they form stiff peaks. Fold the whisked egg whites into the egg yolk mixture. Turn the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top

Bake in the oven for 25-30 mins, until a wooden cocktail stick inserted into the middle cones out clean. Leave to cool slightly, then carefully turn out on to a wire rack and let the cake rest for at least 2 hrs

when ready to fill, make the frosting. Put the cornstarch, cocoa powder and sugar in a bowl and mix together with a little cold milk until smooth. Put the remaining milk in a saucepan, bring to a boil and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Return to a boil briefly, then remove from heat. Break in the Gianduja and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Finally, stir in the butter, one tablespoon at a time, and then allow to cool.

split the cake twice horizontally. Spread half of the frosting smoothly over the two lower layers of cake. Reasemble the cake with the third (unfrosted) layer on top. Spread the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream. Chill until ready to serve.

serves 8