Directions

For the cake

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/160C for fan-assisted ovens/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line the base of two 20cm (8 inch) round cake tins with greaseproof paper.

2. Place the cake mix, soft butter (or dairy free alternative), eggs and water into a bowl. Beat together with an electric whisk for 15 secs. Stop, scrape down the bowl and mix for a further 10 secs.

3. Divide the mixture between the two tins and spread into an even layer. Bake for 20-25 mins until lightly golden brown and springy to the touch. Leave to cool in the tins for 5 mins before turning out and leaving to cool completely.

For the ganache

1. Put the chocolate in a large mixing bowl. Pour the cream into a saucepan with the sugar and bring to a simmer, stirring continuously until the sugar is melted. Bring to the boil, then quickly remove from the heat, pour over the chocolate and whisk until smooth and glossy. Use straight away or leave to cool down a little until thick enough to spread on a cake. Alternatively, leave to cool completely, then beat with an electric whisk until light and fluffy and spread on the cake.