| 1 | Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the layers shrink from the sides of the pans and the tops spring back when gently pressed with a fingertip. |
| 2 | The cake is dense and moist, so be careful not to overbake it. |
| 3 | Cool the layers on wire racks for 10 minutes, then carefully invert them onto the racks. |
| 4 | Turn right side up and let cool completely. |
| 5 | Make the pudding. |
| 6 | Combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a small heavy saucepan. |
| 7 | Gradually add the milk, mixing thoroughly with a wire whisk. |
| 8 | Add the chocolate. |
| 9 | Place over moderate heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles for 3 minutes. |
| 10 | Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. |
| 11 | Pour into a small bowl and put plastic wrap or wax paper directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. |
| 12 | Make the frosting. |
| 13 | Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler. |
| 14 | Remove it from the heat and cool slightly. |
| 15 | In a medium bowl, beat the butter, vanilla, and eggs until well mixed. |
| 16 | The mixture will not blend completely - do not worry. |
| 17 | Gradually beat in the sugar, about 2 tbl at a time, beating well after each addition. |
| 18 | Beat in the melted chocolate. |
| 19 | Chill the frosting while assembling the rest of the cake, about 15 minutes. |
| 20 | Cut each cake layer in half horizontally, using a serrated knife. |
| 21 | You now have 4 layers, 3 for the cake assembly and 1 for the outside crumbs. |
| 22 | Place one of the layers in the food processor bowl and pulse-chop to make crumbs; set aside. |
| 23 | (or break it up with your hands). |
| 24 | Sandwich the remaining 3 layers with the chocolate pudding filling, assembling the cake on a cardboard circle or the bottom of a springform pan, if possible. |
| 25 | Frost the side and top of the cake with the chocolate frosting. |
| 26 | Working over a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or wax paper, hold the cake in the palm of your hand. |
| 27 | With the other hand, gently press the cake crumbs all over the top and sides of the cake, pressing them to adhere. |
| 28 | Pick up any crumbs that drop and press them back on. |
