Colossal Chocolate Cake

Method

1. Cake: Place cake mix, water, eggs and oil in mixer bowl.
2. Using a paddle, mix on low speed 30 seconds.
3. Scrape bowl and paddle. Mix on low speed 30 seconds.
4. Scale batter into eight, lightly greased or paper-lined, 9-inch round pans (23 oz batter each pan).
5. Bake in a convection oven at 300°F 20-25 minutes.
6. Cool completely.
7. Ganache Icing: Place the heavy cream in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
8. Pour over chocolate and gently whisk to incorporate.
9. Cool to room temperature.
10. To Assemble: For each four-layer cake, spread 1 cup icing on one cake layer.
11. Place second cake layer over iced layer.
12. Repeat until four layers are assembled.
13. Spread icing over top and sides of cake.
14. Press chocolate chips into sides of cake, if desired.
15. Garnish by piping with additional icing.