Preheat the Oven: Let us start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). While that is heating up, go ahead and grease your cake pans with a butter-oil combination. You want those cakes to come out with ease!

Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients – cake flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Stir it up to make sure everything is evenly incorporated.
Now, add in the wet ingredients – beat in your eggs one at a time, then slowly add the milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it is smooth. Once that is done, slowly mix in the boiling water. Yes, it will look like a thin batter, like soup! Pour the batter into the prepared pans.

Bake the Cake Layers: Pop the pans into the oven and bake for 30 to 33 minutes. Use the classic toothpick test to check if the cakes are done, if the toothpick comes out clean, they are ready!

Make the Ganache: While the cakes are baking, let us get to that decadent ganache. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and whipping cream. Microwave for about 1½ to 2½ minutes, stirring every 30 seconds.
Once it is melted and smooth, add in the vanilla and butter, stirring until everything is fully incorporated. Let the ganache cool at room temperature. Every 10-15 minutes, give it a stir until it thickens to the perfect spreadable consistency.

Cool the Cake Layers: Once the cakes are done, let them cool in the pans for about 15-20 minutes. Then, remove them from the pans and place them on cooling racks. Chill them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step will make it so much easier to frost the cakes later!

Frosting and Assembling: Once the cake layers are chilled and the ganache has thickened, it is time for the fun part: frosting! If you have a cake leveler, use it to slice each cake into two layers, so you end up with four even layers.
Spread a generous amount of ganache between each layer, stacking them as you go. Do not be shy with the ganache, this cake is all about the fudge! Once you are done stacking, cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache. If you like, you can decorate the sides of the cake with chocolate sprinkles for that extra touch of sweetness.

Let It Set: Let the cake sit for a while to let the ganache firm up before serving. Now, slice and enjoy your delicious homemade replica of Cheesecake Factory’s Linda’s Fudge Cake.