layer cake tips + the biggest birthday cake yet

INGREDIENTS

• 5 1/3 cups cake flour
• 5 1/3 cups sugar
• 2 2/3 cups unsweetened cocoa powder, not Dutch process
• 6 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 5 1/3 sticks (20 2/3 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 2/3 cups buttermilk
• 5 large eggs plus 1 large egg yolk
• 2 2/3 cups freshly brewed coffee, cooled to room temperature
• 1 cup seedless raspberry jam (for cake assembly)
• 2 pounds bittersweet chocolate, broken up
• 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, cut up
• 2 cups heavy cream, heated slightly to remove the chill
• 1/2 cup brandy or Cognac