Preheat the oven to 350F/180C for 15 minutes. Line three 9-inch pans with parchment paper and lightly grease them with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together all the dry ingredients (except for chocolate chips, if used) and create a well in the center.

To the well, add all the wet ingredients one by one. Add instant coffee powder to the hot water, stir well and then add it to the dry flour mix.

Mix until just combined. Don’t over-mix. It’s OK to have some lumps. Stir in mini chocolate chips, if using.

Pour the batter into the prepared pans equally by scooping out 1 cup of batter in each pan. I think I was able to get close to 2.5 cups of batter per pan.

Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Mine was done in 25 minutes.

Cool completely on wire racks for at least 30-45 minutes.

Remove the cake out of the pans and leave it on the wire rack until you begin to frost. Cover the cake, so the top doesn't dry out if it takes more time to frost.

Cool completely before frosting.

While the cake is baking you can start making the filling.

Mix sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Whisk in the milk and ensure there are no lumps and the cornstarch is completely dissolved in the milk.

Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Whisk it once in a while in the middle, so the mixture doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.

Reduce heat to low; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla.

Cool completely. It will take at least an hour.

In a large bowl, cream butter. (See My Notes)

Gradually beat in the cooled mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.

It is always a good idea to freeze the bowl and beaters when you plan to whip the whipping cream. I sometimes even keep it overnight. A minimum of 1 hour should be fine. This will ensure that you get fluffy whipped cream.

For the ganache, place chocolate in a large bowl.

In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; let stand 5 minutes.

Stir with a whisk until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

Refrigerate, covered, until cold. Beat ganache just until soft peaks form, 15-30 seconds (do not overbeat).

If the cakes have a domed top, slice it with a serrated knife and keep it aside.

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the filling. Place another cake layer, spread the remaining filling, and top it with the remaining cake layer.

Frost top and side of cake with ganache. Top it with chocolate curls or any other toppings of your choice. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.