1-First, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by spraying them with nonstick spray, lining the bottoms with parchment paper, spraying again, and dusting with cocoa powder. In a medium bowl, stir together 2 cups all-purpose flour, ⅔ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt; set this aside.

2-Next, melt 4 ounces of unsweetened chocolate over simmering water and let it cool slightly. Using a mixer, beat ¾ cup melted unsalted butter and 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then mix in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and the melted chocolate.

3-Mixing and Baking Steps: On low speed, add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, followed by 2 cups buttermilk, and then the remaining dry ingredients; beat just until combined. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans, smooth the surfaces, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs.

4-After baking, cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert them onto wire racks to cool completely and remove the parchment. For the frosting, beat 2 cups softened unsalted butter on medium-high speed until creamy and pale, about 5 minutes.

5-Add half of 5 cups confectioners’ sugar and beat on low until moistened, then on medium-high to combine; repeat with the remaining sugar. Mix in 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon salt, then slowly add 3 tablespoons heavy cream while beating, increasing speed as needed. Adjust with more cream if necessary, gradually add blue food coloring for the desired shade, and mix in ½ cup chocolate cookie crumbs at low speed.

6-Finally, assemble the cake by placing one layer on a serving platter, spreading a generous layer of frosting, repeating with the second layer, adding the third layer, and covering the entire cake with frosting. Create a nest in the center with 1 cup toasted and cooled shredded sweetened coconut, and place candy eggs inside as desired.