Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a spaceship-shaped cake mold or a loaf pan if you don’t have a mold.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until well combined.

Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. Note that the batter will be thin, which is expected.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.

Remove the cream from the heat and pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy.

Pour the ganache over the cooled cake, using a spatula to spread it over any spaceships’ nooks and crannies.

Decorate the cake with colorful sprinkles, edible silver balls, and fondant details. Get creative and design windows, doors, or other features to fit the spaceship theme.

Allow the ganache to set completely.

Serve and watch your little astronauts’ imaginations take off as they enjoy this cosmic delight!