Description
A rich and moist chocolate cake layered with a silky ganache frosting, perfect for special occasions or any time you crave an indulgent chocolate dessert. This American-style chocolate indulgence cake features a deep chocolate flavor enhanced by coffee or hot water and is topped with a glossy ganache and optional fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or hot coffee (for richness)
For the Ganache Frosting:
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra gloss)
Optional Toppings:
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh berries
- Sea salt flakes
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare Pans and Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until fully combined and consistent.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Hot Liquid: Slowly pour in the hot water or coffee while mixing on low speed. This will produce a smooth and slightly thin batter essential for a moist cake.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Ganache Frosting: Heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Pour it over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes to soften the chocolate.
- Stir Ganache: Stir the mixture until smooth and glossy. Add the butter if using and continue stirring until it is fully incorporated for extra shine.
- Cool Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool until it thickens to a spreadable consistency, but is not fully set.
- Assemble Cake: Frost the bottom layer with ganache, stack the second cake layer on top, then coat the top and sides with remaining ganache. Decorate with your choice of chocolate shavings, berries, sea salt flakes, or whipped cream.
Notes
- Using coffee instead of water intensifies the chocolate flavor significantly.
- The cake can be baked in advance and stored in the refrigerator; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
- This cake is ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any chocolate lover’s special celebration.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
