Name: Chocolate Ganache Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

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Chocolate Ganache Cake is a delightful dessert that never fails to impress. This rich and moist chocolate cake is enveloped in a velvety ganache that’s both indulgent and irresistible. Perfect for celebrations or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake combines simple ingredients to create a dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is crafted for success.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Difficulty Level: Medium

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving: 450
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 61g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 320mg

Why Make This Chocolate Ganache Cake

There are countless reasons to whip up this Chocolate Ganache Cake. Its moistness combined with an intense chocolate flavor makes each bite an experience to savor. The ganache adds a luxurious finish, elevating the cake from delicious to divine. It’s perfect for birthday parties, anniversaries, or a special dinner with loved ones. Plus, the recipe is straightforward enough for anyone to master, ensuring you feel proud as you serve it up!

How to Make Chocolate Ganache Cake

Making this Chocolate Ganache Cake involves a few simple steps, from preparing the cake batter to mastering the ganache. With a focus on technique and quality ingredients, you’ll create a cake that’s full of flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 ½ cups heavy cream
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cakes come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mixing

In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This will create a dry mixture that forms the base of your cake.

Step 3: Cooking

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Carefully stir in the boiling water; the batter will be thin. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pans before removing them to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Finishing

For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it stand for 5 minutes. Stir until smooth, then mix in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread ganache between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Ganache Cake

Serve your Chocolate Ganache Cake on its own, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Top with fresh berries for a pop of color, and drizzle a bit of ganache over the plate for a beautiful presentation.

How to Store Chocolate Ganache Cake

To keep your Chocolate Ganache Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Ganache Cake

Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache; it makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different. Use the toothpick test!
Boiling Water: The boiling water helps the cocoa absorb moisture and enhances the chocolate flavor. Don’t skip it!
Chilling Ganache: If your ganache is too runny, refrigerate it for a short time to achieve a thicker consistency before applying it to the cake.

Delicious Variations

Consider trying these variations:

Flavored Ganache: Add a splash of flavored extract like peppermint or orange to the ganache for a unique twist.
Frosting Alternative: Instead of ganache, top your cake with whipped cream if you prefer a lighter option.
Layered Delight: Add layers of fruit, like raspberries or bananas, between the cake and ganache for added flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different flour?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour; just ensure it’s a 1:1 blend for best results.
What can I use instead of eggs?
For an egg substitute, use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1/4 cup of yogurt per egg.
How do I make this cake ahead of time?
Bake and cool the cakes, then wrap them well and freeze. Defrost and frost with ganache when ready to serve.
Can I make a single-layer cake?
Absolutely! Just divide the batter in half and bake one layer, then halve it horizontally after baking for a layered effect.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs but not wet batter.

Conclusion

There you have it! A scrumptious Chocolate Ganache Cake that’s easy to make and simply delightful to eat. The combination of moist chocolate cake and rich ganache ensures it’s a showstopper at any gathering or a delicious treat for a quiet afternoon at home. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in this exquisite chocolate delight! Happy baking!