Description
This Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Cake is a rich, multi-layered chocolate cake featuring moist layers baked to perfection, creamy chocolate frosting, and a glossy chocolate ganache topper. Finished with chocolate shavings, chips, and a dusting of cocoa powder, this cake is perfect for chocolate lovers seeking an intense and decadent dessert experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Decoration
- Chocolate shavings
- Chocolate chips
- Cocoa powder for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy cake removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine and aerate the mixture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture on medium speed until well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Boiling Water: Carefully add the boiling water to the batter, mixing slowly to maintain a smooth consistency and to help intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature before frosting.
- Make the Chocolate Frosting: Beat the softened butter until smooth in a large bowl. Gradually add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating on medium speed until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: Place chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes to soften, then add butter and stir until the ganache becomes smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly to a pourable consistency.
- Slice the Cake Layers: Carefully slice each cooled cake horizontally in half to create four even layers for layering.
- Assemble the Cake: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of chocolate frosting over it. Repeat the process with the remaining layers, stacking one on top of another.
- Pour Ganache: Pour the cooled, pourable chocolate ganache over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to drip artfully down the sides for an indulgent presentation.
- Decorate: Garnish the top of the cake with chocolate shavings, chocolate chips, and sprinkle cocoa powder to enhance the look and add extra layers of chocolate flavor.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake to enjoy this ultimate chocolate indulgence that combines moist layers, creamy frosting, and luscious ganache.
Notes
- Be sure to let the cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Boiling water added to the batter helps intensify the chocolate flavor and creates a moist texture.
- You can substitute milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor and more tender crumb.
- If you prefer, use a serrated knife to slice cake layers evenly and avoid crumbs.
- Ganache consistency can be adjusted by the cooling time; let it thicken for spreading or keep it pourable for dripping.
