Dessert

The Ultimate Chocolate Ganache Cake You’ll Dream About Tonight

35 minutes Cook
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The Ultimate Chocolate Ganache Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream — rich, moist, and topped with a luxurious, glossy chocolate ganache. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or simply a decadent treat, this cake is as stunning to serve as it is delicious. With soft, chocolatey layers and a silky ganache finish, it’s guaranteed to impress your family, friends, and guests.


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bakery-Quality Dessert: Gorgeous layers with shiny chocolate ganache make it look like a professional cake.
  • Rich & Moist: The chocolate cake layers are soft, tender, and perfectly balanced with the creamy ganache.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Cake layers, ganache, and frosting can be prepared ahead, making it ideal for parties or gatherings.
  • Customizable: Add fruit, jam, or chocolate shavings to personalize the cake to your taste.

Ingredients

Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 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

Ganache & Topping

  • 2 cups dark chocolate ganache
  • 1 cup chocolate shavings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep Pans

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

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

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Make the Batter

  • Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
  • Carefully stir in boiling water — the batter will be thin, which is normal.

5. Bake the Cake

  • Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  • Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Assemble the Cake

  • Spread chocolate ganache between the layers.
  • Frost the top and sides of the cake with remaining ganache.

7. Decorate

  • Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top.
  • Chill for 1 hour before slicing for best results.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve at room temperature.
  • Pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze wrapped layers for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before assembling.

Tips for Success

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter and better texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • Use high-quality dark chocolate for ganache for the best flavor.
  • For added richness, brush layers with simple syrup before adding ganache.
  • Optional: Add 1 tbsp instant coffee to the boiling water for a mocha flavor.

FAQs

  1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?
    Yes — it will give a sweeter chocolate flavor.
  2. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
    Absolutely! Bake layers a day in advance and assemble when ready.
  3. What if my cake is dry?
    Ensure you don’t overbake. Brush layers with simple syrup for extra moisture.
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julia
prep time
15 minutes
cooking time
35 minutes
servings
12
total time
50 minutes

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls

  • Whisk

  • Electric mixer (hand or stand)

  • Measuring cups

  • Measuring spoons

  • Sifter

  • 8-inch cake pans (2)

  • Parchment paper

  • Spatula

  • Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for ganache)

  • Cooling rack

  • Knife

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • ½ cup vegetable oil

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup boiling water

  • 2 cups dark chocolate ganache

  • 1 cup chocolate shavings

Instructions

1

Preheat & Prep Pans

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4

Make the Batter

Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Carefully stir in boiling water — the batter will be thin, which is normal.
5

Bake the Cake

Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6

Assemble the Cake

Spread chocolate ganache between the layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake with remaining ganache.
7

Decorate

Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top. Chill for 1 hour before slicing for best results.
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