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
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?
Yes — it will give a sweeter chocolate flavor. - Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake layers a day in advance and assemble when ready. - What if my cake is dry?
Ensure you don’t overbake. Brush layers with simple syrup for extra moisture.
