This chocolate cake is the richest, most decadent chocolate cake you will ever make. It is insanely sweet and so intense that you will be in a chocolate coma after just one slice. Moist chocolate cake is covered in a homemade chocolate ganache, creating the perfect dessert that everyone will love. Stop searching for the perfect cake recipe because you have found it! And you should really bake it today.
What is a chocolate ganache cake made of?
This chocolate ganache cake is a delicious combination of moist chocolate sponge cake with a creamy and silky chocolate ganache frosting as a topping.
You can make the recipe in many shapes and forms; a round cake, sheet cake, layer cake, or even cupcakes. In this single-layer chocolate cake recipe, I use one 8-inch round cake pan.
What is the difference between chocolate frosting and chocolate ganache?
Chocolate frosting is a sweet mix of butter, cocoa powder/chocolate, and sugar. It usually has a fluffy, pipeable texture and comes in many different forms, including chocolate buttercream frosting, cream cheese frosting, and whipped frosting. Chocolate frosting is mainly used for frosting and decorating cakes and cupcakes.
On the other hand, chocolate ganache is a simple mix of chocolate and heavy cream, sometimes butter. It is heavier in weight, has a creamier texture, and can easily be adjusted to fit your recipe needs in terms of thickness and richness. Chocolate ganache is highly versatile and used for glazing, dipping, and as chocolate filling for cakes. We will use chocolate ganache to glaze this cake.
Also, try this: Whipped Chocolate Ganache Frosting
Why this is the best Chocolate Ganache Cake recipe
- It is simple to make - This easy chocolate ganache cake recipe doesn't require fancy equipment or ingredients. You will already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. And with just one layer, it isn't just the easiest chocolate cake to make, but it's also very quick!
- It is 100% homemade - No boxed chocolate mixes, canned frostings, or microwaves are used here! Every part of this moist chocolate cake is made from scratch, making it the best chocolate cake with ganache recipes you'll come across!
- It is the most delicious - I use the highest quality ingredients in all my recipes that provide the most delicious and professional results. It just may become your favorite chocolate cake!
- It is the most detailed - This recipe isn't like most of the other homemade chocolate cake recipes. It is also a detailed guide that shares the science behind the baking technique as well as expert tips and tricks to ensure you make the best chocolate ganache cake ever!
Ingredients for the Chocolate Cake
For ingredient tips and substitutions, check the original Chocolate Ganache Cake recipe.
1⅓ cups All purpose flour
½ cup Cocoa powder
⅔ cup Granulated sugar
⅔ cup Brown sugar
1 teaspoon Baking soda
1 teaspoon Baking powder
½ teaspoon Salt
⅓ cups Vegetable oil
2 Eggs at Room temperature
⅔ cup Milk at Room temperature
½ cup Coffee - Freshly brewed strong coffee, room temperature
Ingredients for the chocolate ganache
½ cup Semi-sweet chocolate
½ cup Heavy cream - 36% fat
1 tablespoon Unsalted butter at room temperature
How to make the chocolate cake
For a video recipe, check the original Chocolate Ganache Cake article.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Make sure the fan is not on. In the meantime, line your cake pans with parchment paper.
- With the help of an electric hand mixer, whip together all the room-temperature wet ingredients (egg, milk, and coffee), oil, and sugar in a large mixing bowl for approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Next, sift and combine your dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt). Once thoroughly mixed, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together just enough to combine them. Then, pour the chocolate cake batter into the lined cake pan (size of 8-inch)
- Keeping the fan turned off, reduce the oven temperature to 356°F, and place the cake in the oven.
- Bake the cake for approximately 50 minutes or until it is well-baked throughout the center.
- Once the chocolate sponge cake is done, use a cooling rack to let it cool completely, bringing it to room temperature.
- Place the cake in the refrigerator to chill before applying the chocolate ganache icing.
Top Tip: To ensure the cake is well-baked throughout the center, use the toothpick test. Stick a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it is done!
How to make the chocolate ganache
For a video recipe, check the original Chocolate Ganache Cake article.
- Heat your heavy whipping cream until it comes to a slight simmer.
- Next, pour the warm cream on top of your finely chopped chocolate or chocolate callets. Let it sit for a minute, then stir the two together. Then, stir in the room-temperature butter and
- Let the mixture sit until it all reaches room temperature.
Top Tip: Do not let the cream reach a boil as that would burn the chocolate. Equally, make sure that you heat the cream enough so that it can melt the chocolate. Remember, aim for "simmering" whenever you make chocolate ganache.
How to assemble
- Once the cake is chilled, use a piping bag to apply the chocolate ganache on top, or simply pour it on top as desired.
- Let the ganache slightly drip down the sides.
- Then, place the cake into the fridge for the ganache to set.
- Serve and enjoy! Any leftovers can be stored refrigerated for 2-3 days.
Top Tip: Before using the chocolate ganache frosting, test its consistency on a plate or glass. The ideal texture should not be too runny or too thick— the perfect texture results from the proper temperature (not too warm nor too cold).
Flavor variations
Make it a layer cake - check my Triple chocolate cake recipe!
Add fruits or jams - why not try my Austrian Sacher torte cake recipe?
More Desserts
I love gourmet filled cupcakes because every little cupcake has an exciting surprise center. You never know what you will get until you take that first bite! These filled cupcakes are truly the best. Each one is unique, bold, and fun to make, so you are sure to love every part of the cupcake process.
Go to the recipe: Best Filled Cupcakes
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