This Decadent Chocolate Ganache Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. Featuring a rich and moist chocolate cake layered with a silky smooth ganache, this indulgent treat is perfect for any special occasion. The combination of deep chocolate flavors and a luscious, glossy finish makes it a showstopper at gatherings, celebrations, or simply as a luxurious treat for yourself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and indulgent – This cake is packed with deep chocolate flavors, making it perfect for those who love a decadent dessert.
Silky ganache topping – The smooth and glossy ganache adds an elegant touch and enhances the overall taste.
Perfect for any occasion – Whether for birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday celebrations, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Easy to make – Despite its gourmet appearance, this cake comes together with simple ingredients and steps.
Customizable – You can add flavors, toppings, or decorations to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Cake:

All-purpose flour
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Whole milk
Vegetable oil
Pure vanilla extract
Boiling water or hot coffee

For the Ganache:

Heavy cream
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped)
Unsalted butter (optional, for extra shine)

Directions

Preheat and Prepare – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Mix the Batter – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Slowly mix in the boiling water or hot coffee until smooth.
Bake – Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
Prepare the Ganache – Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add butter if desired for extra shine.
Assemble the Cake – Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of ganache over it, then top with the second cake layer. Pour the remaining ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Set and Serve – Let the ganache set at room temperature or in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12 slices
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cooling and Assembly Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes

Variations

Add espresso powder – Enhance the chocolate flavor by mixing in a teaspoon of espresso powder into the dry ingredients.
Make it nutty – Add chopped toasted nuts between the layers or on top for extra texture.
Use white chocolate ganache – Swap the dark chocolate for white chocolate for a different twist.
Fruity addition – Layer fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries between the cake layers.
Gluten-free version – Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration – Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing – Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating – If you prefer a warm slice, microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the ganache slightly.

FAQs

How do I ensure my chocolate cake is moist?

Using ingredients like oil and hot coffee in the batter helps retain moisture, resulting in a soft and tender cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and assemble with ganache the next day.

What type of chocolate should I use for the ganache?

Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the best flavor and texture.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, but milk chocolate is sweeter, so you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the cake to balance the sweetness.

How do I get a glossy ganache?

Adding a small amount of butter to the ganache will enhance its shine and smooth texture.

Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute each egg with a flaxseed or applesauce alternative to make the cake egg-free.

Why did my ganache turn grainy?

Overheating the chocolate or stirring too aggressively can cause the ganache to become grainy. Let it sit for a minute before stirring gently.

Can I use this ganache for other desserts?

Absolutely! This ganache works well as a topping for cupcakes, brownies, and even as a dip for fruits.

How long should I let the ganache set before serving?

Let the ganache set for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for a firmer texture.

Can I make this cake in a single-layer format?

Yes, you can bake it in a single 9×13-inch pan, adjusting the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This Decadent Chocolate Ganache Cake is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. With its rich, moist cake layers and velvety ganache, it is the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you customize it with nuts, fruits, or different chocolates, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.

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This Decadent Chocolate Ganache Cake is a chocolate lover’s dream! Moist chocolate cake layers with a rich, silky ganache frosting that melts in your mouth.