If you have a serious sweet tooth and a love for chocolate, this Decadent Chocolate Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe will quickly become your go-to indulgence. This cake is the perfect balance of moist, tender crumb and intense chocolate flavor, elevated by a luscious, silky ganache that hugs every bite. Each slice melts in your mouth like a little piece of heaven, making this recipe a celebration-worthy dessert that’s surprisingly simple to bring to life in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Decadent Chocolate Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe is simpler than you might expect. Each component has a crucial role, whether it’s building the cake’s moist texture, enhancing its rich flavor, or giving it that perfect crumb and shine.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides the cake’s structure for a tender yet sturdy crumb.
- White sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the cake and helps create that soft texture.
- Cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Brings deep, bold chocolate flavor and richness.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 tsp) and baking soda (1 1/2 tsp): Acts as leavening agents to help the cake rise beautifully.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances and enhances the chocolate notes.
- Milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake crumb.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake luscious and moist without overpowering flavors.
- Eggs (2 large): Helps bind ingredients and contributes to the cake’s lift and texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds depth and warmth to the chocolate flavor.
- Nescafe stick (2 grams of coffee): Amplifies the chocolate intensity without tasting like coffee.
- Hot water (1 cup): Dissolves the coffee and helps blend the batter smoothly.
- Dark chocolate (200 grams, finely chopped): Forms the rich base of the ganache topping.
- Heavy cream (200 ml): Creates that silky, luscious texture in the ganache.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a gorgeous gloss and smoothness to the ganache.
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round pans and dust them with flour or simply line them with parchment paper to ensure your cake layers release perfectly after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting not only removes lumps but also aerates the mixture, helping your cake rise to tender perfection.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined. This blend of wet ingredients is key to the cake’s moist texture and subtle richness.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until you have a smooth batter. Avoid overmixing to keep your cake light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Coffee Infusion
Dissolve the Nescafe coffee stick in the cup of very hot water. Add this coffee mixture to the batter, mixing well to deepen the chocolate flavor and contribute a subtle, sophisticated undertone.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Pop them into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Create the Ganache
Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer—don’t let it boil. Place your chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over it. Allow this to sit for a minute or two so the chocolate melts gently.
Step 8: Stir in Butter for Gloss
Stir the chocolate and cream until smooth and luscious. Then, mix in the unsalted butter until the ganache has a shiny finish. Let it cool until it thickens slightly, making it perfect for spreading on the cake.
Step 9: Frost Your Cake
Spread the rich ganache evenly over your cooled cake layers. Layer them up and cover the top and sides for a decadent, glossy finish. Allow the ganache to set slightly before slicing to get clean, beautiful pieces.
How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your cake by adding fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries on top; their natural tartness pairs wonderfully with the rich chocolate. A sprinkle of edible gold flakes or chocolate shavings can make your cake shine for special occasions.
Side Dishes
This cake is divine on its own, but serving it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes the experience to the next level. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or pear-infused black tea can also balance the sweetness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the cake on a rustic wooden board or a vintage cake stand. Cut into neat wedges and plate with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or caramel sauce to impress guests with your flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to enjoy it within two days. This keeps the cake moist and the ganache from drying out.
Freezing
This Decadent Chocolate Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or whole layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
To gently warm your cake without melting the ganache, let it sit at room temperature for a while or pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings out the flavors and softens the texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of Nescafe stick?
Yes, instant coffee works perfectly as a substitute. Its role is to enhance the chocolate depth subtly, without imparting a strong coffee taste.
Is it necessary to use vegetable oil in the cake?
Vegetable oil keeps the cake exceptionally moist and tender. You can substitute it with melted butter if you prefer, but expect a slightly denser texture.
How do I know when the ganache is ready to spread?
The ganache should thicken slightly while cooling but remain soft enough to spread easily. If it’s too runny, let it cool a bit more. If it becomes too firm, gently warm it up again.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
Will this cake keep well for a party?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for celebrations. Prepare it a day ahead to let the flavors meld, and keep it refrigerated until serving. Just bring it to room temperature before slicing.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this Decadent Chocolate Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe a try. It’s one of those desserts that feels like a hug in cake form—so rich, comforting, and rewarding. Whether you’re baking for family or impressing friends, this cake will quickly become a beloved favorite that you return to again and again. Happy baking!
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Decadent Chocolate Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Decadent Chocolate Cake with Rich Ganache is a luscious and moist chocolate dessert perfect for any special occasion. Infused with a subtle coffee essence to enhance the chocolate flavor, this cake is layered with a silky dark chocolate ganache that melts in your mouth. The recipe promises a tender crumb and indulgent finish, making it a crowd-pleaser for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Nescafe stick (2 grams of coffee)
- 1 cup hot water (very hot)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 200 grams dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, white sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting ensures a smooth batter and removes any lumps.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, large eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well integrated.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly until the batter is evenly combined without overmixing to ensure a tender cake.
- Dissolve the coffee: Dissolve the Nescafe stick in 1 cup of very hot water. Pour this coffee mixture into the cake batter and stir until the batter is smooth. The coffee enhances the richness of the chocolate flavor.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer but does not boil. Place the finely chopped dark chocolate into a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to melt the chocolate.
- Add butter and stir: Stir the chocolate and cream mixture gently until smooth and glossy. Then stir in the unsalted butter until fully incorporated. Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the cake: Once the cake layers have completely cooled, use the ganache to frost the top of one layer, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake evenly with the remaining ganache. Allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate for deeper flavor.
- If you don’t have Nescafe, you can substitute with any instant coffee granules.
- The coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor but is subtle enough to not taste like coffee.
- Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent ganache from melting.
- Store leftover cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- This cake can be made a day ahead; ganache sets nicely when chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
