Chocolate ganache cake feels like pure dessert magic, with a glossy ganache draped over moist, tender layers like a velvet cloak. Rich cocoa and a subtle hint of espresso deepen the flavor, while the silky topping melts into every bite. Each slice brings the cozy joy of family celebrations and those irresistible late night cravings. Made with simple pantry staples and a little love, this cake turns any evening into a sweet, unforgettable moment of chocolate bliss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This chocolate ganache cake
- Indulge in a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up for any occasion.
- Perfect for chocolate lovers craving a decadent dessert.
- Versatile enough to dress up with fruits or nuts for a personal touch.
chocolate ganache cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake comes out easily.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Carefully stir in boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly fine! Make sure everything is well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the cake cool completely on a wire rack. This will ensure it’s ready for the ganache.
- In a saucepan, heat cream until it’s simmering. Pour it over chopped chocolate and butter. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the ganache over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for that beautiful finish.
- Chill the cake until the ganache is set. Slice it up and serve to your eager guests!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Ingredients
To create an indulgent chocolate ganache cake, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients!
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – the base of the cake
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – adds rich chocolate flavor
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the cake rise
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – enhances the rising effect
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances flavors
- 2 large eggs – binds the ingredients
- ½ cup milk – adds moisture
- ¼ cup vegetable oil – keeps cake moist
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for added flavor
- ½ cup boiling water – melts the cocoa and intensifies flavor
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate – for the ganache
- ¾ cup heavy cream – to create the ganache texture
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – adds richness to the ganache
How to Make Chocolate Ganache Cake
This delightful chocolate ganache cake is a rich and decadent dessert that will impress your friends and family. With a preparation time of about 20 minutes, a cooking time of 30–35 minutes, and a chilling time of at least 1 hour, you’ll be savoring this treat in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake comes out easily.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Incorporate Boiling Water
Carefully stir in boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly fine! Make sure everything is well combined.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool the Cake
Once baked, let the cake cool completely on a wire rack. This will ensure it’s ready for the ganache.
Step 7: Prepare the Ganache
In a saucepan, heat cream until it’s simmering. Pour it over chopped chocolate and butter. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 8: Pour Ganache Over Cake
Pour the ganache over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for that beautiful finish.
Step 9: Chill and Serve
Chill the cake until the ganache is set. Slice it up and serve to your eager guests!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Extra Time | 60 minutes (chilling) |
| Total Time | 115 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 8 |
| Best Served | Chilled and sliced for dessert! |
Pro Tips for Making chocolate ganache cake
- Use high-quality chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring for a smoother finish.
- Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Experiment with flavored extracts for a unique twist.
How to Serve this chocolate ganache cake
- Top with fresh berries for a fruity contrast.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra creaminess.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for a sweet twist.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
- Garnish with mint leaves for a refreshing touch.
- Enjoy with a cup of rich coffee or herbal tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely.
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and type of cake.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the cake on a baking sheet.
- Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is a chocolate ganache cake?
A chocolate ganache cake is a rich and decadent dessert made with layers of chocolate cake and a smooth chocolate ganache, which is a mixture of chocolate and cream. This cake is known for its luxurious texture and intense chocolate flavor, making it a favorite for special occasions and celebrations.
2. Is chocolate ganache better than buttercream?
Whether chocolate ganache is better than buttercream really depends on personal preference! Ganache offers a rich, silky texture and a deep chocolate flavor, while buttercream is sweeter and can be flavored in various ways. Many people enjoy the simplicity and elegance of ganache, especially for chocolate lovers, but both are delicious in their own right.
3. What is the rule for ganache?
The basic rule for making ganache is to use a 1:1 ratio of chocolate to cream for a pourable consistency, and a 2:1 ratio for a thicker, spreadable ganache. This means if you use 8 ounces of chocolate, you should use 8 ounces of cream for a pourable ganache, or 16 ounces of cream for a thicker version. Adjusting the ratios allows you to achieve the desired consistency for your cake or dessert.
4. What kind of chocolate is best for ganache?
For the best chocolate ganache, use high-quality chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 60% for a rich flavor. Dark chocolate is often preferred, but you can also use semi-sweet or even milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste. Just make sure to choose chocolate that you enjoy eating on its own, as the flavor will shine through in the ganache.
Final Thoughts
As you dive into this delightful chocolate ganache cake, remember the joy of baking and sharing sweet moments with loved ones. It’s rich, easy, and oh-so-decadent! So grab your ingredients, let your creativity flow, and enjoy every bite of this simple yet rewarding treat. Happy baking!