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Print / PDFChocolate Ganache Cake
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- Prep Time
- 20 mins
- Cook Time
- 35 mins
- chilling
- 1 hr
- Total Time
- 1 hr 55 mins
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)
Equipment
- 1 8-inch round cake pan — Greased for easy removal
- 1 Large mixing bowl — For mixing ingredients
- 1 Saucepan — For heating cream for ganache
- 1 wire rack — For cooling the cake
Method
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake comes out easily.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- 3
Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.
- 4
Carefully stir in boiling water. The batter will be thin, but that’s perfectly fine! Make sure everything is well combined.
- 5
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 6
Once baked, let the cake cool completely on a wire rack. This will ensure it’s ready for the ganache.
- 7
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.
- 8
Pour the ganache over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for that beautiful finish.
- 9
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 |
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.
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.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
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!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
What is a chocolate ganache cake?
Is chocolate ganache better than buttercream?
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What kind of chocolate is best for ganache?
Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.






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