Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache has a way of fixing bad days and making good days even better. If you have ever pulled a cake from the oven only to find it dry or crumbly, I feel you. I used to think moist chocolate cakes were only for bakeries. Then I learned a few easy tricks that make all the difference. In this post, I am sharing the exact steps I use at home to get a tender crumb, deep chocolate flavor, and a smooth glossy ganache. By the end, you will have everything you need to bake an Irresistibly Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache that tastes like it came from a pro.

How to Make Chocolate Ganache
Simple Ganache Ratio
Let’s start with the star on top. Ganache sounds fancy, but it is just chocolate and cream. The ratio depends on how you want to use it. For a silky pour that sets to a soft, shiny finish, I go with equal parts chocolate and heavy cream by weight. If you want a thicker frosting consistency, use a little more chocolate. If you want a pourable glaze that hugs the cake and drips down the sides, equal parts is perfect.
Use quality chocolate. You will taste it in every bite. I love semi-sweet for balance, but dark works well if you prefer a bold finish. Chop it fine so it melts quickly and evenly.
Step-by-Step Ganache Method
- Chop 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat 12 ounces of heavy cream until it just begins to steam. Small bubbles around the edges are your cue. Do not boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes without stirring.
- Stir gently from the center outward until smooth and glossy. If a few lumps remain, warm the bowl over a pot of barely simmering water and stir until melted.
- Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and a pinch of salt for shine and balance. Optional but lovely.
If your kitchen is cool, let the ganache sit at room temperature until it thickens to a poured velvet consistency. If it gets too thick, warm it a touch. If it is too thin, give it 10 to 20 minutes to set. For more ganache inspiration, check out this simple guide in Chocolate Ganache Delight which walks through textures and uses.
Now for the cake batter. I keep it pantry friendly, but I never skip these key moves. Blooming cocoa in hot coffee or hot water deepens the chocolate flavor. Buttermilk keeps things moist and tender. Oil gives the cake a soft crumb. And a solid rest before slicing locks in moisture.
With those basics, you can pour the batter into two 8-inch pans, bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, cool completely, then pour the ganache on top. That finish is the moment that turns a simple cake into an Irresistibly Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache that gets people hovering around your kitchen.

Expert Tips for Baking the Perfect Cake
Avoid Dry Cake Every Time
You do not need fancy techniques for a cake that melts in your mouth. You just need to be thoughtful about a few steps. Here are the ones I rely on, every time.
Measure flour correctly. Spoon flour into your measuring cup, then level it off. Packing flour into the cup leads to dry cake.
Use room temperature ingredients. Eggs and buttermilk blend better when they are not cold, which helps your batter come together smoothly.
Bloom your cocoa. Whisk cocoa powder with hot coffee or hot water before adding it to the batter. This wakes up the chocolate flavor.
Mix gently. Overmixing develops gluten and can toughen your cake. Stop mixing as soon as the batter looks smooth.
Do not overbake. Pull the cake when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. The residual heat will finish the bake.
Cool completely before ganache. If the cake is warm, ganache can slide off or soak in too much. Be patient here.
If you love chocolate and want something easy for a crowd, try this easy chocolate sheet cake. And if you are craving something rich and extra special, you will love this ultimate chocolate fudge cake for a wow moment.
“I baked this using your tips for my sister’s birthday and it was the first time my cake turned out moist from edge to center. The ganache was shiny and smooth. Everyone asked for seconds.”
Stick with these simple habits and you will end up with an Irresistibly Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache that stays tender for days and tastes even better on day two.

Variations of Chocolate Ganache Cake
Flavor Twists You Can Try
Once you nail the base recipe, it is fun to play. These variations are simple and all based on the same batter and ganache method. Keep the ratios the same and swap flavors as you like.
Mocha version. Replace the hot water with hot coffee and add 1 teaspoon espresso powder to the batter. You can also add espresso powder to the ganache for a café vibe.
Salted caramel swirl. Microwave a few tablespoons of caramel until warm and fluid, then swirl it into the ganache before pouring. For inspiration, check out this ultra cozy chocolate caramel cake.
Raspberry chocolate. Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam between cake layers before the ganache pour. The sweet-tart note perks up the chocolate like magic. If you adore this pairing, the dark chocolate raspberry mousse cake is another dreamy option to try later.
Orange whisper. Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the batter and a few drops of orange extract to the ganache. It smells incredible. Or explore a citrusy twist like this chocolate orange cheesecake for dessert week.
Peanut butter magic. Whisk 2 to 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter into the warm ganache. It turns into a silky chocolate peanut butter glaze. If you want a lighter spin another time, try this lush vegan peanut butter mousse with ganache.
These little tweaks keep the base recipe fresh and fun. No matter which twist you choose, you still get that Irresistibly Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache vibe that makes people close their eyes at the first bite.
Storing and Freezing Chocolate Ganache Cake
Make Ahead and Freeze
Good news. This cake stores like a champ. The flavor deepens by the next day, and the texture stays soft and tender.
Room temperature. If your kitchen is cool, you can keep a ganache topped cake at room temp for up to 2 days under a cake dome. The ganache will stay soft and glossy.
Refrigerator. For longer storage, cover the cake and chill for up to 5 days. Before serving, let slices stand at room temp for 20 to 30 minutes so the ganache softens again.
Freezer. To freeze, chill the cake until the ganache firms up. Wrap slices tightly in plastic, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temp for 1 to 2 hours. The crumb stays soft and the ganache returns to its smooth texture.
Make ahead. You can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Wrap cooled layers well and store at room temp. Ganache can be made a few hours ahead and kept at room temp. If it thickens too much, gently warm it to bring it back to a pouring consistency.
With these storage tips, an Irresistibly Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache can be prepped for parties without stress. It is a great bake for birthdays, dinners, or just because you are craving chocolate.
Equipment Checklist
You do not need fancy gear. A few basics make things easier and more consistent.
- Two 8-inch round cake pans, greased and lined
- Mixing bowls, one large for batter and one heatproof for ganache
- Whisk, spatula, and hand mixer or stand mixer
- Kitchen scale for reliable ganache and flour measurements
- Fine mesh sieve for cocoa and powdered sugar, if needed
- Offset spatula for smoothing ganache
- Wire rack for cooling
- Measuring cups and spoons
That is it. With these on hand, you will turn out an Irresistibly Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache that looks polished without extra fuss. If you want a fun, rollable option for later, peek at this festive chocolate cake roll for a change of pace.
Common Questions
Can I use milk chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, but reduce the cream slightly since milk chocolate is softer and sweeter. Start with 1 part cream to 1.25 parts milk chocolate and adjust if needed.
What if my ganache splits or looks oily?
Warm it gently and whisk in a splash of room temperature cream until it comes back together. Small circles from the center help emulsify it.
How do I keep the cake from doming too much?
Bake at the correct temperature and avoid overmixing. You can also use bake-even strips or trim the domed top after cooling.
Can I make this without buttermilk?
Yes. Use whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes and it will act like buttermilk in the recipe.
How far in advance can I bake it?
Bake the layers up to 1 day ahead and keep them wrapped at room temp. Assemble with ganache the day you plan to serve for the best look and texture.
Ready to Bake and Share?
Now you have everything you need to bake an Irresistibly Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache that looks bakery-worthy and tastes even better. From the simple ganache method to the no-fail cake tips, these steps are easy to follow and very forgiving. If you want more ideas, I love how this Chocolate Ganache Cake adds playful layers, and the Extra Moist Triple Chocolate Ganache Cake breaks down bakery-style moisture tricks. For another solid reference, this guide to The BEST Chocolate Ganache Cake shows how simple ingredients can become something special. Go preheat that oven, grab your chocolate, and have fun. You have got this.


Chocolate Ganache Cake
Ingredients
For the Ganache
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate Chop finely for easy melting.
- 12 ounces heavy cream Heat until just steaming without boiling.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Optional, for shine.
- 1 pinch salt Optional, for balance.
For the Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Spoon into measuring cup and level off.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder Bloom with hot coffee or hot water.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs Use room temperature.
- 1 cup buttermilk Can substitute with milk and vinegar.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil Keeps the cake moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Ganache
- Chop the semi-sweet chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the heavy cream until it just begins to steam; do not boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes without stirring.
- Stir gently from the center outward until smooth and glossy. If lumps remain, warm the bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir.
- Add unsalted butter and a pinch of salt, then let it thicken to a poured velvet consistency at room temperature.
Make the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently until just blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, about 25-30 minutes.
- Cool the cakes completely in the pans before removing them.
Finish the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, pour the ganache over the top of one cake layer, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
- Place the second layer on top and pour more ganache on top.





