Why This Chocolate Cake is a Must-Try

A chocolate cake is always a crowd-pleaser, but when you add a rich caramel filling and a glossy chocolate ganache, it transforms into something truly special. This homemade chocolate cake offers layers of moist, delicious goodness. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home. You’ll delight in the balance of flavors and textures that come together beautifully in each slice!

Steps for Crafting a Delicious Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
• 1 can (400 g) dulce de leche or 1 cup caramel sauce + 1/2 cup thick whipped cream
• 1 1/2 cups cream
• 340 g dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
• Grated orange-white chocolate, grated carrot, or candied orange peel (for topping)

Directions

1. Grease three 20 cm cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together thoroughly.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring just until they come together.
5. Gradually add the hot coffee or water to the batter and mix until it’s nice and smooth.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes.
7. Allow the cakes to cool completely before moving on to the next steps.

Caramel Filling:

1. Gently heat the dulce de leche or caramel sauce until it’s spreadable.
2. Generously spread the caramel between each layer of cake.

Chocolate Ganache:

1. Heat the cream carefully (make sure not to boil it).
2. Pour the chopped dark chocolate over the warm cream and let it sit for 2–3 minutes.
3. Stir the mixture until it’s smooth.
4. Add butter if you want a richer taste.
5. Let the ganache thicken slightly before covering the entire cake with it.

Serving and Decorating:

1. Top your cake with grated orange-white chocolate, grated carrot, or some candied orange peel for a beautiful finish.
2. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing to make serving easier.

Enjoying Your Homemade Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake is incredibly versatile! You can enjoy it as a dessert on its own, or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make it extra special.

Storing Your Cake for Later

If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to a week. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a little while before serving again, as that will bring back the lovely flavors.

Handy Tips for Perfecting Your Chocolate Cake

• Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This ensures even mixing and better texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined for a fluffy cake.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate for the best taste.
• For a richer ganache, adding butter is a great option; it makes the ganache nice and shiny.

Fun Variations to Try

You can switch up the flavors in this recipe by adding different extracts, like almond or orange. You can also experiment with different fillings – try a raspberry jam or a cream cheese frosting for a twist!

Nutritional Information

For a standard serving, the cake typically contains approximately:

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fat: 18g

(Note: Values may vary based on portion size and ingredients used.)

Family-Friendly Serving Ideas

Consider serving the cake alongside a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for the adults. You can also add a fresh fruit salad on the side for that perfect balance of sweetness.

Ideal Pairings to Enjoy with Your Cake

This chocolate cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee, hot chocolate, or even a fruity dessert wine. The combination will elevate your dessert experience even further!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?
A: Yes, you can use regular milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice added to mimic the acidity of buttermilk!

Q: How can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum.

Q: Can I freeze this chocolate cake?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the cake layers wrapped well in plastic wrap. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before decorating and serving.

Chocolate Cake

This homemade chocolate cake features layers of moist goodness, enhanced with a rich caramel filling and glossy chocolate ganache, making it perfect for any celebration.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 2 cups flour All-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Use high-quality cocoa
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (at room temperature) Or substitute with regular milk and vinegar
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs At room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water For a richer taste, use hot coffee

For the Caramel Filling

• 1 can (400 g) dulce de leche or caramel sauce Plus 1/2 cup thick whipped cream

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 1.5 cups cream Heavy cream, heated
• 340 g dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional) For a richer ganache

For Topping

• Grated orange-white chocolate, grated carrot, or candied orange peel For garnish

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 20 cm cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together thoroughly.
• In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
• Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, stirring just until they come together.
• Gradually add the hot coffee or water to the batter and mix until it’s smooth.
• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.

Baking

• Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
• Allow the cakes to cool completely before moving on.

Caramel Filling

• Gently heat the dulce de leche or caramel sauce until it’s spreadable.
• Generously spread the caramel between each layer of cooled cake.

Chocolate Ganache

• Heat the cream carefully, ensuring it doesn't boil.
• Pour the chopped dark chocolate over the warm cream and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
• Stir the mixture until smooth, adding butter for a richer taste.
• Let the ganache thicken slightly before covering the entire cake.

Serving

• Top the cake with grated orange-white chocolate, grated carrot, or candied orange peel.
• Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for best results. This chocolate cake can also be enjoyed with ice cream or whipped cream.

Keyword BIRTHDAY CAKE, Caramel Filling, Chocolate Cake, Ganache, Homemade Cake