Decadent Chocolate Layered Cake
This rich, moist chocolate layer cake features a deep chocolate flavor enhanced by hot coffee, topped with smooth buttercream and glossy ganache, making it perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 80 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 300 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 240 ml milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
- 120 ml vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 240 ml hot coffee or hot water
Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
- 200 g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 300 g powdered sugar
- 75 g cocoa powder
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
Ganache Ingredients
- 300 g dark chocolate, chopped
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F. Grease and line your cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet.
- Stir in hot coffee or water – the batter will be thin, but that’s okay!
- Divide between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before assembling.
Buttercream Preparation
- For buttercream, beat butter until fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar, cocoa, salt, and vanilla. Mix.
- Add milk one spoon at a time until desired consistency.
Ganache Preparation
- For ganache, heat cream until simmering, pour over chocolate.
- Let sit for 2 mins, then stir until glossy.
- Add butter if using. Cool until spreadable.
Assembly
- Level cake layers if needed and place one layer on a cake stand, spread with frosting.
- Repeat with the next layers and cover the entire cake with frosting or ganache.
- Chill before slicing for clean cuts.
Notes
For best flavor, serve at room temperature after letting the cake sit for 20–30 minutes if chilled. Optional decorations include fresh berries, chocolate shavings, nuts, or sprinkles. Can pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience.