Ultimate Chocolate Cake
A rich and moist chocolate cake topped with a smooth chocolate ganache, perfect for parties and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1.75 cups 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.75 cups 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1.5 tsp 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 tsp 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp 1 tsp salt
- 2 large 2 large eggs
- 1 cup 1 cup whole milk
- 0.5 cups 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup 1 cup boiling water
Ganache Ingredients
- 8 oz 8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp unsalted butter optional, for shine
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans.
Baking
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Making Ganache
- Heat cream until just boiling, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Stir in butter if using.
Assembly
- Once cakes are completely cooled, spread ganache over the first layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides.
Notes
Serve slices at room temperature. You can warm a slice slightly in the microwave for 8–10 seconds if you like a softer ganache. This cake pairs well with coffee, milk, or vanilla ice cream.