Here’s a recipe for a delicious and decadent chocolate cake with layers of moist chocolate sponge and rich chocolate ganache frosting, topped with chocolate shavings and fresh berries:
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 pound (450g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, at room temperature
For the Topping:
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh berries (such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and carefully add the boiling water to the batter. Beat on high speed for about 1 minute to add air to the batter. The batter will be thin.
- Bake the Cakes:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, remove from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then, add the butter and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Let the ganache cool to room temperature. It will thicken as it cools.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and spread ganache over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Add the Toppings:
- Decorate the top of the cake with chocolate shavings and fresh berries.
Tips
- For an extra moist cake, you can brush the layers with a simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until the sugar dissolves) before frosting.
- Make sure the ganache has cooled to a spreadable consistency before frosting the cake.
This recipe will yield a rich and indulgent chocolate cake perfect for any special occasion. Enjoy!
The Most Delicious Decadent Chocolate Cake: A Culinary Delight
Indulging in a slice of decadent chocolate cake is one of life’s greatest pleasures. This luxurious dessert, with its layers of moist chocolate sponge and rich ganache frosting, is perfect for any celebration or simply as a treat for yourself. Here’s why this cake stands out and how you can make it at home.
The Essence of Decadence
What makes this chocolate cake so special? It’s all about the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cake layers are incredibly moist, thanks to a combination of high-quality cocoa powder and a touch of boiling water added to the batter. This ensures a deep, rich chocolate flavor in every bite.
The real star, however, is the chocolate ganache frosting. Made from semi-sweet or dark chocolate and heavy cream, this ganache is smooth, creamy, and intensely chocolatey. The addition of a bit of butter adds an extra layer of richness and sheen to the frosting.
A Feast for the Eyes
Presentation plays a crucial role in making this cake irresistible. The ganache is spread generously between each layer and over the entire cake, creating a glossy, smooth finish. For the final touch, the cake is adorned with delicate chocolate shavings and fresh berries, adding both visual appeal and a burst of fruity freshness that complements the rich chocolate.
A Recipe to Savor
Creating this cake at home might seem daunting, but it’s quite straightforward. Begin by preparing the cake batter with a mix of flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and leavening agents. After baking the layers, let them cool completely before frosting with the ganache. Patience is key to ensuring a perfectly finished cake.
Here’s a brief outline of the recipe:
- Cake Layers: Mix the dry ingredients, then add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Incorporate boiling water to create a smooth batter. Bake and cool the layers.
- Chocolate Ganache: Heat heavy cream and pour over finely chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth, then cool to a spreadable consistency.
- Assembly: Layer the cakes with ganache, then cover the entire cake. Top with chocolate shavings and fresh berries.
Enjoy the Experience
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a decadent treat, this chocolate cake is sure to impress. Its rich flavors, combined with a beautiful presentation, make it a dessert to remember. So why not take the time to bake this luxurious cake and enjoy the ultimate chocolate indulgence?
For detailed instructions and tips, you can explore resources like Sally’s Baking Addiction and Love & Lemons, which offer comprehensive guides and variations to suit your preferences.
