Description
A rich and indulgent chocolate layer cake perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup heavy cream for ganache
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips for ganache
- 1/4 cup butter for frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar for frosting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
- 1/4 cup milk for frosting
- Chocolate sprinkles for decoration
- Maraschino cherries for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water; the batter will be thin.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then remove from pans to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Ganache: Heat the cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
- Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing well. Add milk a little at a time until reaching desired consistency.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting, then a layer of ganache. Repeat with the second and third layers, leaving some ganache for the top.
- Decorate: Cover the sides of the cake with chocolate sprinkles. Pipe remaining ganache decoratively on top and garnish with maraschino cherries.
Notes
- Ensure ingredients, especially eggs and milk, are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light texture.
- Allow ganache to thicken slightly before spreading to prevent dripping.
- Adjust frosting consistency for desired spreadability by adding more milk or sugar.
- For added flavor, incorporate a tablespoon of coffee into the boiling water for a mocha twist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice