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–+ servings
Chocolate Cake The fifth image displays a slice of a rich chocolate cake with smooth frosting and ganache between the layers.

Chocolate Cake

A rich, decadent Chocolate Cake that's simple to make with basic ingredients and no mixer required.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 14
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour approximately 260g, sifted
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 300g
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • ⅔ cup vegetable oil 130g
  • 1 cup buttermilk 240g, see notes for substitution
  • ½ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder 50g
  • 2 teaspoons instant coffee optional, or 1 teaspoon for a milder flavor
  • ½ cup boiling water 120g
Ganache Frosting:
  • 1 cup heavy cream 240g
  • 300 g chopped chocolate semi-sweet or a blend of dark and milk chocolate

Method
 

  1. Start by making the ganache so it has time to cool. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the heavy cream and chopped chocolate. Microwave in 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is almost melted. Continue stirring until fully melted and smooth. If needed, microwave for an additional 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
    The fourth image is a close-up of a thick and smooth chocolate ganache, which is probably going to be used to frost the cake.
  2. Cover the ganache with a plate and set it at room temperature to cool for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until thickened to a spreadable consistency.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter or oil and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the sifted flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well blended.
  5. Crack the eggs into the dry ingredients and add the vegetable oil and buttermilk. Mix gently with a whisk until smooth and no lumps remain.
    The third image shows a combination of wet ingredients like eggs, milk, and possibly other liquids mixed into the dry ingredients.
  6. In a small bowl, combine the cocoa powder, instant coffee (optional), and boiling water. Stir until smooth and glossy. This step brings out the full chocolate flavor.
  7. Add the bloomed cocoa mixture into the cake batter. Stir gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix as this could result in a tough cake. The batter will be thin, which is normal.
  8. Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes if using 9-inch pans, or 23-28 minutes for 8-inch pans. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cakes. It should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), and the cake should spring back when lightly touched.
    The second image depicts the cake batter before being baked, perfectly even in two pans.
  9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Handle with care to avoid breaking the delicate cakes.
  10. Once the cakes and ganache have cooled, carefully trim the domes off the cakes with a serrated knife. Place one cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread ⅓ of the ganache on top, smoothing it with an offset spatula.
    The first image shows a beautifully baked chocolate cake with some frosting or ganache on top.
  11. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache. For a rustic finish, use the spatula to spread the ganache evenly over the top and sides. If you want to avoid crumbs in the frosting, apply a thin crumb coat first, refrigerate for 15 minutes, and then apply the final layer of ganache.
  12. Slice and serve the cake at room temperature. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 125gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This cake is easy to make, with a simple ganache that gives it a luxurious finish. Perfect for birthdays or any special occasion!

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