Description

A rich, moist chocolate cake made with simple pantry ingredients and finished with a smooth, luscious ganache frosting. This easy recipe delivers deep chocolate flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 eggs

2/3 cup vegetable oil

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder

2 teaspoons instant coffee

1/2 cup boiling water

1 cup heavy cream

300 g semi-sweet or mixed dark and milk chocolate, chopped

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Instructions

Combine heavy cream and chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring until smooth. Let sit at room temperature for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until thick and spreadable.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two round cake pans with parchment paper and lightly grease them.
If needed, make buttermilk by mixing milk with a little vinegar and letting it sit briefly.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, vegetable oil, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
In a separate bowl, mix cocoa powder and instant coffee with boiling water until smooth and glossy.
Gently fold the cocoa mixture into the batter, being careful not to overmix.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Allow cakes to cool completely before removing from pans.
Level cakes if needed, spread ganache between layers, and cover the top and sides with remaining ganache.
Slice and serve.

Notes

You can skip the coffee, but it enhances the chocolate flavor.

Use only dark chocolate for a more intense taste or milk chocolate for a lighter version.

Add vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freeze cake layers or assembled cake, wrapped היטghtly, and thaw before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 460 kcal
Sugar: 32 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg