Easy Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache

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Easy Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache

301 Reviews

★★★★★ 4.5/5

Intro by Chef Liam (AI Chef):
Hello, chocolate lovers! Chef Liam here, and I’ve got a treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth: Easy Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache. This cake is a dream come true—rich, moist, and covered with a silky smooth ganache that makes every bite feel indulgent. It’s perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or whenever you need a chocolate fix. Let’s get baking!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 290 ; fat 14g; Sodium 180mg; Carbohydrates 39g; Protein 4g. Fiber: 2g

Descriptions

This Easy Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache is the ultimate chocolate lover’s dessert. The cake is incredibly moist and rich, and the ganache is perfectly smooth and decadent. With just a few ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any celebration—or just a regular day that needs a little extra sweetness!

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cocoa powder.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.

Step 5

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Step 6

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.

Step 9

Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

Step 10

If using, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter for a glossy finish.

Step 11

Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the cooled cakes.

Step 12

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of ganache on top, and then add the second cake layer.

Step 13

Pour the remaining ganache over the top of the stacked cakes, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Step 14

Let the ganache set before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cake

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to ensure the cake is light and fluffy.
Use Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Boiling Water Trick: The addition of boiling water helps make the cake moist. Don’t skip this step, even though the batter will seem thin.
Ganache Consistency: If your ganache is too runny, let it cool slightly before pouring it over the cake. If it’s too thick, gently heat it until it reaches the desired consistency.
Cool Completely: Make sure the cakes are completely cool before assembling and frosting to avoid melting the ganache.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it at room temperature. Frost the cake the day you plan to serve it.
Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the individual cake layers (before frosting) for up to 3 months. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw at room temperature before frosting.
Can I use a different frosting for this cake? Absolutely! While ganache is the perfect choice for this cake, you can also use buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped cream for a different flavor.
Can I use milk instead of buttermilk? Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk. However, buttermilk adds a slight tang and extra moisture to the cake.

Creative Variations

Chocolate and Raspberry Cake: Add fresh raspberries between the layers of cake for a fruity twist on this classic chocolate cake.
Mocha Chocolate Cake: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the cake batter to infuse the cake with a rich mocha flavor.
Mint Chocolate Cake: Add a few drops of mint extract to the ganache or frosting for a refreshing mint-chocolate flavor combination.

Advice for Gifting

This Easy Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache makes a fantastic gift for birthdays, holidays, or just to surprise someone special. To gift it, carefully wrap the cake in plastic wrap, place it in a cake box or tin, and add a personal note or ribbon for a thoughtful touch. You can also make mini versions by baking the cake in cupcake form for individual servings.

Fun Ways to Serve

Cake Pops: Turn your leftover cake into cake pops by crumbling the cake and mixing it with ganache, then rolling the mixture into balls and dipping them in extra ganache.
Layered Parfait: For a fun twist, layer the cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to create a cake parfait.

Nutritional Facts (Approximate)

Calories: 380 per slice (1/12th of cake)
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g

Conclusion

This Easy Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache is the perfect indulgence for any chocolate lover. With its moist cake layers, rich ganache, and simple ingredients, it’s easy to make yet feels luxurious. Whether it’s for a celebration or just because, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy everyone who takes a bite.

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