Description
Rich chocolate layers embrace creamy ganache in this showstopping dessert from French pastry traditions. Elegant chocolate indulgence promises pure bliss with each luxurious slice you savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake
Main Chocolate Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- ¾ cup (75 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
Sugar and Sweeteners:
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) brown sugar
Cake Base and Additional Ingredients:
- 1½ cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (227 grams) butter
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) water
Chocolate Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1½ cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
Optional Garnish:
- Chocolate curls
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (177°C) and thoroughly coating two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and flour.
- Create a rich chocolate base by gently melting unsalted butter and chocolate together in a small saucepan, stirring continuously until smooth. Incorporate instant coffee dissolved in water, then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients including granulated sugar and all-purpose flour, blending them thoroughly with an electric mixer at low speed.
- Gradually introduce eggs and whole milk into the dry ingredient mixture, beating at medium speed for approximately 2 minutes until the batter becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the batter, mixing until the color and texture are consistent and no streaks remain.
- Evenly distribute the cake batter between the prepared pans, ensuring balanced coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
- Allow cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
- Prepare the frosting by simmering heavy cream and brown sugar in a small saucepan until they combine smoothly.
- Pour the hot cream mixture over finely chopped chocolate, letting it sit for 3-4 minutes before stirring to create a glossy, uniform chocolate ganache.
- Once cakes are completely cooled, apply the first layer of frosting between cake layers, then generously cover the entire cake with remaining ganache.
- Optional: Garnish with delicate chocolate curls for an elegant finishing touch.
- Slice and serve at room temperature, revealing the moist, rich layers of this decadent chocolate celebration cake.
Notes
- Master this chocolate cake technique with precision, ensuring each ingredient is measured accurately for the perfect texture and taste.
- Opt for high-quality chocolate and cocoa powder to elevate the rich, intense flavor profile of this decadent dessert.
- Allow ingredients like eggs and milk to reach room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more uniform cake batter.
- Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a clean, professional-looking finish.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- Enhance the cake’s richness by serving slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 392 kcal
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg