Hey, chocolate lovers! 🖤 This dark chocolate layer cake is here to satisfy your deepest chocolate cravings. Imagine biting into moist, rich layers of chocolate cake with creamy ganache between each one—it’s pure heaven! Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself, this cake is going to make the day extra sweet. Let’s dive into the recipe so you can bring this beauty to life!
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
Adds structure to the cake; sift for a lighter, fluffier texture. - 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
Sweetens the cake to balance out the intense cocoa. - ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Go for high-quality cocoa for that deep, intense chocolate flavor. Sift it to avoid clumps. - 2 tsp baking powder
Helps the cake rise and become fluffy. - 1 ½ tsp baking soda
Another leavening agent that gives the cake a tender crumb. - 1 tsp salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor. - 2 large eggs
Provides moisture and structure; make sure they’re at room temperature for the best results. - 1 cup whole milk
Adds richness and moisture to the cake. - ½ cup vegetable oil
Keeps the cake moist and soft. - 2 tsp vanilla extract
Adds a lovely aroma and depth to the flavor. - 1 cup boiling water
Enhances the cocoa flavor, making it more intense and giving the batter a smooth texture.
For the Chocolate Ganache Filling
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
Creates a creamy, luscious ganache. - 12 oz dark chocolate (finely chopped)
For the rich, indulgent chocolate flavor; choose good quality chocolate for the best results. - 1 tsp vanilla extract
Adds a hint of sweetness and depth to the ganache.
How to Make the Dark Chocolate Layer Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the boiling water, mixing slowly until incorporated. The batter will be thin, but this ensures a moist cake.
Step 2: Bake the Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
- In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, letting it sit for 2-3 minutes. Then, stir until smooth and glossy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and let the ganache cool until it thickens slightly but is still spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Slice each cake layer horizontally to create four thin layers.
- Place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of ganache on top.
- Repeat with the remaining layers, ending with a layer of ganache on top.
- Use a spatula to smooth the ganache around the sides, or leave it slightly rustic for a more textured look.
Step 5: Garnish (Optional)
Decorate the top with a few cherries or some chocolate curls for an extra touch of elegance.
Equipment Needed for This Recipe
- 9-inch round cake pans – For perfect cake layers.
- Mixing bowls – Essential for combining ingredients.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – Makes mixing easy and quick.
- Spatula – Perfect for spreading ganache smoothly.
- Wire rack – Helps cool the cakes evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but it will make the cake sweeter and less intense. If you prefer a milder flavor, milk chocolate can be a great substitute.
How can I store leftover cake?
Cover the cake and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For best taste, let it sit at room temperature before serving.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap. Assemble with the ganache on the day of serving.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
How can I make the ganache thicker?
Simply chill the ganache for a bit longer. The colder it is, the thicker it becomes, making it easier to spread and hold its shape.
What’s the best way to cut the cake into layers?
Use a long serrated knife and gently slice through each layer horizontally. Turn the cake slowly as you cut to keep it even.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this rich, decadent dark chocolate cake recipe! This cake is perfect for celebrations or any day that needs a little extra chocolate indulgence. If you loved this recipe, please share it on Facebook or save it to Pinterest for later. Happy baking! 🖤
Decadent Dark Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings
Description
Treat yourself to the ultimate dark chocolate layer cake! With luscious ganache and moist, rich layers, this cake is chocolate heaven.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 12 oz dark chocolate (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch pans.
- Mix flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; beat until smooth.
- Gradually add boiling water; mix until smooth.
- Divide batter in pans; bake 30-35 minutes.
- Cool cakes, then slice each layer in half.
- Heat cream; add chocolate and vanilla to make ganache.
- Assemble layers with ganache; smooth sides and top.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for the fluffiest texture.
- Use good-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor in ganache.