Description
This decadent creamy chocolate layer cake is perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (for ganache)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- Chocolate shavings or curls for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water until the batter is well combined (batter will be thin).
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat the cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly before use.
- Assemble the Cake: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top. Repeat with the second cake layer and another layer of whipped cream, then top with the final cake layer. Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Add Finishing Touches: Top with chocolate shavings or curls for garnish.
Notes
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs and milk are at room temperature for smoother blending.
- Cooling Layers: Ensure the cake layers are completely cooled before assembling to prevent the whipped cream from melting.
- Ganache Consistency: If the ganache is too thick, add a bit more warm cream. If it’s too thin, let it sit and thicken up before pouring over the cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg