Description
Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache Drip
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Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Buttercream:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp heavy cream (adjust for consistency)
For the Ganache:
¾ cup heavy cream
200g dark chocolate, chopped
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Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Slowly add the boiling water while mixing. The batter will be thin.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the Buttercream:
Beat the butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Gradually add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
3. Prepare the Ganache:
Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
Pour over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 2–3 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of buttercream on top. Repeat with the remaining layers.
Frost the sides and top of the cake with the buttercream. Smooth it with an offset spatula.
5. Decorate with Ganache:
Pour the ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Pipe buttercream swirls around the edges of the cake and garnish with chocolate squares or shavings.
Let the cake set for 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.
