If you’re looking for the ultimate chocolate cake recipe, you’ve just found it! This super moist chocolate cake is rich, decadent, and irresistibly delicious. Topped with a smooth, silky ganache, it’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or whenever you’re craving a chocolatey treat.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this fail-proof recipe will give you a bakery-quality cake right at home. So, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Cake
✅ Ultra-Moist Texture – The combination of oil, eggs, and buttermilk (or whole milk) keeps this cake incredibly soft and moist.
✅ Rich Chocolate Flavor – Using unsweetened cocoa powder and hot coffee enhances the deep chocolate flavor.
✅ Silky Ganache Topping – The smooth and glossy ganache adds an extra touch of indulgence.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for birthdays, celebrations, or just a chocolate craving, this cake never disappoints!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed for a deeper flavor)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra moisture)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer taste)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water (or hot coffee for a more intense chocolate flavor)
For the Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (adds shine and a rich texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Sifting helps aerate the mixture, resulting in a lighter cake.
3️⃣ Combine the Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk (or buttermilk), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4️⃣ Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients – Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a whisk or an electric mixer until smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake soft.
5️⃣ Add Hot Liquid – Slowly pour in the hot water (or coffee) while continuously stirring. The batter will become thin, but this is normal! It helps create the cake’s moist texture.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
1️⃣ Divide the Batter – Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, filling them about ¾ full.
2️⃣ Bake – Place the pans in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3️⃣ Cool the Cakes – Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Ganache
1️⃣ Heat the Cream – In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
2️⃣ Melt the Chocolate – Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
3️⃣ Whisk Until Smooth – Stir the mixture gently until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache becomes glossy and smooth.
4️⃣ Add Butter – Stir in the butter for added shine and a luxurious texture. Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
1️⃣ First Layer – Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of ganache over the top.
2️⃣ Add the Second Layer – Gently place the second cake layer on top. Spread more ganache over the top and sides of the cake, covering it evenly.
3️⃣ Smooth the Ganache – Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth out the ganache for a flawless finish.
4️⃣ Decorate (Optional) – Garnish with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, fresh berries, or edible gold dust for an elegant touch.
Serving & Storage Tips
🍫 Serving Suggestion: This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
❄️ Storage:
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days (let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture).
- Freeze the cake layers (without ganache) for up to 3 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cake
💡 Use Hot Coffee Instead of Water – The slight bitterness enhances the chocolate flavor, making it taste even richer.
💡 Measure Ingredients Accurately – Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and cocoa powder.
💡 Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of soft and airy. Stir until just combined.
💡 Let the Cake Cool Completely – If you frost a warm cake, the ganache will melt and become runny. Be patient!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 22g
- Sugar: 40g
Final Thoughts
This super moist chocolate cake is a chocolate lover’s dream! The soft, tender crumb and the rich, creamy ganache make it absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to bake the best chocolate cake ever! 🍫🎂