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Chocolate Layer Cake With Ganache

A rich and decadent chocolate layer cake filled with whipped cream and topped with glossy ganache and your favorite chocolate treats.
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Baking, Chocolate Cake, Dessert Recipe, Ganache, Layer Cake
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 32 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 2 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 450kcal

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-purpose flour Good old AP flour makes for a tender, easy-to-work-with crumb.
  • 2 cups Granulated sugar Sweetens things up perfectly.
  • 3/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder Go for Dutch-processed for deeper chocolate flavor.
  • 2 tsp Baking powder Your key to a fluffy, light cake.
  • 1 1/2 tsp Baking soda Helps the cake rise nicely.
  • 1 tsp Salt Makes the chocolate flavor pop.

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup Whole milk Room temperature works best for smooth mixing.
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable oil Keeps the cake ultra-moist.
  • 2 large Eggs Let them sit out to avoid curdled batter.
  • 2 tsp Vanilla extract Enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • 1 cup Boiling water Deepens the cocoa’s intensity.

Whipped Cream Filling

  • 2 cups Heavy cream Whips up thick and dreamy.
  • 1/2 cup Powdered sugar Dissolves quickly into the whipped cream.
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract Enhances the filling.

Ganache

  • 8 oz Semi-sweet chocolate Chop it up so it melts smoothly.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Used for making the ganache silky.
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter Adds shine and richness.

Toppings

  • to taste Assorted chocolate bars, truffles, shards, curls Get creative with your chocolate toppings.
  • to taste Cocoa powder For dusting, optional but elegant.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
  • In a big bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Pour in milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
  • Slowly add boiling water and mix until batter is thin. This makes your cake ultra-moist.
  • Divide the batter evenly among your pans.

Baking

  • Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool the cakes completely.

Making the Whipped Cream Filling

  • Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Chill bowl and beaters for best results.

Creating the Ganache

  • Heat heavy cream until almost boiling, then pour over chopped chocolate. Let it sit, melt, and stir until smooth.
  • Add butter for shine and let ganache cool until pourable.

Assembling the Cake

  • Place a cake layer on your stand, spread whipped cream filling, and repeat with remaining layers.
  • Pour ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
  • Decorate with chocolate bars, truffles, and toppings. Finish with a dusting of cocoa powder.

Notes

Store covered in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The cake gets fudgier after a day or two. Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
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