
Ultimate Chocolate Ganache Cake with Whipped Cream Topping
Satisfy your chocolate cravings with this Ultimate Chocolate Ganache Cake. Featuring rich, moist layers of chocolate cake, decadent ganache, and a whipped cream topping, this dessert is as indulgent as it is elegant. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or special celebration, this cake will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Chocolate shavings
- Cocoa powder
- Fresh raspberries
Instructions
1. Make the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Combine and Add Coffee: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir in the hot coffee until the batter is smooth.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before assembling.
2. Prepare the Ganache
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer (do not boil).
- Melt the Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly.
3. Whip the Cream
- Beat the Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag for decorating.
4. Assemble the Cake
- Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of ganache on top, then place the second cake layer on top.
- Coat with Ganache: Pour the remaining ganache over the entire cake, letting it drip down the sides. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
- Add Whipped Cream: Pipe whipped cream rosettes around the edge of the cake.
- Decorate: Garnish with chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, and fresh raspberries.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid dense cake layers.
- Chill the Ganache: If the ganache is too runny, chill it briefly before pouring over the cake.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
This Ultimate Chocolate Ganache Cake is a dream for chocolate lovers. The combination of moist cake, rich ganache, and fluffy whipped cream creates a perfectly balanced dessert that’s both decadent and elegant.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Variations
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips for an intense flavor.
- Berry Twist: Add a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers for a fruity touch.
- Salted Ganache: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on the ganache for a sweet-and-salty flavor.
This Ultimate Chocolate Ganache Cake is the perfect dessert to make any occasion unforgettable. Give it a try and enjoy every rich, creamy bite!