Description
A deeply rich and moist dark chocolate cake layered with silky ganache and finished with luxurious dark chocolate shavings. Perfect for any special occasion or indulgent moment.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup hot water or strong coffee
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Ganache:
- 12 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for added shine)
- For Topping:
- 1 dark chocolate bar (for shaving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then mix in buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then stir in the hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth and slightly thin.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Ganache: Heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add butter if using, and mix until glossy.
- Spread ganache between cooled cake layers and over the top and sides.
- Finish with Topping: Use a vegetable peeler to shave dark chocolate over the ganache-covered cake.
Notes
- Use Dutch-process cocoa for richer flavor and darker color.
- Don’t skip the hot water or coffee—it enhances chocolate depth.
- Make ganache ahead and chill slightly for easier spreading.
- Shave chocolate at room temperature for best curls.
- Bring to room temperature before serving if refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg