Decadent Chocolate Cake with Rich Ganache Frosting and Fudgy Chocolate Sauce Recipe
This moist and rich chocolate cake recipe features a tender crumb enhanced by hot coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor. Topped with a decadent chocolate ganache frosting and an optional extra fudgy chocolate sauce, this cake is perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a gourmet homemade dessert.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee
Chocolate Ganache Frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Extra Fudgy Chocolate Sauce (Optional):
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Incorporate hot coffee: Stir in the hot coffee carefully; the batter will be thin, but this step ensures a moist and flavorful cake.
- Divide and bake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare ganache frosting: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer without boiling. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips and unsalted butter placed in a bowl. Let sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
- Make the extra fudgy chocolate sauce (optional): In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the ganache frosting evenly on top. Add the second cake layer, then cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache.
- Add fudgy sauce and serve: If desired, pour the extra fudgy chocolate sauce over the cake for an ultra-gooey finish. Let the assembled cake set for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
- Substitute buttermilk with milk plus vinegar if buttermilk is unavailable.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- The extra fudgy chocolate sauce is optional but adds rich moisture and decadence.
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Keywords: Chocolate cake, chocolate ganache frosting, fudgy chocolate sauce, homemade chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake