Black Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• ¾ cup unsweetened black cocoa powder (or very dark cocoa)

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)

• 8 oz (225 g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for shine)

1. Make the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

3. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

4. Stir in hot coffee (batter will be thin – that’s normal).

5. Divide into pans and bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Let cool completely before frosting.

2. Make the Ganache Frosting

1. Heat cream until just simmering.

2. Pour over chopped dark chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.

3. Add butter for extra gloss.

4. Let cool slightly until spreadable.

3. Assemble

• Spread ganache between cake layers and over the top and sides.

• Chill for 20 minutes to set before slicing.