Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe

🧈 Ingredients

• For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (room temperature)
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water or hot coffee (for richer flavor)

• For the Chocolate Ganache Filling & Frosting:

• 400g (14 oz) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 ½ cups (360ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for shine & smoothness)

🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans.

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

3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.

4. Slowly mix in boiling water (or hot coffee) — the batter will be thin, that’s normal.

5. Pour evenly into prepared pans.

2. Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a rack.

3. Make the Ganache

1. Heat cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer (don’t boil).

2. Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes.

3. Stir gently until melted and glossy. Add butter and stir again until smooth.

4. Let cool at room temperature until thickened and spreadable (about 1 hour).

4. Assemble the Cake

1. Level cake tops if needed.

2. Spread a generous layer of ganache between each cake layer.

3. Frost the top and sides with the remaining ganache.

4. Use a piping bag with a star tip to make swirls or rosettes on top (as in the photo).

5. Optionally sprinkle chocolate shavings around the base.

5. Chill & Serve

Chill for 30 minutes for clean slices.

Serve at room temperature for the creamiest texture.

🍽 Tips

Add a tablespoon of espresso powder to intensify chocolate flavor.

For an extra glossy finish, pour slightly warm ganache as a glaze before decorating.