Indulge in pure chocolate bliss with this decadent and moist Chocolate Heaven Cake. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you crave a rich, chocolatey treat.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (good quality)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (Optional):
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier release.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
- Let it sit for 1 minute, then gently whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Let the ganache cool slightly and thicken before using it as a filling or topping.
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (Optional):
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
- Add the cocoa powder and mix until combined.
- Slowly add the milk, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
- Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Assembly:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary.
- If using ganache as a filling, spread a layer of ganache over one cake layer. Top with the second cake layer.
- If using buttercream frosting, frost the entire cake with the chocolate buttercream frosting.
- Drizzle with remaining ganache or decorate as desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder and semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips.
- Add a tablespoon of instant coffee to the batter for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- You can substitute sour cream for the buttermilk.
- For a mocha flavor, add coffee extract to the frosting.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or sprinkles.
Enjoy your Chocolate Heaven Cake!