Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

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Indulge in the rich, decadent flavor of this classic chocolate layer cake. Moist chocolate cake layers are filled with creamy chocolate buttercream frosting and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache. This elegant dessert is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot brewed coffee

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

Make the Cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the hot coffee.
  5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Buttercream Frosting:

  1. Cream butter: In a large bowl, cream the butter until smooth.
  2. Add dry ingredients: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, one cup at a time, alternating with the milk.
  3. Add flavoring: Beat in the vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Make the Chocolate Ganache:

  1. Heat cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
  2. Combine with chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Let sit for a few minutes, then stir until smooth.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Level cakes: Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops of the cakes if necessary.
  2. Frost and fill: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Frost the top with a layer of buttercream frosting. Top with the second cake layer and repeat. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream frosting.
  3. Drizzle ganache: Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake.

Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

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