This recipe is for a classic and decadent Simple Chocolate Cake generously covered in a smooth and glossy Chocolate Ganache. This cake is designed to be moist, rich in chocolate flavor, and relatively straightforward to bake, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The cake itself typically uses cocoa powder to achieve its deep chocolate hue and intense flavor, combined with ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, butter or oil, and a liquid such as milk, buttermilk, or hot water/coffee to create a tender crumb. The batter is usually mixed until just combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten, which can result in a tougher cake. Baked in a loaf pan or round cake pans, the chocolate cake emerges with a rich aroma and a moist texture. The crowning glory of this simple yet elegant dessert is the Chocolate Ganache, a luxurious glaze made from just two main ingredients: high-quality chocolate and heavy cream. The warm cream is poured over the chopped chocolate, and the mixture is stirred until smooth and glossy. The ganache can be poured over the cooled cake while it’s still warm or slightly cooled, creating a beautiful, even coating that hardens to a soft, fudgy consistency. The ganache not only enhances the visual appeal of the cake with its deep shine but also intensifies the chocolate flavor, making each bite a truly indulgent experience. This Simple Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a rich and satisfying chocolate dessert. It can be served plain or accompanied by a scoop of ice cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. The image shows the process of making and assembling this cake. The top panel displays a sliced chocolate loaf cake on a wooden board, generously coated in a dark, shiny chocolate ganache. The bottom left panel shows a bowl of smooth, rich chocolate ganache being whisked. The bottom right panel depicts warm chocolate ganache being poured over what appears to be the chocolate cake, creating a glossy coating.
The texture of this Simple Chocolate Cake is expected to be moist and tender, with a rich crumb. The Chocolate Ganache topping is smooth, glossy, and slightly fudgy, melting in your mouth with each bite.
The flavor profile is intensely chocolatey, with the deep, slightly bitter notes of cocoa in the cake perfectly complemented by the sweet and rich flavor of the chocolate ganache.
Simple Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache is a classic and indulgent dessert, perfect for chocolate lovers and any special occasion.
The preparation involves baking a straightforward chocolate cake and then making a simple two-ingredient chocolate ganache to pour over it.
Ingredients:
For the Simple Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or ¾ cup milk + ¾ teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup hot water or hot brewed coffee
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 12 ounces high-quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan or a loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl or saucepan (for ganache)
- Wire rack
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or a loaf pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, buttermilk (or milk mixture), vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Hot Liquid: Gradually pour in the hot water or hot brewed coffee while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin. This hot liquid helps to bloom the cocoa powder, enhancing its flavor.
- Pour into Pan and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes for a 9×13 inch pan, or 50-60 minutes for a loaf pan, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache: While the cake is cooling, prepare the chocolate ganache. Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer around the edges. Do not boil.
- Melt the Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes without stirring to allow the chocolate to melt. Then, gently stir the mixture until it is smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, place it on the wire rack set over a baking sheet (to catch any drips). Pour the warm chocolate ganache evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. You can use a spatula to gently spread the ganache for even coverage.
- Set the Ganache: Let the ganache set at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour, or until it is no longer shiny and has firmed up slightly. You can speed up the setting process by placing the cake in the refrigerator for a short period.
- Slice and Serve: Once the ganache is set, slice the Simple Chocolate Cake and serve. It can be enjoyed on its own or with your favorite accompaniments.
Enjoy this rich and delicious Simple Chocolate Cake with its luscious Chocolate Ganache! It’s a timeless treat that is sure to satisfy any chocolate craving.