If you're looking for the perfect way to begin your week, look no further than this indulgent chocolate cake. With a tender, moist crumb and a rich, silky ganache topping, this cake is the ultimate chocolate lover's dream. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon treat, every bite is filled with deep chocolate flavor and pure comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is everything a chocolate cake should be: rich, moist, and deeply satisfying. The combination of high-quality chocolate, cocoa powder, and a touch of vanilla creates a depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible. The cake’s tender crumb is perfectly balanced by the smooth, glossy ganache that melts in your mouth. It’s a simple recipe that delivers show-stopping results, making it the perfect go-to for any chocolate craving. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a casual dessert or an elegant offering at special occasions.
Perfect Occasion
This chocolate cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a birthday celebration, or even just a sweet indulgence at the start of the week. It’s great as a dessert for dinner parties or as a mid-week treat to boost your mood. Its rich flavor also makes it ideal for pairing with coffee, tea, or even a glass of red wine for a sophisticated finish. The long-lasting freshness of the cake means you can enjoy it over several days without losing any of its delicious texture.
Decoration Tips
For a polished finish, pour the silky ganache over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip slightly over the sides for a rustic yet elegant look. To add some flair, sprinkle the top with a touch of sea salt, chopped nuts, or fresh berries. For special occasions, consider piping extra ganache in decorative swirls or adding edible gold leaf for a luxurious touch. A dusting of powdered sugar can also give the cake a classic, timeless appearance.
Ingredients for the Chocolate Cake:
- 100g 55% dark chocolate
- 227g room temperature butter
- 227g sugar
- 250g eggs (about 4 large eggs)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 187g cake flour
- 4g baking powder
- 1.5g salt (a pinch)
- 40g unsweetened cocoa powder
For the Ganache Topping:
- 100g 55% dark chocolate
- 90g heavy cream (35% fat)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 160°C. Line a 23x12cm cake pan with parchment paper.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds to ensure it doesn’t burn. Set aside.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Eggs: Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them into the batter. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt together. Slowly fold this dry mixture into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a dense cake.
- Incorporate the Melted Chocolate: Gently fold the melted chocolate into the batter until fully incorporated.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
For the Ganache:
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the cream until it just reaches a boil. Remove from heat as soon as it begins to bubble.
- Make the Ganache: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then whisk until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Finish the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, pour the ganache over the top, allowing it to flow smoothly over the sides. Let the ganache set for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy this decadent chocolate cake!