This moist chocolate cake is the perfect dessert to satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings. Rich, tender, and loaded with dark chocolate, it’s the kind of cake that melts in your mouth. The use of buttermilk gives the cake a beautifully moist texture, while the chunks of semi-sweet chocolate add bursts of rich flavor throughout. Topped with a luscious chocolate ganache and a silky sauce, this cake will be the highlight of any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this chocolate cake for its incredibly moist texture and deep, intense chocolate flavor. The combination of brown sugar and cocoa powder creates a slightly caramelized richness, while the chopped dark chocolate adds decadent pockets of melted chocolate in each bite. The recipe is simple to follow and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Topped with a rich ganache, this cake becomes even more indulgent with a velvety smooth finish that makes it hard to resist. The versatility of the cake means you can serve it warm with a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a truly luxurious experience.
The Perfect Occasion for This Cake
This chocolate cake is perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with a decadent dessert. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a dinner party, or simply treating yourself on a cozy weekend, this cake is sure to be a hit. Its rich, comforting flavor makes it an ideal choice for holidays like Christmas or Valentine’s Day, but it’s also great for casual gatherings with friends and family. Serve it with a side of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Decoration Tips
For a beautiful presentation, drizzle the chocolate ganache generously over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for an elegant, glossy finish. If you want to take it up a notch, add a sprinkle of sea salt or chocolate shavings on top to enhance the visual appeal and flavor. You can also serve the cake with a chocolate sauce made from the remaining ganache, thinned with milk for a smooth, pourable consistency. A few fresh berries or edible flowers would add a pop of color and elevate the dessert for more formal occasions.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 220ml milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar (for buttermilk)
- 2 large eggs
- 200g brown sugar
- 120ml vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 230g all-purpose flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 40g cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 240g semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
For the Ganache and Sauce:
- 300g semi-sweet (or blend) chocolate
- 200g heavy cream (1 small box)
- A little milk to thin the sauce, if needed
Instructions:
- Prepare the Buttermilk: Start by making the buttermilk. Add the lemon juice (or vinegar) to the milk, stir, and let it sit for 10 minutes to curdle and thicken slightly.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease a cake pan or use a non-stick baking spray.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, salt, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and cocoa powder into the wet ingredients, and pour in the buttermilk. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Add Leavening Agents: Add the baking powder and baking soda to the batter, and mix until just incorporated.
- Fold in the Chocolate: Gently fold in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate, distributing it evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl or over low heat, melt the chocolate and heavy cream together until smooth. Stir until well combined. Use one-third of the ganache to generously cover the top of the cake.
- Make the Chocolate Sauce: For the sauce, gradually add milk to the remaining ganache, stirring until it reaches a pourable consistency that’s not too thick or too runny.
- Serve: Serve slices of the cake with the chocolate sauce drizzled on top, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Enjoy this rich, moist chocolate cake with its velvety ganache and a drizzle of silky chocolate sauce—a true chocolate lover’s dream!
