Decadent Chocolate Cake

Decadent Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
   • Reduce the mixer speed to low and carefully add the boiling water to the batter. Mix until well combined. The batter will be thin.
3. Bake the Cakes:
   • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
   • Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then remove from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:
   • Place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
   • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
   • Add the butter and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
5. Assemble the Cake:
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache over the top.
   • Repeat with the second cake layer and more ganache. Place the third cake layer on top and spread the remaining ganache over the top and sides of the cake.
6. Serve:
   • Allow the cake to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your rich and decadent chocolate cake!

This cake is perfect for any chocolate lover and is sure to impress at any gathering. Enjoy!