Moist Cocoa Cake with Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 10
This moist cocoa cake with a luscious chocolate ganache is the perfect treat for chocolate lovers. The combination of the rich cocoa flavor in the cake and the smooth, velvety ganache makes this dessert a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. It’s easy to make, but looks and tastes like a professional creation. Whether you’re making it for a special event or a cozy family gathering, this cake is sure to impress!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 180g |
| Sugar | 250g |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| All-purpose flour | 180g |
| Whole milk | 75g |
| Baking powder | 12g |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 30g |
| Vanilla pod | 1 |
| Dark chocolate | 650g |
| Heavy cream (whipping cream) | 650g |
| Chocolate truffles | 14 |
| Chopped hazelnuts | 30g |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Cocoa Cake
- Start by softening the butter. Cut it into small cubes and let it come to room temperature.
- Using a stand mixer or handheld beaters, whip the butter until it becomes light and fluffy, and the color turns pale.
- Add the vanilla seeds to the butter mixture. You can easily extract the seeds from the vanilla pod by slicing it open and scraping with the back of a knife.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. This ensures there are no lumps and the dry ingredients are well mixed.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, one spoonful at a time. Continue mixing as you go to make sure each bit is well incorporated.
- Once the flour and cocoa powder are mixed in, add the eggs one at a time, allowing each to fully blend before adding the next. Add the extra egg yolk at this stage as well.
- Now, pour in the milk slowly, mixing until the batter is smooth and silky. The result should be a soft, dense batter.
- Grease a 22 cm (about 8.5-inch) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Pour the prepared batter into the pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
- Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for around 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Preparing the Chocolate Ganache
- While the cake is cooling, it’s time to prepare the ganache. Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces. This will help the chocolate melt quickly and evenly.
- In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it come to a boil.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add the chopped chocolate into the hot cream. Let it sit for a minute to allow the chocolate to soften.
- Stir the mixture gently with a whisk until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth.
- Transfer the ganache mixture to a bowl and place it in the fridge. Stir occasionally, letting it cool and thicken for about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the ganache has thickened, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat it for 5-10 minutes until it becomes fluffy and holds soft peaks. The ganache should be light and airy, ready for piping.
Step 3: Assembling the Cake
- Once the cake has completely cooled, carefully slice it in half horizontally. You can use a serrated knife for a clean, even cut.
- Place the bottom layer of the cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Using a spatula, spread a generous amount of the whipped ganache over the top.
- Place the second layer of cake on top, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
- With the remaining ganache, use a spatula or a piping bag to cover the entire cake, smoothing the top and sides to create a beautiful finish.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the top of the cake. This adds both a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the rich chocolate.
- Optionally, decorate the cake with chocolate truffles, placing them on top for a luxurious finish.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour to allow the ganache to set properly.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
Once the ganache has firmed up and the cake has set, it’s time to slice and serve! This cocoa cake with chocolate ganache is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. The smooth, rich chocolate ganache combined with the moist cocoa cake creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of red wine. Whether it’s for a special celebration or a sweet treat to enjoy after dinner, this dessert is sure to become a favorite.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 475 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 40g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
This indulgent cake with a rich chocolate ganache is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, holiday gathering, or a simple family treat, it’s sure to impress with its flavor, texture, and elegant presentation.
