Description
This Velvety Chocolate Layer Cake is a show-stopping, triple-chocolate masterpiece featuring three fudgy layers, a silky chocolate frosting, and a glossy ganache finish. Studded with a chocolate chip crust, it offers the perfect balance of deep cocoa flavor and playful texture for any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup strong hot coffee
- For the Frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter, ¾ cup cocoa powder, 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, ⅓ cup heavy cream, 1 tsp vanilla, ¼ tsp salt
- For the Ganache: 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, ½ cup heavy cream
- For the Crust: 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Sift dry ingredients, then whisk in buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Add hot coffee and mix until smooth. Divide into three 8-inch pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Prepare the Frosting: Cream butter and cocoa powder. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream until fluffy.
- Assemble the Layers: Level the cakes and stack with frosting between each layer. Apply a thin crumb coat and chill for 20 minutes before adding the final frosting layer.
- Glaze with Ganache: Melt 1 cup chips with ½ cup cream until glossy. Pour over the chilled cake, letting it cascade slightly over the edges.
- Add the Crust: Press remaining chocolate chips into the sides of the cake while the frosting is still slightly soft.
- Final Set: Chill for at least one hour before serving.
Notes
Chill cake layers overnight before leveling to make them easier to handle. Use Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper, smoother chocolate flavor. For the best texture, let the cake sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg