Ingredients
🟡 For the Cake:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup brewed coffee (or hot water)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 oz dark chocolate (60–70%), melted and slightly cooled
🟡 For the Ganache:
8 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, coffee, oil, eggs, vanilla, and sugar until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix until just combined.
5. Stir in melted dark chocolate until incorporated.
6. Divide batter between prepared pans and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
8. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
9. For ganache: heat cream until just steaming, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add butter if using.
10. Frost cooled cake layers with ganache. Chill slightly to set if needed.
Notes
Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but can be replaced with water.
Make ahead: cake layers freeze well for up to 1 month.
Add flaky sea salt on top for an elevated finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: dark chocolate cake, ultimate chocolate dessert, rich chocolate ganache cake