Three-Layer Decadent Chocolate Cake with Ganache

A rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey three-layer cake, layered and frosted with a silky-smooth chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrations and chocolate lovers.

Serves 12 · Metric units · Prep 45 min · Cook 30 min

Ingredients

• all-purpose flour300 g
• granulated sugar400 g
• unsweetened cocoa powder90 g
• baking powder10 g
• baking soda9 g
• fine sea salt6 g
• large eggs150 g
• buttermilk240 g
• vegetable oil110 g
• vanilla extract10 ml
• hot brewed coffee240 g
• semisweet chocolate (chopped)450 g
• heavy whipping cream480 g
• unsalted butter28 g

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease three 20 cm (8 in) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. (175°C) — 10 min
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined. — 5 min
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. — 5 min
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Slowly stream in the hot coffee while whisking constantly. The batter will be very thin and liquid. — 5 min
5. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. (175°C) — 30 min
6. Remove the cakes from the oven and cool in the pans for 15 minutes. Run a thin knife around the edges, invert the cakes onto wire racks, remove the parchment paper, and let cool completely. — 1 h
7. While the cakes cool, prepare the ganache. Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Let cool at room temperature until it reaches a spreadable consistency. — 30 min
8. To assemble, place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread about 1/4 of the ganache over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat. Place the final cake layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining ganache. — 15 min