All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option)
Baking powder
Baking soda
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Milk (or almond milk for a dairy-free version)
Butter (or vegan butter for a dairy-free option)
Vanilla extract
Salt
Coffee (optional, to enhance chocolate flavor)
For the Filling:
Dark chocolate (for ganache filling)
Heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
Sugar (optional, depending on desired sweetness)
For the Frosting:
Butter (or vegan butter)
Powdered sugar
Cocoa powder
Milk (or plant-based milk)
Vanilla extract
Dark chocolate (melted, for chocolate frosting)
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Layers:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy.
Add milk (or plant-based milk) and melted butter (or vegan butter), mixing until smooth.
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined, followed by boiling coffee (optional) for enhanced flavor.
Divide the batter evenly into the cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
Prepare the Ganache Filling:
Heat heavy cream (or coconut cream) in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
Pour the hot cream over chopped dark chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly before using as the filling.
Prepare the Frosting:
Beat softened butter (or vegan butter) with powdered sugar and cocoa powder until light and fluffy.
Gradually add milk (or plant-based milk) and melted dark chocolate, beating until the frosting reaches a smooth consistency.
Spread frosting between cake layers and over the entire cake, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
Assemble the Cake:
Once the cake layers are fully cooled, level them if necessary using a serrated knife.
Spread a layer of ganache filling between each layer of cake.
Apply a crumb coat of frosting to seal the crumbs and chill the cake for 30 minutes.
Finish by applying a smooth final coat of frosting to the entire cake.
Decorate with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or edible gold leaf for an elegant touch.
Notes
To make the cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as chocolate and cocoa powder, are certified gluten-free.
For a vegan version, replace eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water. Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter in the cake and frosting.
The cake can be enhanced with a shot of espresso or coffee liqueur in the batter for an extra depth of flavor.
To avoid a dry cake, be sure not to overbake, and check doneness with a toothpick.
For extra richness, a ganache filling made with dark chocolate and heavy cream adds a decadent layer between the cake layers.
