Ingredients
- For the Cake Layers:
- High-quality cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
- Dark chocolate (high percentage cocoa)
- 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.