Death by Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup heavy cream (or as needed)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Optional Toppings:
- Chocolate shavings
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chocolate candies
Instructions
1. Make the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually stir in boiling water (the batter will be thin—this is normal).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and cocoa powder until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until desired consistency is achieved.
- Beat in vanilla extract.
3. Make the Ganache:
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer (do not boil).
- Pour the cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Let cool slightly before using.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Pour the ganache over the frosted cake, letting it drip down the sides.
5. Add Toppings:
- Decorate with chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, or candies for extra indulgence.
6. Chill and Serve:
- Let the cake chill for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Serve and prepare for chocolate bliss!
Enjoy your Death by Chocolate Cake! 🍫