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Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache & Bar Topping

Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache & Bar Topping is a delectable dessert that will impress any chocolate lover. With its rich layers of moist chocolate cake, silky ganache, and topped with assorted chocolate treats, this cake is perfect for celebrations or simply to indulge your sweet tooth.

Why make this recipe?

This cake is not just a treat; it’s an experience! It combines different textures and flavors, creating a harmonious blend that pleases the palate. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just enjoying a weekend treat, this chocolate layer cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, making it at home allows you to customize the toppings exactly to your taste! 🎉🍫

How to prepare Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache & Bar Topping

Ingredients:

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 whole milk 🥛
1/2 cup vegetable oil 🛢️
2 large eggs (room temperature) 🥚
2 tsp vanilla extract 🍦
1 cup boiling water 💧
2 cups heavy cream 🍶
1/2 cup powdered sugar 🍚
1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling) 🍦
Optional: crushed cookies or chocolate shavings 🍪
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped) 🍫
1 cup heavy cream (for ganache) 🍶
2 tbsp unsalted butter 🧈
Assorted chocolate bars (cut into chunks) 🍫
Chocolate truffles, shards, curls, or crumbles 🍬
Cocoa powder for dusting 🍫

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. 🥵
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined. 🍚
Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. 📅
Carefully stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin). Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. 🥄
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. 🕒
For the filling, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Mix in the vanilla extract. 🌬️
Once the cakes are cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the whipped cream filling on top. If desired, sprinkle crushed cookies or chocolate shavings over the filling. 🍪
Place the second cake layer on top. 🥳
For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Add the butter and mix until combined. 🍶🍫
Pour the ganache over the assembled cake, letting it drip down the sides. Decorate the top with assorted chocolate bars, truffles, or other chocolate treats. Dust with cocoa powder if desired. 🍬

How to serve Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache & Bar Topping

Slice and serve your Chocolate Layer Cake chilled or at room temperature. It pairs nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! 🍨

How to store Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache & Bar Topping

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for longer storage.

Tips for preparing Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache & Bar Topping

Make sure your eggs are at room temperature; it helps them mix better!
Don’t skip the boiling water; it gives the cake extra moisture.
For an added flavor boost, try adding espresso powder to the batter! ☕️

Variations

Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate in the ganache for dark or milk chocolate to suit your taste.
Add a layer of fruit preserves, like raspberry or cherry, between the cake layers for a fruity twist. 🍒

FAQs

Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Yes! This batter works wonderfully for cupcakes. Just adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

With this Chocolate Layer Cake recipe, delight your friends and family with a slice of chocolate heaven! Enjoy baking! 🍰❤️