π«π«π« Triple Chocolate Cake
Three luxurious layers of deep chocolate flavor β dark, milk, and silky smooth.
π Ingredients
π For the Chocolate Cake (makes 2 or 3 8-inch layers):
β’ 1 ΒΎ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
β’ ΒΎ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
β’ 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
β’ 1 Β½ tsp baking soda
β’ 1 Β½ tsp baking powder
β’ Β½ tsp salt
β’ 2 large eggs
β’ 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
β’ Β½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
β’ 2 tsp vanilla extract
β’ 1 cup (240ml) hot brewed coffee or hot water
π For the Milk Chocolate Ganache Filling:
β’ 200g (7 oz) milk chocolate, chopped
β’ Β½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
β’ Pinch of salt
π For the Dark Chocolate Frosting:
β’ 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
β’ 2 Β½ cups (300g) powdered sugar
β’ ΒΎ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
β’ Β½ tsp salt
β’ ΒΌ cup (60ml) heavy cream (more if needed)
β’ 1 tsp vanilla extract
β’ 100g (3.5 oz) melted dark chocolate, cooled slightly
π©βπ³ Instructions
1. Bake the Chocolate Cake
β’ Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease and line two or three 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans.
β’ In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
β’ In another bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
β’ Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until smooth.
β’ Stir in hot coffee or water β the batter will be thin.
β’ Divide into pans and bake for 30β35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
β’ Cool completely before assembling.
2. Prepare the Ganache Filling
β’ Heat cream until steaming (not boiling). Pour over chopped milk chocolate and let sit for 1 minute.
β’ Stir until smooth and glossy.
β’ Chill for 20β30 minutes until thickened but still spreadable.
3. Make the Dark Chocolate Frosting
β’ Beat butter until light and fluffy.
β’ Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix on low, then medium-high until combined.
β’ Add vanilla, cream, and melted dark chocolate. Beat until creamy and luscious. Add more cream for smoother texture.
4. Assemble the Cake
1 Level cake layers if needed.
2 Place one layer on a serving plate. Spread with milk chocolate ganache.
3 Add the next layer(s), repeating the filling if using 3 layers.
4 Frost the top and sides with the dark chocolate frosting.
5 Smooth with a spatula or decorate as desired.
5. Decorate (Optional but recommended!)
β’ Top with chocolate curls, shavings, truffles, or a drizzle of ganache.
β’ Garnish with fresh berries, gold leaf, or a dusting of cocoa powder for flair.
π Serving Tips
β’ Chill the cake for cleaner slices, but serve at room temperature for the best texture.
β’ Keeps well covered in the fridge for 3β4 days.