ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CAKE
INGREDIENTS
For the Chocolate Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup hot coffee (or hot water for a milder taste)
For the Ganache Filling & Drip
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1 tsp butter (for extra shine)
For the Chocolate Frosting
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
½ cup cocoa powder
2–3 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
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INSTRUCTIONS
Bake the Cakes:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch or 8-inch round pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix in buttermilk.
4. Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry. Add hot coffee and mix until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Ganache:
7. Heat cream until just boiling, pour over chopped chocolate and let sit 2 minutes.
8. Stir until smooth, then add butter. Let cool to thicken slightly for spreading.
Make the Frosting:
9. Beat butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa, vanilla, and salt.
10. Slowly beat in cream until desired consistency is reached.
Assemble the Cake:
11. Layer cakes with chocolate frosting and ganache between each layer.
12. Frost top and sides with swirls or leave exposed for a naked look.
13. Drip ganache over edges and decorate with piped frosting and chocolate curls.