Description
This rich and moist chocolate cake is perfect for Valentine’s Day. Topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and fresh raspberries, it’s a treat that speaks of love.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 8 ounces (225g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
For Garnish:
- Fresh raspberries
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.
- Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Incorporate Boiling Water:
- Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this ensures a moist cake.
- Bake the Cakes:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes:
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
- Then, remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Ganache:
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a layer of ganache over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and spread ganache over the top and sides of the cake.
- Garnish:
- Decorate the top of the cake with fresh raspberries.
- If desired, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, you can substitute the boiling water with hot coffee.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.