Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Perfect Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Introduction

This is the ultimate moist chocolate cake recipe, a decadent dessert that delivers rich flavor and a tender crumb every time. The secret ingredient ensures incredible texture, while the silky chocolate ganache creates a perfect, glossy finish. For more chocolate indulgence, try this Luxurious Black Velvet Cake Recipe or a Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a decadent, super moist chocolate cake with perfect chocolate ganache that’s rich, tender, and deeply flavorful.

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk (or buttermilk)
• 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 stick Nescafe (2g instant coffee)
• 1 cup very hot water

For the Perfect Chocolate Ganache

• 8 oz (about 225g) dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 8 oz (1 cup) heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Timing

Prep Time	25 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Perfect Chocolate Ganache comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to its streamlined, one-bowl mixing method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. Sifting aerates the flour and prevents lumps, which is crucial for a super moist chocolate cake with a fine, tender crumb.

Step 2 — Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thickened. Gradually mix in the buttermilk. The acid in buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, creating a light texture.

Tip: Use room-temperature eggs and buttermilk for better emulsion and a more even rise.

Step 3 — Mix Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing, which develops gluten and leads to a tough cake. The batter will be relatively thin.

Step 4 — Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between two prepared 9-inch cake pans. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-35 minutes.

Doneness Cue: The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. The tops will spring back when lightly pressed.

Step 5 — Cool Completely

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack. They must be completely cool to the touch before frosting. A warm cake will melt your perfect chocolate ganache.

Step 6 — Make the Chocolate Ganache

Finely chop high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes without stirring to allow the chocolate to melt.

Step 7 — Finish the Ganache

After 5 minutes, gently stir the mixture from the center outward until it becomes a smooth, glossy ganache. For a spreadable frosting, let it cool at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.

Tip: For a pourable glaze, use it immediately. For a thicker frosting, chill it briefly, stirring every 10 minutes.

Step 8 — Assemble and Frost

Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of thickened ganache over the top. Carefully place the second layer on top. Use an offset spatula to apply a thin “crumb coat” of ganache over the entire cake, then chill for 15 minutes to set.

Apply the final, thicker layer of ganache, swirling for a beautiful finish. Your super moist chocolate cake with perfect chocolate ganache is ready to serve.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420 kcal
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	55g
Fat	22g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	280mg

Note: These are estimated values per serving for this Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Perfect Chocolate Ganache, calculated using common ingredients. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

This Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Perfect Chocolate Ganache is wonderfully adaptable. Here are simple ingredient swaps to tailor it to different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or texture.

• Protein-Packed Flour — Replace half the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a scoop of unflavored protein powder for a richer, nuttier taste and a protein boost.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Swap granulated sugar for a monk fruit or erythritol blend to reduce carbs while maintaining the cake’s sweetness and moisture.
• Dairy-Free Moisture — Use unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado instead of oil for a moist, dairy-free crumb with a subtle, fruity undertone.
• Gluten-Free Base — Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to create a tender cake that everyone can enjoy.
• Low-Sodium Option — Omit the salt in the batter and use unsalted butter in the ganache for a deeply chocolatey flavor without the added sodium.
• Vegan-Friendly — Use a flax egg and plant-based milk to make the cake vegan, resulting in a slightly denser but equally decadent texture.
• Reduced-Fat Ganache — For the Perfect Chocolate Ganache, replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a luxurious, dairy-free finish with a hint of coconut.
• Nutty Flour Alternative — Use oat flour for a heartier, whole-grain texture that adds a mild, toasty flavor to your chocolate cake.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this super moist chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate flavor.
• For a sophisticated twist, serve alongside a glass of cold milk, a rich stout beer, or a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Perfect for celebrations, this cake is a showstopper at birthdays, anniversaries, and holiday gatherings.
• Elevate everyday moments by enjoying a slice with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso.
• For beautiful plating, dust the plate with cocoa powder or powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or chocolate shavings.
• Transform leftovers into a decadent dessert by warming a slice slightly and drizzling with extra ganache or a caramel sauce.

This super moist chocolate cake with perfect chocolate ganache is versatile enough for any occasion, from a casual family dessert to the centerpiece of a festive table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overmixing the batter, which develops gluten and leads to a tough, dense cake. Fix: Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated; a few small lumps are fine.
• Mistake: Using cold ingredients like eggs or milk, which can cause the batter to curdle and bake unevenly. Fix: Bring all dairy and eggs to room temperature for a smooth, emulsified batter.
• Mistake: Incorrectly measuring flour, the most common cause of a dry cake. Fix: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off; never scoop directly from the bag.
• Mistake: Opening the oven door too early, causing the cake to collapse from a sudden temperature drop. Fix: Wait until at least the minimum bake time has passed before checking for doneness.
• Mistake: Pouring hot ganache over a warm cake, which causes it to soak in and become greasy instead of setting into a glossy layer. Fix: Always let your super moist chocolate cake cool completely before adding the perfect chocolate ganache.
• Mistake: Using the wrong chocolate-to-cream ratio for ganache, resulting in a sauce that’s too thin or a thick, unspreadable paste. Fix: For a pourable glaze, use a 1:1 ratio by weight; for a thicker frosting, use 2:1 chocolate to cream.
• Mistake: Frosting a cake with crumbs on the surface, creating a messy final look. Fix: Apply a thin “crumb coat” of ganache, chill the cake to set it, then add your final, smooth layer.
• Mistake: Substituting natural cocoa powder for Dutch-processed (or vice versa) without adjusting leaveners, affecting rise and flavor. Fix: Stick to the type specified in your super moist chocolate cake recipe for consistent chemical reactions.
• Mistake: Rushing the cooling process by putting a hot cake in the fridge, which can make it soggy. Fix: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store this Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Perfect Chocolate Ganache in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The ganache will stay firm and the cake will retain its moisture.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: To enjoy a warm slice, microwave a single portion for 15-20 seconds. For a whole cake, warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until just heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Always let the cake cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the ganache weep and affect the cake’s perfect texture.

Conclusion

This Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Perfect Chocolate Ganache is a showstopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. For more decadent chocolate treats, try our Triple Chocolate Cake Recipe. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment and subscribe for more delicious bakes!

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Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Perfect Chocolate Ganache

Print Recipe

A super moist chocolate cake enhanced with hot coffee for rich flavor, topped with smooth and shiny perfect chocolate ganache frosting.

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 stick Nescafe (2g coffee)
• 1 cup hot water (very hot)
• For ganache: 8 oz dark chocolate, 8 oz heavy whipping cream, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add milk, oil, eggs, vanilla, Nescafe, and hot water. Mix until smooth and combined.
3. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
4. For ganache: Heat heavy cream until simmering. Pour over chopped dark chocolate, let sit 5 minutes, then stir in salt and vanilla until smooth. Cool until spreadable.
5. Level cakes if needed, spread ganache between layers, over top and sides. Chill briefly if ganache is too soft.

Notes

Use very hot water to bloom the cocoa for maximum flavor and moisture. Coffee adds depth without coffee taste; substitute water if preferred. Let ganache cool to desired consistency for spreading or drizzling. Store cake in fridge but serve at room temp.

• Author: Olivia Bennett
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Method: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 40g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

FAQs

What makes this chocolate cake so moist?

The recipe uses a combination of oil, buttermilk, and hot coffee to create an exceptionally tender crumb. This ensures your Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Perfect Chocolate Ganache lives up to its name every time.

How do I get a smooth, shiny ganache for the topping?

Use high-quality chocolate and warm cream, and stir gently until fully combined. Let it cool slightly to thicken before pouring it over your cooled Super Moist Chocolate Cake for a perfect, glossy finish.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap once completely cool. Assemble with the ganache the day you plan to serve it for the best texture and flavor.