Description
A rich, indulgent dessert featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, luscious mousse, and smooth ganache, perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for a richer flavor)
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (for mousse)
- 1 cup heavy cream, divided (for mousse)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for mousse)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for mousse)
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (for ganache)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for ganache)
- Chocolate shavings or curls (for garnish)
- Fresh berries (optional)
- Edible gold dust (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing, flouring, and lining with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; beat on medium until well combined. Gradually mix in boiling water or coffee until smooth.
- Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the mousse, melt chopped chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Whip 1/2 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form, then fold into the chocolate.
- For the ganache, heat remaining heavy cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, and let sit before stirring until smooth. Mix in butter.
- Optionally, slice each cake horizontally into two layers for a total of four layers. Place one layer on a plate, spread mousse, top with another layer, and repeat. Top with mousse again and pour ganache over the cake.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings and optional fresh berries or gold dust.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to set the mousse.
Notes
To serve, slice into wedges and pair with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, dessert, baking, indulgent dessert, special occasion cake