Chocolate Nirvana Cake
Indulge in pure chocolate bliss with the decadent Chocolate Nirvana Cake—a dessert masterpiece that lives up to its name. This rich, moist chocolate cake is crafted with a combination of unsweetened cocoa powder, buttermilk, and a touch of boiling water for unparalleled depth and tenderness. Layered with silky bittersweet chocolate ganache and frosted with a luscious cocoa buttercream, this cake strikes the perfect balance of heavenly sweetness and bold cocoa flavor. Ideal for celebrations or whenever a serious chocolate craving hits, it’s a show-stopping dessert guaranteed to impress. With straightforward steps and classic ingredients, the Chocolate Nirvana Cake is a must-try recipe for any chocolate lover.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 0.25 cups unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 0.25 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix on medium speed until smooth and well incorporated.
Slowly add the boiling water to the batter, mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin; this is normal.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes cool, make the ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Stir in the unsalted butter until fully melted.
Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and softened butter. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of ganache over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the cocoa frosting.
Optional: Garnish with chocolate shavings, curls, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the ganache and frosting. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7298 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 333.7 g | 428% | |
| Saturated Fat | 147.8 g | 739% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 67.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 706 mg | 235% | |
| Sodium | 5490 mg | 239% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1106.2 g | 402% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 109.7 g | 392% | |
| Total Sugars | 762.6 g | ||
| Protein | 102.5 g | 205% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.8 mcg | 29% | |
| Calcium | 862 mg | 66% | |
| Iron | 73.5 mg | 408% | |
| Potassium | 5691 mg | 121% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
