My Family Favourite Chocolate Cake
Indulge in the ultimate homemade dessert with My Family Favourite Chocolate Cake—a timeless recipe that promises rich chocolate flavor, a moist and tender crumb, and an irresistible glossy ganache topping. This easy-to-make chocolate cake uses pantry staples like all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and granulated sugar, while the addition of boiling water ensures a perfectly moist texture every time. Topped with a luscious ganache made from semisweet chocolate chips and heavy cream, this two-layer cake is a showstopper for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to casual family dinners. Ready in under an hour and serving 12, it’s the perfect blend of simplicity and decadence. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting, this chocolate cake recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your home.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for ganache)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is normal and ensures a moist cake.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Tap the pans on the counter to release air bubbles.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not boil).
Remove the cream from the heat and pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Stir in the butter until fully incorporated.
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thin layer of ganache over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top and pour the remaining ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Use an offset spatula to smooth the ganache, if needed.
Let the ganache set at room temperature for about 1 hour before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5864 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 296.3 g | 380% | |
| Saturated Fat | 128.0 g | 640% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 67.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 644 mg | 215% | |
| Sodium | 5223 mg | 227% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 831.2 g | 302% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 86.0 g | 307% | |
| Total Sugars | 544.2 g | ||
| Protein | 94.1 g | 188% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.2 mcg | 26% | |
| Calcium | 765 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 48.1 mg | 267% | |
| Potassium | 4254 mg | 90% | |
*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.
