Fudgy Chocolate Cake with Ganache Filling

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Fudgy Chocolate Cake with Ganache Filling

Description:
This fudgy chocolate cake with a rich ganache filling is a crowd-pleasing dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The cake layers are soft and moist, while the ganache filling adds a creamy and decadent texture. It’s the perfect dessert for any special occasion, holiday, or simply when you want to indulge in a homemade treat. This easy-to-make cake has been a favorite for years, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)

  • ½ cup vegetable oil

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • ½ cup hot water

For the Ganache Filling:

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips (or dark chocolate chopped)

  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra gloss)

Instructions:

For the Cake:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking pan or two round cake pans.

  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.

  4. Incorporate Hot Water: Slowly add the hot water into the batter, mixing continuously. The batter will be thin, which is normal.

  5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 30-35 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean). Allow the cakes to cool completely before removing them from the pan.

For the Ganache Filling:

  1. Heat the Cream: In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the heavy cream to a simmer. Remove from heat just before it starts boiling.

  2. Make the Ganache: Add the chocolate chips to the hot cream and stir until smooth and glossy. If you want a shinier ganache, add 1 tablespoon of butter and mix until it melts completely.

  3. Let it Set: Allow the ganache to cool slightly so it thickens before using it to fill the cake.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. If you used two round pans, slice each layer of cake in half horizontally to create 4 layers. If you used one square pan, simply slice the cake into two layers.

  2. Spread a generous amount of ganache filling between each layer.

  3. Once assembled, pour the remaining ganache over the top of the cake and spread it out evenly with a spatula.

  4. Let the ganache set and firm up before slicing and serving.

Notes:

  • Ganache: If you want a thicker ganache, use more chocolate and less cream. For a thinner consistency, increase the cream ratio.

  • Serving Size: This recipe can easily be scaled up for a larger crowd by doubling the ingredients and using a larger pan.

  • Cake Texture: The hot water in the batter makes the cake incredibly moist, so don’t worry if it looks thin before baking.

Tips:

  • Topping Options: You can garnish the cake with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.

  • Storage: Store leftover cake in the fridge for up to 3 days. This cake stays moist and delicious for several days!

  • Vegan Variation: Use a plant-based milk (like almond milk) and substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg).

Servings:

  • This recipe serves approximately 8-10 people, depending on portion sizes.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 10 servings):

  • Calories: 300 kcal

  • Carbs: 35g

  • Protein: 4g

  • Fat: 18g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 20g

Benefits:

  • Decadent Yet Simple: This cake is rich in flavor but incredibly easy to make with basic ingredients.

  • No Need for Frosting: The ganache acts as both a filling and frosting, making the cake even easier to prepare.

  • Versatile: This cake is perfect for any occasion and can be customized with various toppings or flavors.

Q&A for Recipe:

  • Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate? A: Yes, you can use dark or milk chocolate, depending on your preference. Dark chocolate will give the ganache a richer, less sweet flavor.

  • Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Add the ganache just before serving.

  • Q: How do I make the ganache thicker or thinner? A: To make a thicker ganache, use more chocolate and less cream. To make it thinner, increase the amount of cream.

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