Ultimate Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water or hot coffee (for richer flavor)

For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting:

• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
• 400g dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For Decoration:

• Chocolate shavings or curls
• Extra ganache drizzle (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23cm) cake pans.

Make the cake batter:
In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Stir in boiling water/coffee (batter will be thin).

Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

Prepare ganache:
Heat cream until just boiling. Pour over chopped chocolate and butter. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Chill slightly until spreadable.

Assemble:
Slice each cake in half horizontally (to make 4 layers). Spread ganache between each layer. Cover entire cake with ganache.

Decorate with chocolate shavings/curls. Drizzle with extra ganache if desired.