Thank you for being here — really. There’s something incredibly comforting about baking a chocolate cake from scratch. It’s simple, indulgent, and always delivers. This Classic Chocolate Cake with Ganache is my go-to for birthdays, holidays, and even just-because days when you need a slice of rich, moist, chocolatey joy. 🍫
With a soft crumb, deep cocoa flavor, and a smooth, glossy ganache glaze, it’s everything a homemade chocolate cake should be — elegant, reliable, and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- 🎂 Moist and rich, but not overly sweet
- 🍫 Simple ingredients, big chocolate flavor
- ✨ Ganache topping adds a bakery-quality finish
- 🧁 Perfect base for decorating, layering, or enjoying as-is
- 🧡 A cake that never goes out of style
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (60 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil
- ¾ cup (180 ml) warm milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Ganache:
- 200 g dark chocolate, chopped
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 1 tsp butter (optional, for shine)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan
- Saucepan
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack for cooling
- Cake plate or stand
How to Make the Classic Chocolate Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
Grease and flour an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan, or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift or whisk together:
- Flour
- Cocoa powder
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
This helps ensure even texture and no lumps.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Warm milk
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
Make sure the milk is warm (not hot!) to help bring everything together smoothly.
4. Combine and Mix
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
Stir gently until smooth and lump-free. The batter will be slightly thick and glossy.
5. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before adding the ganache.
How to Make the Ganache
1. Heat the Cream
In a small saucepan, heat the cream until it’s just about to boil (you’ll see tiny bubbles around the edges). Remove from heat.
2. Melt the Chocolate
Add the chopped dark chocolate to the hot cream. Let it sit for 1 minute, then stir until completely melted and smooth.
3. Optional Shine
For extra gloss and richness, stir in 1 tsp of butter until fully incorporated.
4. Pour and Spread
Let the ganache cool slightly (2–3 minutes) to thicken just a bit.
Then pour over the cooled cake and spread with a spatula, letting it drip naturally over the edges.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the cake as-is for a timeless presentation
- Add fresh berries, toasted nuts, or chocolate curls on top
- Pair with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar
This cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or whenever you need a classic crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your milk is warm for a smoother batter
- Let the cake cool completely before adding ganache to prevent melting
- Use good-quality chocolate for a richer ganache
- To slice neatly, dip your knife in warm water and wipe clean between cuts
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days (allow to come to room temp before serving)
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake layers, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Yes, but it will result in a sweeter ganache. You can also mix dark and milk chocolate for a balanced flavor.
Can I make this cake into cupcakes?
Absolutely! Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full and bake for 18–20 minutes.
Can I double the recipe for a layer cake?
Yes! Double the cake and ganache ingredients to make a beautiful two-layer cake.
In a Chocolatey Nutshell…
This Classic Chocolate Cake with Ganache is:
- Elegant
- Moist
- Easy to make
- Always a hit
Whether it’s a birthday, a dinner party, or a chocolate emergency, this cake rises to the occasion — every single time.
More Sweet Recipes You’ll Love:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Lava Cakes
- Easy Vanilla Layer Cake with Berry Compote
- Flourless Chocolate Torte
- Chocolate Chip Loaf with Ganache Drizzle
Let’s Stay Connected!
If you bake this cake, I’d love to see it!
📸 Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram and show off your ganache pour!
💬 Don’t forget to leave a review or comment below — it helps other chocolate lovers find this recipe too!
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approx. 10 Servings)
- Calories: 370
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
Here’s to a slice of chocolate happiness — glossy, rich, and utterly irresistible! 🍫✨
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