Dessert

The Ultimate Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe

ByMaya Quinn January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Introduction

The Ultimate Chocolate Ganache Cake is a rich, moist delight perfect for any chocolate lover. With its smooth ganache frosting and decadent layers, it’s ideal for celebrations or a special treat at home.

A slice of two-layer dark chocolate cake sits on a white plate, with a thick middle layer of smooth chocolate frosting. The top layer is covered with a smooth, slightly textured frosting and decorated with small, shiny chocolate drops along the edge. The cake layers look moist and dense, with a rich chocolate color. A piece of cake with frosting is held by a fork resting on the plate in front of the slice. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
2 cups dark chocolate ganache
1 cup chocolate shavings

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Carefully stir in the boiling water; the batter will be thin, which is normal.
Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Spread chocolate ganache between the layers. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining ganache.
Step 7: Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top. Chill the cake for 1 hour before slicing for best results.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a richer, tender crumb.
Use white chocolate ganache or mix dark and milk chocolate for a different frosting flavor.
Ensure boiling water is added slowly to avoid curdling and keep the batter smooth.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for the ganache to soften. Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to Serve

The image shows a three-layer chocolate cake covered with light brown chocolate frosting. The top layer has a smooth circular swirl pattern in the middle, surrounded by a decorative ring of piped chocolate frosting rosettes. Small dark chocolate chips are sprinkled on top of the rosettes and around the base of the cake. The cake sits on a wooden plate, which is placed on a white plate, all set on a white marbled surface. Around the cake, there are scattered chocolate chips and oval-shaped chocolate pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different size cake pan?

Yes, but baking times and cake thickness may vary. Adjust baking time as needed and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely. Substitute whole milk with a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free ganache made with suitable chocolate and coconut cream.