Name: Chocolate Lovers Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 cup boiling hot coffee; 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder ((natural or Dutch process; half and half)); 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs ((at room temperature)); ¾ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup Greek yogurt; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup buttermilk; 1 cup milk ((I used 2%)); ⅓ cup sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 2 ounces semisweet chocolate ((finely chopped)); 12 ounces semisweet chocolate ((finely chopped)); 1 pinch salt; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 2 tablespoons heavy cream

If you’re a chocolate enthusiast, then you’re in for a real treat with this Chocolate Lovers Chocolate Cake. This cake is an absolute dream for anyone who craves the rich, decadent flavor of chocolate. With layers of moist cake, a luscious filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache, this dessert is the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this chocolate masterpiece!

Why This Chocolate Lovers Chocolate Cake Stands Out

This Chocolate Lovers Chocolate Cake is not just any chocolate cake; it’s a celebration of chocolate in its purest form. The unique combination of ingredients ensures a moist and tender crumb, while the layers of rich filling and ganache create a delightful balance of flavors. The addition of hot coffee enhances the cocoa, intensifying the chocolate flavor and making each bite utterly irresistible. This cake is perfect for gatherings or simply when you want to treat yourself to something special.

What You’ll Need

To make this luscious Chocolate Lovers Chocolate Cake, gather the following ingredients:

1 cup boiling hot coffee
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch process; I used half and half)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs (at room temperature)
¾ cup vegetable oil
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup buttermilk

For the filling:

1 cup milk (I used 2%)
⅓ cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
2 ounces semisweet chocolate (finely chopped)

For the ganache:

12 ounces semisweet chocolate (finely chopped)
Pinch of salt
1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Gear Up: What to Grab

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools ready:

Mixing bowls: For combining your cake batter and filling.
Whisk: To ensure all ingredients are well blended.
Spatula: For folding in ingredients and scraping the sides of the bowl.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to successful baking.
Cake pans: Two 9-inch round pans work perfectly for this recipe.
Cooling rack: To cool the cakes before frosting.

How to Prepare Chocolate Lovers Chocolate Cake

Follow these simple steps to create your Chocolate Lovers Chocolate Cake:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring they are ready to release the cake after baking.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and boiling hot coffee until smooth. Let it cool slightly while you work on the dry ingredients.

In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add the vegetable oil, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Stir well to combine all the wet ingredients.

Now, pour the cocoa-coffee mixture into the wet ingredients and mix until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 2: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Filling

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the chocolate filling. In a saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to thicken.

Once thickened, remove from heat and whisk in the chopped chocolate until smooth. Allow this mixture to cool slightly, then whisk in the egg until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes, then whisk until smooth and shiny. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

Step 6: Frost the Cake

Pour the ganache over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish. Use a spatula to spread the ganache evenly if desired. Let the ganache set for a bit before slicing.

International Equivalents

1 cup = 240 ml
1 tablespoon = 15 ml
1 teaspoon = 5 ml
1 ounce = 28 grams

Easy-to-Miss Gotchas

When making this Chocolate Lovers Chocolate Cake, keep an eye out for these common pitfalls:

Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better blending.
Do not skip the boiling water step; it really enhances the cocoa’s flavor.
Allow the cakes to cool completely before adding the filling and ganache to avoid melting.
Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache and filling; it makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

Storage Pro Tips

To keep your Chocolate Lovers Chocolate Cake fresh, follow these storage tips:

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you need to store it longer, refrigerate the cake, which will keep it fresh for about a week.
For longer storage, you can freeze the un-frosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends if you prefer a gluten-free version.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can use sour cream or regular plain yogurt as a substitute.

How do I make this cake more chocolatey?

For an extra chocolate kick, consider adding chocolate chips into the batter or using dark cocoa powder.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just store them properly and assemble with the filling and ganache on the day you plan to serve.

What to Make After This

The Last Word

This Chocolate Lovers Chocolate Cake is a must-try for anyone who appreciates the deep, rich flavor of chocolate. With its moist layers, creamy filling, and decadent ganache, it’s a showstopper that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to dive into a chocolate paradise!