Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake with Ganache Glaze
A rich, moist chocolate cake layered with smooth chocolate fudge frosting and topped with a shiny ganache glaze. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 10, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup, softened unsalted butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, sift together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt.
- Step 2: In another bowl, whisk 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with 1 cup boiling water, mixing until smooth and the batter is thin.
- Step 4: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 5: For the fudge frosting, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter until creamy, then gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar and 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, beating until fluffy.
- Step 6: Spread fudge frosting between the two cooled cake layers and over the top and sides.
- Step 7: To make ganache, heat 1 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour over 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 8: Pour ganache over frosted cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Chill for 30 minutes to set before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake with Ganache Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake with Ganache Glaze?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake with Ganache Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake with Ganache Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 10 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 10). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake with Ganache Glaze?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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