Double Chocolate Layered Cake with Chocolate Ganache
A rich double chocolate cake with moist layers and a glossy dark chocolate ganache coating for intense chocolate lovers. 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 12, 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 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup 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 large bowl, whisk 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup warm water, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 2 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 3: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Step 4: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 5: For ganache, heat 1 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour hot cream over 8 oz chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a bowl. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 6: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, pour and spread a thin layer of ganache over top. Place second layer on top and pour remaining ganache over entire cake, using a spatula to smooth sides. Allow ganache to set at room temperature before slicing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Double Chocolate Layered Cake with Chocolate Ganache 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 Double Chocolate Layered Cake with Chocolate Ganache?
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 Double Chocolate Layered Cake with Chocolate Ganache?
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 Double Chocolate Layered Cake with Chocolate Ganache for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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 Double Chocolate Layered Cake with Chocolate Ganache?
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.
