Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. This rich, moist, and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to cozy evenings at home. With its deep cocoa flavor, velvety texture, and luscious chocolate ganache, every bite is pure indulgence. Topped with fresh berries, this cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether served with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee
For the Chocolate Ganache:
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For Decoration:
Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Cake:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed. Slowly pour in the hot coffee and mix until smooth.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Ganache:
Melt the Chocolate: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour over the chopped chocolate and let sit for a minute.
Mix Until Smooth: Stir in the butter until the ganache is glossy and smooth. Let it cool slightly until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
Layer and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of ganache over the top. Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining ganache.
Decorate: Garnish with fresh berries and chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cooling & Assembly: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Use hot coffee in the batter: It enhances the chocolate flavor and gives the cake a rich depth.
Sift the cocoa powder: This helps prevent lumps in the batter.
Let the ganache cool before spreading: This ensures a thick, glossy finish.
Chill the cake before slicing: This makes for cleaner, neater slices.
Use high-quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer the taste.
Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake is the perfect dessert for any chocolate lover. With its rich flavors, moist texture, and luxurious ganache, this cake is bound to impress. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just satisfying a sweet craving, this cake will never disappoint.