When you imagine the perfect chocolate cake, this is exactly what you see: three decadent layers of moist, rich chocolate cake made with high-quality ingredients, generously topped with a silky ganache that catches the light with its glossy sheen. Every bite is luxurious, balanced, and unforgettable.
Finished with fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings, this cake isn’t just a delight to eat—it’s a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, holiday, or simply treating yourself, this showstopper brings elegance and indulgence to the table.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot water (or hot coffee for extra depth)
For the Ganache:
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh strawberries
Chocolate shavings or curls
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.Add Wet Ingredients
Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Slowly stir in the hot water or coffee until the batter is thin and well combined.Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly among the pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.Make the Ganache
Heat cream until just simmering, then pour over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of ganache over it, then repeat with the second and third layers. Cover the entire cake with ganache. Decorate with strawberries and chocolate shavings.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Cooling & Assembly Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours
Baking Pro Tips
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Don’t skip the coffee—it enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
Chill the cake before slicing for cleaner layers.
For extra indulgence, add a layer of Baileys cream cheese frosting or drizzle fudge sauce between layers.
Use the best chocolate you can find for the ganache—it makes all the difference.