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Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe (With a Rich Chocolate Ganache!)
Looking for a quick and indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress? This chocolate cake is everything you need—a soft, moist base topped with a silky smooth chocolate ganache that’s simply irresistible. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious homemade cake ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
Whether it’s a celebration or just a chocolate craving, this cake has you covered. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cake
- Quick & Easy: Made with basic ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes!
- Rich and Moist: Thanks to the combination of oil and boiling water, this cake is perfectly soft with a deep chocolate flavor.
- Topped with Ganache: The creamy chocolate ganache adds an extra layer of indulgence that makes this cake feel special.
- Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or whenever you need a chocolate fix!
Ingredients for the Cake
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup boiling water
- ¼ cup oil (vegetable or any neutral oil)
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
Ingredients for the Ganache
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 3 slabs of Dairy Milk Cadbury chocolate (or your favorite milk chocolate), broken into pieces
- 250 ml heavy cream (fresh cream)
How to Make the Perfect Chocolate Cake
1. Whisk the Eggs
Start by whisking the eggs in a large mixing bowl until they’re light and fluffy. This step helps create a light, airy texture in the cake.
2. Add Sugar and Vanilla
Gradually add the sugar and vanilla extract to the eggs, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Fold in the Flour
Sift the flour into the egg mixture and gently fold it in until no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
4. Prepare the Chocolate Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix together the boiling water, oil, and cocoa powder. Stir until the cocoa is fully dissolved.
5. Activate the Baking Powder
Add the baking powder to the batter and immediately pour the hot chocolate mixture on top. The batter will bubble slightly—this is normal and helps make the cake light and fluffy.
6. Bake
Pour the batter into a greased baking tray and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Making the Ganache
1. Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a saucepan over low heat, melt 1 stick of butter and the chocolate pieces, stirring frequently to ensure the mixture doesn’t burn.
2. Add the Cream
Once the chocolate and butter are melted and smooth, add in the heavy cream. Whisk the mixture continuously until it comes to a gentle boil, ensuring it’s fully combined and smooth.
3. Cool the Ganache
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the ganache to cool for a few minutes. Once it has thickened slightly but is still pourable, it’s ready to pour over your cake.
Assembling the Cake
- Let the cake cool completely before adding the ganache to avoid melting the topping.
- Once the ganache has cooled a bit, pour it over the cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the surface.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or nuts on top!
Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: This will help them whip up more easily and give the cake better structure.
- Boiling Water is Key: Don’t skip this step—it helps activate the cocoa and makes the cake ultra moist.
- Let the Ganache Cool Before Pouring: Make sure your ganache has thickened slightly so it coats the cake without running off the sides.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with Fresh Berries: Add strawberries or raspberries for a burst of freshness.
- Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: If you want to keep it simple, a light dusting of powdered sugar will do the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dark chocolate for the ganache?
Yes! If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, you can replace the milk chocolate with dark chocolate. Just note that it will make the ganache less sweet.
How long will this cake last?
This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake in advance and store it (without the ganache) in the fridge. Add the ganache just before serving for the freshest result.
Enjoy Your Chocolate Cake!
This chocolate cake, topped with a luscious ganache, is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a celebration or just to treat yourself, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out—happy baking!
Chocolate Cake (soft and spongy)
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/4 cup oil
- 3 tbsp baking powder
Ganache
- 1 stick butter
- 3 slabs plain chocolate
- 250 ml fresh cream (heavy cream) (nestle cream or milk can be used instead)
Instructions
- Whisk eggs until fluffy. This may take about 10-15 minutes
- Add in sugar gradually
- Add essence
- Fold in flour
- In a separate bowl, mix together water, oil and cocoa.
- Add in baking powder and thereafter the boiling water mixture directly on top of it.
- mix/fold lightly until incorporated.
- Pour into greased baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes until done
Chocolate Ganache
- Put butter in a saucepan on low heat
- Break in chocolate chunks and allow to melt over low heat.
- Once melted, add in fresh cream.
- Whisk in properly and allow to cook until it boils/thickens
- Allow to cool and thereafter pour slightly warm over cake