Chocolate Ganache Cake
User Reviews
4.6
Chocolate Ganache Cake
Description
The Chocolate Ganache Cake recipe starts with a chocolate cake batter containing egg, sugar, plain or flavored yogurt, oil, vanilla extract, brewed coffee, unsweetened cocoa powder, and standard leavening agents. Coffee is used to deepen and enhance the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. The batter is whisked to smoothness and baked in a lined pan until set and a tester comes out clean, producing a moist, tender crumb.
The accompanying ganache is made by softening semi-sweet chocolate and combining it with heated heavy cream and vanilla to form a smooth, shiny topping. Once cooled, the ganache can be poured over or spread on the cake for a rich chocolate coating that contrasts with the cake's texture.
This cake is well suited for serving sliced at room temperature or chilled, offering a balance between moist crumb and creamy ganache. It pairs well with coffee or milk and makes a versatile dessert for gatherings.
Notes recommend storing the unfrosted cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days, or refrigerating once frosted to preserve freshness. The recipe suggests that coffee temperature should not be hot so as not to affect the eggs, and offers liqueur additions as optional flavor enhancers.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 1 egg large
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 ounces plain vanilla, or chocolate yogurt (thicker Greek-style preferred, do not use diet, fat-free or light yogurt; sour cream may be substituted)
- ¼ cup canola oil or vegetable oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup brewed coffee room temperature or warm*
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder natural
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt optional
Chocolate Ganache
- 9 ounces semi-sweet chocolate about 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9-by-9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray, or grease and flour the pan; set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl combine egg, sugar, yogurt, oil, vanilla, and whisk until smooth and combined.
- Add coffee, cocoa powder (I used Hershey’s), and whisk vigorously until batter is smooth and free from lumps.
- Add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and whisk vigorously until batter has just combined, about 1 minute.
- Pour batter, which is a loose and fairly runny batter, into prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes, or until top has set and a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool in pan completely, at least 30 minutes, before adding ganache or frosting the cake, or before slicing and serving.
Chocolate Ganache
- Place chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl and heat on high power for 1 minute to soften chocolate; set aside.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup, heat the cream (I used half-and-half) on high power just until it begins to bubble and show signs of boiling, about 60 to 75 seconds.
- Pour hot cream over chocolate and let it stand about 1 minute. Whisk vigorously until chocolate has melted and mixture is smooth and velvety.
- Add vanilla or optional flavorings and stir to combine. Set bowl aside for about 10 minutes, allowing ganache to cool and thicken a bit.
- Whisk mixture briefly before pouring all of it over the cake. Lightly smooth and spread the ganache with a spatula or offset knife.
- Allow ganache to set up for at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving the cake; or speed this process up by placing pan in the refrigerator or freezer briefly.
Notes
- Unfrosted cake keeps well up to five days at room temperature when stored airtight; frosted cake should be refrigerated for freshness.
- Coffee enhances the cocoa flavor without making the cake taste like coffee; ensure the coffee is not hot to prevent affecting the eggs.
- Optional flavor variations include adding 1-2 tablespoons of rum, bourbon, or flavored liqueurs for added depth.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 372 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 372kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g | 47% |
| Cholesterol | 33mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 238mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 33g | 66% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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