The Ultimate Celebration Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe

Sweet secrets unfold in this decadent celebration chocolate ganache cake that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of rich, velvety chocolate promise a sensational dessert experience.

Silky smooth ganache cascades between moist cake tiers, creating an irresistible texture.

Delicate cocoa notes dance across each luxurious bite, tempting even the most discerning palate.

Crafted with passion and precision, this recipe turns ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Dessert enthusiasts will find themselves enchanted by the deep, complex flavors that melt seamlessly on your tongue.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice and savoring every delightful crumb.

Why Celebration Ganache Cake Feels So Luxe

• Nail Spectacular Chocolate Indulgence: Perfect for transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary celebrations with rich chocolate decadence.
• Create Stress-Free Dessert Magic: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this cake achievable for bakers of all skill levels, guaranteeing impressive results without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Chocolate Canvas: Versatile recipe allows personal touches like fresh berry garnishes or different chocolate variations, making each cake uniquely yours and adapting to various preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Experience: Delivers professional-looking dessert that looks like it came from a high-end bakery, sure to wow family gatherings, dinner parties, or special occasions with its glossy ganache and elegant presentation.

Must-Have Ingredients for a Chocolate Celebration Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the chocolate cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains tender and moist.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.

• Dark Chocolate, Heavy Cream: Create a rich and glossy ganache topping.
• Butter: Adds extra richness and shine to the ganache.
• Chocolate Shavings, Powdered Sugar: Provide an elegant finishing touch.
• Fresh Berries: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.

Steps to Master a Rich Chocolate Ganache Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and coat it generously with butter or cooking spray. Set your oven to warm up at 350°F.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Sift everything together to eliminate any pesky lumps.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Sugar
• Eggs
• Milk
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and well-combined.

Step 4: Create Chocolate Batter

Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir carefully to create a uniform chocolate batter, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fill Cake Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely for 45-60 minutes.

Step 8: Craft Luxurious Ganache

Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it reaches a gentle simmer. Pour the hot cream over chopped dark chocolate.

Step 9: Perfect the Ganache

Let the chocolate and cream mingle for 2-3 minutes. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Add butter for extra richness.

Step 10: Drench in Ganache

Once the cake has cooled, pour the warm ganache over the top, letting it flow gracefully down the sides.

Step 11: Add Elegant Touches

Sprinkle chocolate shavings across the top and dust with powdered sugar for a sophisticated look.

Step 12: Optional Garnish

Arrange fresh berries around the base of the cake for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 13: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cake for 15-20 minutes to help the ganache set. Slice and enjoy your decadent creation!

Tips for Silky-Smooth Ganache and Moist Layers

• Prevent Lumps: Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, lump-free chocolate cake texture.
• Master Mixing Technique: Fold wet and dry ingredients gently to maintain the cake's light and airy consistency.
• Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test to confirm the cake is perfectly baked without overcooking.
• Control Ganache Perfection: Let chocolate and cream sit briefly before whisking to achieve a silky, glossy finish.
• Serve with Style: Chill the cake briefly to set the ganache and create a professional-looking dessert presentation.

Ways to Switch Up Your Ganache Cake Game

• Berry Bliss Cake: Replace ganache with raspberry compote, add fresh raspberries between cake layers, and top with white chocolate curls for a fruity transformation.
• Espresso Dream Cake: Incorporate strong coffee into cake batter, use mocha ganache instead of traditional chocolate, and sprinkle ground espresso beans on top for intense coffee flavor.
• Salted Caramel Decadence: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over ganache, scatter caramel chunks on top, and add a light sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-savory contrast.
• Nutty Chocolate Heaven: Mix chopped hazelnuts or almonds into cake batter, coat ganache with crushed toasted nuts, and garnish with chocolate-covered nut pieces for extra crunch.

Delicious Pairings for Celebration Chocolate Cake

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or rich Merlot that complements the intense chocolate flavors, cutting through the ganache's richness and enhancing the dessert's decadent profile.
• Match with Espresso Martini: Create a sophisticated cocktail pairing that amplifies the chocolate's depth, blending smooth vodka, coffee liqueur, and fresh espresso to provide a strong, complementary flavor experience.
• Serve with Fresh Raspberry Sorbet: Introduce a tart and refreshing palate cleanser that balances the cake's rich chocolate intensity, offering a light and bright contrast to the dense ganache texture.

How to Keep Ganache Cake Fresh and Glossy

• Store the chocolate ganache cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Keep the cake covered to prevent it from absorbing other food odors and to maintain its moisture.
• If serving within 1-2 days, leave the cake at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Cover it loosely with a cake dome or plastic wrap to keep it fresh and prevent drying out.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its texture and flavor.
• Cut remaining cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, and store in an airtight container.

Answers to Common Ganache Cake Questions

• What ingredients make this chocolate ganache cake rich and decadent?

Dark chocolate, heavy cream, and butter create an incredibly luxurious ganache that delivers deep, intense chocolate flavor with a smooth, silky texture.

• Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate with semi-sweet or milk chocolate based on your preference, though dark chocolate provides the most intense flavor profile.

• Is this cake suitable for chocolate lovers?

Absolutely! This cake is perfect for serious chocolate enthusiasts, featuring a moist chocolate base and a rich, glossy ganache that intensifies the chocolate experience.

• How difficult is this recipe for home bakers?

This recipe is moderately easy, suitable for intermediate home bakers with basic baking skills, requiring careful mixing and temperature control for the best results.

Celebration Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich layers of chocolate delight dance through this celebration chocolate ganache cake, promising pure indulgence for dessert enthusiasts. Smooth ganache and moist cake create an irresistible symphony of flavors you’ll savor with pure joy.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Cake Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Chocolate Ganache Ingredients:

• 12 oz dark chocolate (chopped)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Decorative Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chocolate shavings
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• Fresh berries (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl to eliminate any lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.
4. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a uniform chocolate batter forms without overmixing.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a level surface.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack for approximately 45-60 minutes.
8. For the ganache, heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it reaches a gentle simmer, then pour over chopped dark chocolate.
9. Let the chocolate and cream mixture sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy, incorporating butter for extra richness.
10. Once the cake has cooled, pour the warm ganache over the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides naturally.
11. Sprinkle chocolate shavings across the top and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
12. Optional: Garnish with fresh berries around the base of the cake for a vibrant presentation.
13. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help the ganache set before serving.

Notes

• Perfectly sift dry ingredients to prevent clumpy chocolate cake texture and ensure smooth batter consistency.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender, light crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Test cake doneness using the toothpick method, ensuring the center is fully baked without drying out the edges.
• Allow cake to cool completely before adding ganache to prevent melting and maintain a glossy, professional finish.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.
• Create a richer ganache by using high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content.
• Enhance moisture by adding a tablespoon of coffee or espresso to the batter for deeper chocolate flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 419
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 42 mg