Description
Rich chocolate layers of Double Chocolate Dream Cake melt into silky ganache, creating a luxurious dessert that whispers pure indulgence. Chocolate enthusiasts will discover a heavenly experience with each incredible bite of this classic American sweet masterpiece.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
Frosting and Decoration:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray.
- Sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl to eliminate any lumps and ensure uniform distribution.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until completely blended and smooth.
- Gradually pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing with an electric mixer on medium speed until just combined.
- Slowly stream hot water into the batter, stirring gently until the mixture becomes silky and fully incorporated.
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared cake pans, tapping pans gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
- Remove cakes from oven and let cool in pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, cream butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
- Beat frosting mixture until smooth and spreadable, adjusting consistency with additional cream if needed.
- Once cakes are completely cooled, place first layer on serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting.
- Carefully position second cake layer on top and cover entire cake with remaining frosting.
- Garnish sides and top with chocolate shavings and chocolate chips for an elegant finish.
- Refrigerate cake for 30 minutes to set frosting before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth and consistent mixing, preventing lumps and achieving a velvety cake texture.
- Sifting dry ingredients helps break down cocoa powder clumps and creates a lighter, more uniform cake crumb.
- Always test cake doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center, looking for minimal crumbs and no wet batter.
- For extra moisture, brush cake layers with simple syrup before frosting to enhance flavor and prevent dryness.
- Gluten-free option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better structure.
- Reduce sugar content by substituting half the sugar with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for a healthier version.
- Enhance chocolate flavor by using high-quality cocoa powder and adding a shot of espresso to the hot water.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 482
- Sugar: 59 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg