Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache

This Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache is truly the ultimate chocolate indulgence. It’s a moist, rich homemade cake made in just one bowl, requiring no mixer, and only 10 minutes of hands-on prep time. The cake is topped with a velvety smooth ganache made from semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream, adding extra decadence. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or as a treat for yourself, this cake will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 6 ounces plain, vanilla, or chocolate yogurt (Greek-style preferred, do not use low-fat or diet)

  • ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil

  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

  • ½ cup brewed coffee (room temperature)

  • ½ cup unsweetened natural cocoa powder

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt (optional)

For the Ganache:

  • 9 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (about 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips)

  • ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Make the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together egg, sugar, yogurt, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the coffee, cocoa powder, and whisk until combined. Stir in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Make the Ganache: Place the chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl and heat on high power for 1 minute. In a separate small microwave-safe bowl, heat the cream until it starts to boil (about 60 to 75 seconds). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it stand for about 1 minute before whisking until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and set aside for 10 minutes to thicken.

  3. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, pour the ganache over the cake and spread evenly with a spatula. Let the ganache set for about 30 minutes at room temperature, or speed up the process by refrigerating the cake briefly.

Nutrients

  • Calories: 372 per serving

  • Carbohydrates: 45g

  • Protein: 4g

  • Fat: 17g

    • Saturated Fat: 8g

  • Sodium: 238mg

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sugar: 33g

Why Choose Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache?

This cake is a true chocolate lover’s dream, delivering both a deep, rich flavor and a perfectly tender crumb. The addition of brewed coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, making it even more intense and satisfying. The ganache is the perfect finishing touch, adding a silky, glossy layer that melts in your mouth with every bite.

What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. Made in just one bowl with minimal ingredients, it’s a hassle-free cake that doesn’t require any special equipment like a mixer or elaborate steps. Despite the simplicity, the cake looks and tastes like something you’d find at a high-end bakery. Plus, it only takes 10 minutes of hands-on prep time, making it a quick and easy treat for any occasion.

The Key Ingredients for Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache

This cake is made with simple ingredients, but the combination of flavors and textures will impress anyone who tastes it:

  • Egg: The egg provides structure and moisture to the cake, helping it rise while keeping it soft and tender.

  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to balance the bitter cocoa flavor.

  • Yogurt: Full-fat plain, vanilla, or chocolate yogurt adds moisture, richness, and a slight tang, which works beautifully with the cocoa in the cake. Greek-style yogurt is preferred as it adds a bit more creaminess to the batter.

  • Canola or Vegetable Oil: The oil ensures the cake stays moist and tender, giving it the perfect crumb texture.

  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cake.

  • Brewed Coffee: Coffee enhances the flavor of the chocolate and deepens the richness of the cake without making it taste like coffee. The coffee helps balance the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.

  • Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the cake its rich chocolate flavor and deep color.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cake, providing a light texture.

  • Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents ensure the cake rises and stays soft.

  • Salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.

  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate (for Ganache): The ganache is made with semi-sweet chocolate, which gives it a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

  • Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: These create the creamy consistency for the ganache, giving it a smooth, silky texture.

  • Vanilla Extract (for Ganache): A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors of the ganache and adds an extra layer of warmth.

How to Make Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache

This simple cake comes together in just a few easy steps, making it a perfect go-to dessert for any occasion.

Step 1: Make the Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan and set it aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, granulated sugar, yogurt, canola or vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the brewed coffee, cocoa powder, and whisk until combined. Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until the batter is smooth and just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Ganache

While the cake cools, prepare the ganache. Place the semi-sweet chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high power for 1 minute. In a separate small microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream until it starts to boil (about 60 to 75 seconds).

Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for about 1 minute to soften the chocolate. After 1 minute, whisk until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and set the ganache aside for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, pour the ganache over the top and spread it evenly with a spatula. Let the ganache set for about 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate the cake briefly to speed up the process.

Step 4: Serve

Once the ganache has set and hardened slightly, slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the rich, decadent chocolate flavor!

Nutritional Benefits of Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache

This indulgent dessert is a treat, but it’s still packed with some essential nutrients in every slice:

  • Calories: At approximately 372 calories per serving, this cake offers a satisfying dessert without being overly indulgent.

  • Carbohydrates: With 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving, this cake provides the energy you need to enjoy your dessert without overloading on sugar.

  • Protein: Each serving has 4 grams of protein, which comes from the yogurt and egg, helping to balance the richness of the cake.

  • Fat: The cake contains 17 grams of fat, with 8 grams of saturated fat from the butter and chocolate. While this is a richer dessert, it’s balanced by the moderate portion size.

  • Sodium: At 918 mg per serving, the sodium content is moderate, so it’s best to enjoy this cake in moderation.

  • Fiber: The cake offers 2 grams of fiber per serving, which helps with digestion and adds a bit of nutritional value.

Customizing Your Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache

This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences:

  • Different Chocolate: You can swap the semi-sweet chocolate in the ganache for dark chocolate or milk chocolate if you prefer a different level of sweetness.

  • Flavors: Try adding a splash of flavored extracts like almond or orange to the ganache for a unique twist.

  • Cake Texture: If you like a slightly more dense cake, you can use sour cream or buttermilk instead of yogurt for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache

This cake is perfect as-is, but you can elevate it with a few extras:

  • Fresh Berries: Serve the cake with a handful of fresh raspberries, strawberries, or cherries for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chocolate.

  • Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream pairs beautifully with this decadent cake.

  • Mint Leaves: Garnish the cake with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a refreshing flavor that cuts through the sweetness.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. With its rich, moist texture and decadent ganache topping, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a special celebration or just treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your chocolate cravings. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, with just 10 minutes of hands-on prep time, making it an accessible dessert for both beginners and experienced bakers alike. Enjoy the luxurious flavors and textures of this simple yet irresistible cake!

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