Indulge in the ultimate sweet sensation with our Chocolate Ganache Valentine Cake—a dessert that promises to sweep your loved one off their feet! This decadent chocolate cake, layered with rich ganache, is not just a treat; it’s a heartfelt gesture that speaks volumes. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion where love is in the air, this cake is easy to make yet impressively elegant. With just a little effort, you can create a stunning centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to create a masterpiece that will make hearts flutter? Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the chocolate.
- After the chocolate has softened, gently stir the mixture with a spatula until it is smooth and shiny. Allow the ganache to cool slightly at room temperature.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of chocolate ganache on top of the first layer.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the ganache-covered layer. Pour the remaining ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
- If desired, decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or heart-shaped sprinkles for a festive Valentine’s touch.
- Slice the cake into 8 servings and enjoy your delicious Chocolate Ganache Valentine Cake!
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and a fluffier cake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cakes a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the ganache from melting and sliding off.
- Ganache Consistency: If your ganache is too thick, let it sit at room temperature for a bit longer to soften. If it’s too thin, refrigerate it briefly until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Decorate with Love: Get creative with your decorations! Use fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or even edible flowers to give your cake a romantic touch.
- Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to frost.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
