Chocolate Cake

Indulge in the rich, moist perfection of a homemade chocolate cake topped with silky chocolate ganache and tangy cherry topping. This recipe is ideal for celebrations or cozy gatherings, balancing deep chocolate flavor with a burst of cherry tartness. Follow this simple guide to create a showstopping dessert!

What You’ll Need for Chocolate Cake

Cake Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• 1 ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk

• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

Chocolate Ganache Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

• ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for shine)

Cherry Topping Ingredients

• 1 cup (150g) fresh cherries, pitted and halved

• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• 2 tbsp water

Equipment

• Two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans

• Parchment paper

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk or electric mixer

• Small saucepan

• Cooling rack

How to Make the Chocolate Cake

1. Bake the Chocolate Cake

Get ready to create a moist, flavorful cake with a rich chocolate taste.

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

5. Add Boiling Water: Stir in boiling water slowly. The batter will be thin, which ensures a moist cake.

6. Bake: Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool: Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

Create a smooth, glossy ganache to elevate the cake’s richness.

1. Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, warm heavy cream over medium heat until it simmers (don’t boil).

2. Melt Chocolate: Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 1–2 minutes.

3. Stir Smooth: Stir until chocolate melts completely and ganache is smooth. Add butter for extra shine, if desired.

4. Cool: Let ganache cool slightly until it’s thick enough to spread.

3. Make the Cherry Topping

Add a tangy, vibrant topping with fresh cherries.

1. Cook Cherries: In a small saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cherries soften.

2. Thicken: Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to make a slurry. Stir into cherry mixture and cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.

3. Cool: Remove from heat and let cool completely.

4. Assemble the Cake

Bring it all together for a stunning presentation.

1. Level Cakes: If cakes have domed tops, trim with a serrated knife for flat layers.

2. Apply Ganache: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of ganache on top. Add the second cake layer.

3. Frost Cake: Spread or pour remaining ganache over the top and sides, smoothing with a spatula.

4. Add Cherries: Spoon cooled cherry topping over the cake’s center, letting some drip down the sides for effect.

5. Serve

Enjoy your masterpiece!

• Let cake set for 20–30 minutes to firm up the ganache.

• Slice and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and milk at room temperature blend better for a smooth batter.

• Choose Quality Chocolate: High-quality semi-sweet chocolate enhances the ganache’s flavor.

• Cherry Options: Use frozen cherries (thawed) or store-bought cherry pie filling if fresh cherries aren’t available.

• Prep Ahead: Bake cake layers a day ahead and store wrapped at room temperature. Refrigerate ganache and cherry topping if made in advance.

Why This Cake Shines

The boiling water in the batter intensifies the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake moist. The ganache adds a luxurious, velvety layer, while the cherries provide a tart contrast to the sweetness, making every bite perfectly balanced.

This chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and cherry topping is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Happy baking!