Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot coffee or hot water

For the Chocolate Ganache

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 200 g (7 oz) dark or milk chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Optional Decorations

  • Chocolate chips
  • Grated chocolate
  • Strawberries
  • Powdered sugar
  • Chopped nuts

Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch round cake pan or tube pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
  2. Grease the cake pan with butter or oil.
  3. Dust lightly with cocoa powder or flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, add:

  • flour
  • sugar
  • cocoa powder
  • baking powder
  • baking soda
  • salt

Whisk everything together until fully combined.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add to the dry ingredients:

  • eggs
  • milk
  • vegetable oil
  • vanilla extract

Mix using a whisk or electric mixer for about 2 minutes until smooth.

Step 4: Add Hot Coffee or Water

Slowly pour in the hot coffee (or hot water) while mixing.

The batter will look thin — this is normal and helps create a moist cake.

Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  2. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.
  3. Bake for 35–45 minutes.

To Check if Done:

Insert a toothpick into the center:

  • If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

  1. Remove the cake from the oven.
  2. Let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Carefully transfer to a cooling rack.

Allow the cake to cool completely before adding ganache.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Heat the Cream

  1. Pour heavy cream into a saucepan.
  2. Heat until it starts to simmer slightly (do not boil).

Add Chocolate

  1. Place chopped chocolate in a bowl.
  2. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate.
  3. Let sit for 2 minutes.
  4. Stir until smooth and glossy.
  5. Add butter for extra shine.

Step 8: Decorate the Cake

  1. Pour the ganache slowly over the cooled cake.
  2. Let it drip naturally down the sides.
  3. Decorate with:
    • chocolate chips
    • grated chocolate
    • nuts
    • berries

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • vanilla ice cream
  • whipped cream
  • hot coffee
  • cold milk