Chocolate Ganache Layer Cake

Made entirely from scratch, this rich, fudgy, gooey, chocolate ganache layer cake is easy enough for the most novice baker to make. I won 2nd place in my first bake-off I ever entered using this recipe!

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 624 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¾ cup butter
• 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 ¾ cups buttermilk
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• ¾ cup whipping cream
• 2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2

Place butter and unsweetened chocolate in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until melted, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl using an electric mixer.

Step 4

Combine buttermilk and eggs in another bowl and add melted chocolate mixture. Beat into flour mixture on low speed for 1 minute; increase speed to high and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Divide batter between the prepared cake pans.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven until the cake springs back when lightly pressed, 25 to 30 minutes. Set aside and let cool.

Step 6

Meanwhile, bring cream to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Immediately remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until it thickens and is smooth. Allow to cool slightly, about 10 minutes.

Step 7

Place one cooled cake layer on a cake plate and spread with a layer of ganache frosting. Lay the second layer on top and use remaining ganache frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.