If you’re a chocolate lover, this is the cake of your dreams! This dark chocolate cake is rich, moist, and full of deep chocolate flavor. Paired with dark chocolate cream cheese frosting and decadent chocolate ganache, it’s the perfect dessert for any special occasion or indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is for serious chocolate fans. The combination of dark cocoa powder, melted chocolate, and the touch of instant coffee deepens the chocolate flavor, making every bite unforgettable. The cake layers are incredibly moist, while the dark chocolate cream cheese frosting adds richness without being overwhelming. A drizzle of chocolate ganache on top makes it a showstopper for any event.

Ingredients

For the cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup dark cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp instant coffee, dissolved in ¼ cup hot water
4 oz dark chocolate chips (melted)

For the frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup dark chocolate chips (melted)
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the ganache:

4 oz dark chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Add the dissolved coffee and melted dark chocolate, stirring well.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Sift the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add melted dark chocolate, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
Make the Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Let the ganache cool to room temperature, thickening as it cools.
Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost between the layers with the chocolate cream cheese frosting. Pour the ganache over the top and let it drip down the sides. Garnish with sprinkles or extra chocolate if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Chocolate Variations: Add a few tablespoons of your favorite liqueur like Kahlúa or Baileys to the ganache for an adult twist.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this decadent cake.
Frosting Variation: For a lighter frosting, use whipped cream instead of the cream cheese frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Both the cake and frosting freeze well. Wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later use.

2. What type of dark chocolate should I use?

Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for the best flavor.

3. Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of dark cocoa powder?

While regular cocoa powder can work, dark cocoa powder gives the cake its rich, deep chocolate flavor.

4. Can I substitute the cream cheese in the frosting?

You can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone for a slightly less tangy flavor.

5. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan and line it with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of the cake layers.

6. Can I add chocolate chips to the cake batter?

Yes, adding a cup of chocolate chips will enhance the cake’s texture and add even more chocolate flavor.

7. How long should the cake cool before frosting?

Allow the cake to cool completely, at least 1 hour, before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

8. Can I use a different frosting for this cake?

Yes, if you prefer, you can use a classic buttercream or whipped cream instead of the cream cheese frosting.

9. How do I store leftover ganache?

Store any leftover ganache in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently before using.

10. Can I make this cake in advance for a party?

Absolutely! You can make the cake ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and frost it the day before serving.

Conclusion

This dark chocolate cake is an irresistible indulgence for chocolate lovers. With its rich layers, creamy frosting, and luxurious ganache, it’s perfect for any celebration or as a sweet treat to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake will surely impress!