Decadent Chocolate Velvet Cake

Today, we're bringing you a recipe for a show-stopping dessert: Decadent Chocolate Velvet Cake. This moist and rich chocolate cake is layered with a velvety smooth chocolate ganache, and it's guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. It's the perfect dessert to make for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something truly luxurious. 

Ingredients:

For the cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup hot water

For the chocolate ganache:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

12 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix well until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Gradually add the hot water to the batter while stirring continuously. The batter will be thin, but that's normal.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.

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 let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer the cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the chocolate ganache. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla extract. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

Allow the ganache to cool for about 15-20 minutes or until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.

Once the cakes have cooled, carefully slice off the rounded tops to create flat surfaces. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.

Spread a generous amount of the chocolate ganache on top of the first layer. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache. Use a spatula to create a smooth finish.

For an extra touch, you can decorate the cake with chocolate curls, sprinkles, or fresh berries.

Allow the cake to set at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Slice, serve, and enjoy a slice of this heavenly Decadent Chocolate Velvet Cake!