Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with this easy-to-follow recipe for Chocolate Decadence Cake. This rich and moist cake is sure to impress your friends and family, and the best part? It’s simpler to make than you might think!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Chocolate Decadence Cake recipe is special because it delivers an intensely chocolatey flavor without being overly sweet. The cake is incredibly moist, almost fudgy, thanks to the high-quality cocoa powder and a secret ingredient: sour cream. It’s a one-bowl recipe, which means less cleanup, and it requires no fancy equipment. Plus, the simple chocolate ganache glaze adds the perfect touch of elegance, making it ideal for any occasion. The moist chocolate cake, combined with the rich glaze, creates a dessert that’s both satisfying and sophisticated.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Ganache Glaze:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps and that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy at this stage, which is perfectly normal.
4. Stir in Boiling Water:
Carefully pour in the boiling water and stir until the batter is smooth. The batter will be very thin. Don’t worry, this is what gives the Chocolate Decadence Cake its moist texture.
5. Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Cake:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking apart while still warm.
7. Make the Ganache Glaze:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the ganache. Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
8. Pour and Melt:
Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 1 minute to soften the chocolate.
9. Stir Until Smooth:
Gently stir the chocolate and cream together until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
10. Glaze the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the ganache glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
11. Let the Glaze Set:
Let the ganache set for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving. This gives the glaze a chance to firm up slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This Chocolate Decadence Cake is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool creaminess balances the rich chocolate flavor perfectly.
For a more elegant presentation, dust the cake with cocoa powder or top it with fresh berries. A few raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and a hint of tartness.
This cake is suitable for almost any occasion. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a special treat for your family. Its rich flavor and beautiful glaze make it a showstopper.
Storage and Reheating
To store, wrap the Chocolate Decadence Cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you refrigerate the cake, the ganache glaze might harden slightly. To soften it, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. Just be careful not to overheat, or the cake could become dry.
Key Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour (including cooling time)
- Servings: 12-16 slices
Required Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Small saucepan
- Wire rack
Chocolate Decadence Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Carefully pour in the boiling water and stir until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 1 minute to soften the chocolate.
- Gently stir the chocolate and cream together until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the ganache glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Let the ganache set for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
