Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache and Berries

The cake in your image looks delicious! Here’s a detailed recipe to help you recreate it:

Chocolate Layer Cake with Ganache and Berries

Preparation Time: 20-30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Ready In Time: 2 hours (including cooling and assembly)
Serving People: 8-12
Serve in Dish: A serving plate or cake stand

Recipe Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

For the Ganache:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

For Toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries)
• Chocolate spheres or shavings

Nutrition Facts: This cake is high in calories, sugar, and fat due to the chocolate and cream. Exact values will depend on the specific ingredients used.

Directions:

Short Description of Directions:

1. Mix dry ingredients.
2. Combine wet ingredients.
3. Merge both mixtures.
4. Pour into pans and bake.
5. Cool, prepare ganache, and assemble layers.
6. Decorate as desired.

Detailed Directions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add the oil (or melted butter) and vanilla extract, mixing well.
4. Merge Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, until well combined.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Ganache:

1. Heat Cream: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
2. Combine with Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Layering: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of ganache over it. Add the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache.
2. Decorate: Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, and chocolate decorations as desired.

Conclusion of Directions: Allow the ganache to set slightly before serving. Slice and enjoy your beautifully decorated chocolate cake with friends and family!

Enjoy baking! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. 😊