- Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
- Add Boiling Water:
- Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this ensures a moist cake.
- Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cakes from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Ganache:
- Place the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a simmer over medium heat.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Add the butter and stir until fully incorporated. Let the ganache cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of ganache over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top of the ganache. Spread the remaining ganache over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Decorate the Cake:
- Decorate with fresh berries, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar as desired.
- Serve:
- Allow the ganache to set for at least 30 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Tips:
- For an extra touch of flavor, add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a subtle coffee undertone.
- The ganache can be flavored with a teaspoon of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Baileys, for an adult twist.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
This Gâteau au Chocolat avec Ganache is a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate flavor with a smooth, creamy ganache, perfect for any special occasion or simply to indulge in a superb gâteau experience. Bon appétit!