Decadent Chocolate Cake

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1. Prepare the Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients mixture. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.
  4. Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin but that’s okay.

2. Bake the Cake:

  1. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
  2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Chocolate Ganache:

  1. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
  2. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
  3. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then gently whisk until smooth and glossy. If desired, whisk in the butter for extra shine and richness.

4. Assemble the Cake:

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache over the top.
  2. Place the second cake layer on top. Pour the remaining ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
  3. Use an offset spatula to smooth the ganache on the sides of the cake, if desired.

5. Decorate (optional):

  1. Decorate with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

  1. Slice and serve the cake at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips:

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature to ensure even mixing and a better texture.
  • Boiling Water: Adding boiling water to the batter helps bloom the cocoa powder and create a richer chocolate flavor.
  • Ganache Consistency: If the ganache is too thin, let it cool and thicken slightly before spreading on the cake. If it’s too thick, gently warm it up over a double boiler until spreadable.

Enjoy your decadent chocolate cake—perfect for celebrations or indulgent desserts!

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