Chocolate cake lovers, rejoice! Making a rich, decadent chocolate truffle cake from scratch is simpler than you might think. With only a few ingredients and minimal steps, you can create a showstopping dessert that’s sure to impress. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the simplest chocolate truffle cake from scratch, so you can indulge in chocolatey goodness without the fuss.
Ingredients You will Need
Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients for the cake and ganache:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
For the Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate (roughly chopped)
These ingredients are simple, and you likely already have many of them in your pantry!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven & Prepare the Cake Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, ensuring that the sides are also greased. This will help the cakes come out perfectly without sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This creates a solid foundation for your cake and ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
To the dry mixture, add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to combine the ingredients until smooth. The batter will be a bit thin, but that’s completely normal. The texture will help create a moist, rich cake.
Step 4: Add the Boiling Water
Now, carefully pour the boiling water into the batter. This step is key to achieving a super moist cake with that signature truffle-like texture. Mix it in until combined. The batter will be quite runny at this point, but again, that’s the magic!
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Chocolate Ganache
While the cake is cooling, prepare the chocolate ganache. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not let it boil). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate, and let it sit for a minute. Then, stir until the ganache is smooth and shiny.
Allow the ganache to cool slightly, but not too much—it should still be pourable when you assemble the cake.
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Pour half of the ganache over the first layer, spreading it evenly. Place the second layer on top and pour the remaining ganache over the cake. Use a spatula to spread the ganache around the edges and top.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Allow the ganache to set for a few minutes, and then slice the cake into pieces. The result is a moist, rich, and utterly decadent chocolate truffle cake that will have everyone coming back for more!
This chocolate truffle cake is as easy as it gets, yet it delivers an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The cake’s fudgy texture and smooth ganache are a match made in heaven. So, whether it’s for a special celebration or a casual treat, you’ll love how simple it is to create this masterpiece from scratch. Happy baking!
