A Chocolate Drip Cake is an elegant and decadent dessert that combines moist layers of rich chocolate cake with smooth buttercream frosting, topped with a glossy chocolate ganache that drips beautifully down the sides. This cake is perfect for special occasions and celebrations, offering a stunning centerpiece that tastes as incredible as it looks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chocolate drip cake delivers a luxurious balance of deep chocolate flavor and velvety texture. The dramatic ganache drip adds visual appeal, making it ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or festive gatherings. It’s also surprisingly approachable for home bakers, with simple techniques that yield professional-looking results.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Chocolate cake layers (homemade or store-bought)
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Buttercream frosting (chocolate or vanilla)
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1 cup heavy cream
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8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
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Optional toppings: sprinkles, fresh berries, chocolate shards, or macarons
Directions
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Prepare and cool the chocolate cake layers completely. Level the cakes if necessary.
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Stack the cake layers with a generous layer of buttercream between each.
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Apply a crumb coat of buttercream around the entire cake and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to set.
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Frost the cake with a smooth final layer of buttercream. Chill again while you prepare the ganache.
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To make the drip ganache, heat the heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over the chopped chocolate and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly.
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Using a spoon or squeeze bottle, gently apply the ganache around the top edge of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Fill in the top with remaining ganache and smooth.
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Decorate the cake with your chosen toppings.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 12 servings.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes (if baking cake layers)
Assembly time: 30 minutes
Total time: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours
Variations
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White chocolate drip: Use white chocolate for a contrasting drip effect.
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Flavored ganache: Add a splash of coffee, orange liqueur, or peppermint extract to the ganache for an extra flavor dimension.
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Colorful drip: Tint white chocolate ganache with gel food coloring for themed cakes.
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Different fillings: Try raspberry jam or salted caramel between cake layers.
Storage/reheating
Store the chocolate drip cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before serving for the best texture. This cake can be frozen (without decorations) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before decorating and serving.
FAQs
Can I use a boxed cake mix for the chocolate drip cake?
Yes, a boxed mix works well if you want to save time. Focus on the assembly and drip technique for a stunning result.
How do I get perfect drips down the cake?
Ensure your ganache is the right consistency—slightly cooled but still pourable. Test a drip on the back of the cake first to check flow.
Can I make the ganache in advance?
Yes, store ganache in the fridge and gently rewarm it until pourable before use.
What type of chocolate is best for the drip?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best for a rich, balanced flavor.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free chocolate cake recipe or mix.
How do I prevent the ganache from setting too quickly?
Apply the drip on a chilled cake, but make sure your ganache is still warm enough to flow smoothly.
Do I need special tools for the drip?
No, a spoon or squeeze bottle both work well for applying the drip.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, but the ganache will be sweeter and lighter in color.
How long will the cake stay fresh?
The cake stays fresh for up to 4 days when refrigerated and covered properly.
Can I decorate the cake with fruit?
Yes, fresh berries pair beautifully with the rich chocolate flavor.
Conclusion
A chocolate drip cake is the perfect combination of style and indulgence. With its luscious layers and striking ganache drip, it offers both visual and culinary delight. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or any celebration, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy every chocolate lover.
Print
Chocolate Drip Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Drip Cake is a stunning, rich dessert featuring moist chocolate sponge layers, silky chocolate buttercream, and a glossy chocolate ganache drip. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you want a showstopping cake that’s as tasty as it is beautiful!
Ingredients
For the chocolate cake:
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1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
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1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 large eggs
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1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
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1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup (240ml) hot water or brewed coffee
For the chocolate buttercream:
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1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
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3 1/2 cups (440g) powdered sugar
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1/2 cup (45g) cocoa powder
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1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
For the chocolate drip:
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1/2 cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
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1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; mix until combined. Gradually add hot water or coffee; batter will be thin. Divide into pans and bake 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
2️⃣ Make buttercream: Beat butter until creamy. Sift in powdered sugar and cocoa. Add vanilla, salt, and heavy cream; beat until fluffy and smooth.
3️⃣ Assemble cake: Level cake layers if needed. Fill and frost cake with chocolate buttercream. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
4️⃣ Make chocolate drip: Heat heavy cream until steaming, pour over chocolate, let sit 2
Notes
Use warm coffee in the cake batter to enhance chocolate flavor.
✅ Chill the cake before adding the drip for best results.
✅ Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shards, or berries for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American