Prepare to fall in love with chocolate all over again! This One-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe is pure joy on a plate: a deeply moist, single-layer chocolate cake crowned with an impossibly silky ganache. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to impress with minimal fuss, this recipe is your new go-to for celebrations, casual gatherings, or those moments when only fudge-laden chocolate comfort will do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the One-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a unique role in building decadence, texture, and that crave-able chocolate flavor. Don’t be tempted to skip or substitute; every element truly counts here.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cake its tender, just-crumbly-enough structure—don’t pack it down when measuring.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps lock in moisture so the cake stays fresh for days.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: This is the secret to deep, rich chocolate flavor—Dutch-process or natural both work.
- Baking soda and baking powder: The dynamic duo that guarantees a rise and a light crumb.
- Salt: Accentuates all the flavors—never skip the pinch!
- Large egg: Binds everything together, adding richness and structure.
- Milk (or buttermilk): For a soft, tender crumb with a touch of tang if you use buttermilk.
- Hot coffee (or hot water): Enhances the cocoa flavor and creates a plush texture; you won’t taste the coffee, promise.
- Vegetable oil: Gives the cake that unbelievably moist, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth that rounds out the chocolate beautifully.
- Semisweet or dark chocolate: The base for the glossy, smooth ganache topping—choose a chocolate you’d happily eat straight.
- Heavy cream: Blends with the chocolate to make the ganache rich and dreamy.
- Butter (optional): Adds a gorgeous shine to the finished ganache, making the cake look as good as it tastes.
How to Make One-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan, then line the bottom with a round of parchment paper. This little prep step guarantees your One-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe will release like a dream after baking—no tense moments, just cake!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined. Whisking at this stage breaks up any cocoa clumps and ensures the baking agents are evenly distributed for the perfect rise.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add in the egg, milk (or buttermilk), vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk just until you see no more dry flour pockets—don’t overmix! The batter will start to look glossy and thick, promising a moist, tender cake.
Step 4: Pour in the Hot Coffee
Now comes the magical part: pour in the hot coffee (or hot water) and whisk to combine. The batter will be thin, but that’s exactly what you want—it guarantees that luscious, melt-in-the-mouth texture the One-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe is famous for.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth out the surface, then bake for 25 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out and cool completely before adding the ganache.
Step 6: Make the Chocolate Ganache
While the cake cools, heat your heavy cream in a small saucepan until it’s steaming and just about to simmer. Pour it over the finely chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until the ganache is silky and smooth—watch that shine emerge! If you like a glossier finish, stir in the butter now.
Step 7: Thicken or Soften the Ganache
Let your ganache sit for 10 to 20 minutes at room temperature. For a pourable finish, use while still slightly warm; for a thicker, spreadable consistency, allow it to cool and gently stir. Want it even softer for drizzling? Stir in 1–2 tablespoons warm cream. Thicker for frosting the sides? Chill briefly and stir again.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Place your completely cooled cake on a serving platter. Pour or spread the ganache right over the top, letting it spill naturally over the edges, or smooth it for that perfect bakery finish. Chill for 15 minutes to set the ganache, then, if you wish, shower the top with chocolate curls or shards for extra drama. Slice, serve, and get ready for the oohs and aahs!
How to Serve One-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple flourish of chocolate curls, a sprinkling of cocoa nibs, or even a few fresh raspberries can elevate the One-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe to dinner party status in seconds. If you’re celebrating, edible gold leaf or a dusting of powdered sugar over a stencil turns this humble cake into instant art.
Side Dishes
Pair a slice of this rich chocolate cake with softly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a tangy raspberry coulis. Fresh berries or even a drizzle of salted caramel sauce are lovely contrasts to the deep chocolate, making each bite even more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
This cake is a stunner, whether you serve it as a single elegant layer or cut it into neat squares for a dessert buffet. Try serving it on a vintage platter, individually plated with berries and a mint leaf, or stacked with a scoop of ice cream for a classic-meets-casual twist. For special celebrations, write a message in white chocolate right on top of the ganache!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The One-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe stays delicious for several days. Store any leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days, or pop them in the fridge if your kitchen is warm. The ganache keeps its texture beautifully and the cake remains moist.
Freezing
If you’d like to make your cake ahead, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layer (well wrapped) for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, then finish with the ganache on the day you serve. You can also freeze leftover ganache separately in a sealed container and gently rewarm when ready to use.
Reheating
While this cake is glorious at room temperature, if you’re craving a warm, molten center, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds. The ganache will become silky once more, and the chocolate aroma will flood your kitchen anew.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of chocolate for the ganache?
Absolutely! While semisweet or dark chocolate give the most balanced flavor, you can experiment with bittersweet, milk chocolate, or even a mixture. Just keep in mind that milk chocolate will yield a sweeter, softer ganache, so you might want to use slightly less cream.
What’s the best way to ensure my cake is moist?
The secret is not to overbake—start checking at 25 minutes. Also, hot coffee (or water), oil, and proper storage all help keep the One-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe extra tender and rich for days.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend. Check that your baking powder and cocoa are gluten-free as well, and prepare for rave reviews from everyone, regardless of dietary preference.
How do I make the ganache thicker or thinner?
If you want a pourable ganache, use it while still warm or add a touch more cream. For a thicker, almost frosting-like consistency, cool the ganache for longer or briefly refrigerate, stirring every few minutes until it firms up to your liking.
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes or a layered cake?
Definitely! The One-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe easily doubles for a two-layer cake or transforms into about a dozen cupcakes. Just adjust baking times—cupcakes usually bake in 18–22 minutes, and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the ultimate chocolate fix that’s both effortless and impressive, this One-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. Don’t be surprised if it becomes the most requested treat in your repertoire—give it a try, share a slice, and let the happy sighs begin!