Chocolate Celebration Cake
Introduction
If you love chocolate, you are in for a treat! The Chocolate Celebration Cake is rich, moist, and perfect for any special occasion or just a fun family dessert. It’s easy to make and sure to impress everyone who tries it.
Why Make This Recipe
This cake is not only delicious, but it also brings people together. I remember baking this with my family on weekends, and the joy on their faces when they took the first bite was priceless. Plus, it’s great for parties, birthdays, or just a cozy night in. You’ll want to share it with everyone!
How to Make Chocolate Celebration Cake
Making this Chocolate Celebration Cake is simple and fun! Here’s how to do it step by step.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, pistachios)
- Candies (M&Ms, chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped chocolate bars, toffee bits, candied nuts)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, mix the sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until well blended.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the hot coffee. Note that the batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the chocolate ganache, place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let it stand for a few minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly so it thickens a bit.
- Level the tops of the cake layers using a serrated knife for even frosting.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of ganache on top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining ganache for a smooth finish.
- Drizzle slightly cooled ganache around the top edge to create a drip effect.
- Lastly, arrange the nuts and candies on top, pressing them gently into the ganache.
How to Serve Chocolate Celebration Cake
Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve it on a nice plate. It goes wonderfully with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. Your guests will love it!
How to Store Chocolate Celebration Cake
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to cover it well!
Tips to Make Chocolate Celebration Cake
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start for the best texture.
- Don’t be afraid to customize your toppings with your favorite nuts and candies!
- If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought ganache or frosting.
Variation
You can turn this cake into a fun chocolate marble cake by gently swirling in some vanilla cake batter before baking. It adds a lovely look and taste!
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and keep them covered until you’re ready to frost.
Can I freeze the cake? Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to freeze them. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of buttermilk? You can make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
