Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- ¾ cup heavy cream
For Decoration
- White icing (store-bought or homemade)
- Colorful sprinkles
- Candy-coated chocolates
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
- Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Beat with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and well combined.
4. Add Boiling Water
- Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this step ensures an incredibly moist cake.
5. Bake the Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. 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.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute, then stir gently until smooth and glossy.
Ganache Tips
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly before spreading; it should be pourable but thick enough to cling to the cake.
7. Assemble the Cake
- First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of ganache over the top.
- Second Layer: Add the second cake layer on top. Pour the remaining ganache over the top, letting it drip naturally down the sides for a rustic, elegant look.
8. Decorate the Cake
- While the ganache is still slightly warm, add white icing drips around the edges using a piping bag or spoon.
- Sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
- Arrange candy-coated chocolates for bursts of color and extra sweetness.
Notes
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: For even mixing, bring eggs and milk to room temperature before starting.
- Don’t Overmix: Beat the batter just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Ganache Consistency: If your ganache is too thick, add a splash of warm cream. If too thin, let it cool longer before using.
- Decorating Fun: Let your creativity shine—swap sprinkles and candies for chocolate shavings or edible gold leaf for a more sophisticated look.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes