Best 6 Chocolate Ganache Layer Cake Recipes

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Indulge in the Exquisite Symphony of Chocolate Ganache Layer Cake: A Culinary Journey of Richness and Delight

Welcome to a realm where chocolate dreams come true, where each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures. Let us introduce you to the Chocolate Ganache Layer Cake, a masterpiece that elevates the art of baking to new heights. This decadent cake is a harmonious blend of moist chocolate layers, velvety ganache frosting, and an array of tempting fillings. Dive into the indulgent world of chocolate, as we unveil the secrets behind this culinary masterpiece and guide you through a step-by-step journey to create your own chocolate ganache layer cake.

Prepare to be captivated by the moist and fluffy chocolate cake layers, crafted with a symphony of cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and a touch of espresso powder for an extra depth of flavor. The velvety ganache frosting, a luscious blend of melted chocolate and heavy cream, envelops each layer in a rich and creamy embrace. Indulge in the delightful crunch of chopped walnuts, adding a textural contrast to the smooth ganache.

This article presents a comprehensive guide to creating the ultimate chocolate ganache layer cake. You'll discover the secrets behind achieving perfectly moist and tender cake layers, mastering the art of ganache frosting, and assembling the cake into a stunning centerpiece. Along the way, you'll also uncover variations of this classic dessert, including a gluten-free option, a white chocolate ganache version, and a decadent chocolate mousse filling.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary adventure, this article has something for everyone. Let us be your guide as we embark on a delightful journey through the world of chocolate ganache layer cakes. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and impress your loved ones with this exquisite dessert that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

THREE-LAYER CHOCOLATE GANACHE CAKE



Three-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake image

This decadent triple-layer beauty is pure chocolate indulgence. The cake layers can be frozen prior to final assembly; in fact, they're easier to work with when frozen. -Kathleen Smith, Overland, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 22

4 cups all-purpose flour
2-1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
4 teaspoons baking soda
2-1/4 cups mayonnaise
2-1/4 cups brewed coffee, cold
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
FILLING:
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup 2% milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
GANACHE:
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
GLAZE:
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup butter, cubed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 3 greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease paper. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa and baking soda. Beat in mayonnaise, coffee and vanilla. Transfer batter to prepared pans. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely., For filling, in a small heavy saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Whisk in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Cool completely. In a large bowl, cream butter. Gradually beat in cooled mixture. Stir in chocolate chips., For ganache, place chocolate in a large bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; let stand 5 minutes. Stir with a whisk until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. Refrigerate, covered, until cold. Beat ganache just until soft peaks form, 15-30 seconds (do not overbeat)., Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with half of the filling. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with ganache. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate, cream and butter. Microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes or until smooth, stirring twice. Cool slightly, stirring occasionally. Drizzle over cake, allowing some to flow over sides. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 970 calories, Fat 65g fat (30g saturated fat), Cholesterol 88mg cholesterol, Sodium 607mg sodium, Carbohydrate 81g carbohydrate (53g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

CHOCOLATE GANACHE LAYER CAKE



Chocolate Ganache Layer Cake image

Made entirely from scratch, this rich, fudgy, gooey, chocolate ganache layer cake is easy enough for the most novice baker to make. I won 2nd place in my first bake-off I ever entered using this recipe!

Provided by MARSHA2647

Categories     Desserts     Frostings and Icings     Chocolate

Time 1h25m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 11

¾ cup butter
2 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 ¾ cups buttermilk
2 eggs, at room temperature
¾ cup whipping cream
1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
  • Place butter and unsweetened chocolate in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until melted, about 5 minutes.
  • Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl using an electric mixer.
  • Combine buttermilk and eggs in another bowl and add melted chocolate mixture. Beat into flour mixture on low speed for 1 minute; increase speed to high and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Divide batter between the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the cake springs back when lightly pressed, 25 to 30 minutes. Set aside and let cool.
  • Meanwhile, bring cream to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Immediately remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until it thickens and is smooth. Allow to cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
  • Place one cooled cake layer on a cake plate and spread with a layer of ganache frosting. Lay the second layer on top and use remaining ganache frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 624.2 calories, Carbohydrate 82.8 g, Cholesterol 95.5 mg, Fat 32.7 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 8.1 g, SaturatedFat 19.9 g, Sodium 651.6 mg, Sugar 56 g

HAZELNUT LAYER CAKE WITH ESPRESSO BUTTERCREAM, CHOCOLATE FRANGELICO GANACHE AND TOASTED AND GILDED HAZELNUTS



Hazelnut Layer Cake with Espresso Buttercream, Chocolate Frangelico Ganache and Toasted and Gilded Hazelnuts image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 11h

Yield 1 (6-layer) sheet cake (96 pieces)

Number Of Ingredients 26

3 3/4 pounds hazelnut flour
1 1/4 pounds all-purpose flour
32 eggs
2 pounds sugar, plus 1 3/4 pounds sugar
48 egg whites
Frangelico and Espresso Simple Syrup, recipe follows
Espresso Buttercream, recipe follows
Chocolate Frangelico Ganache, recipe follows
4 pounds hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped, for garnish
Gilded Hazelnuts, recipe follows
4 cups water
4 cups sugar
1/2 cup Frangelico liqueur
1 cup strong coffee
2 1/4 pounds sugar
Water, to moisten sugar
32 egg whites
6 pounds butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons coffee extract
10 pounds semisweet or 54-percent cocoa chocolate, pistols or chopped
16 cups heavy cream
1 cup Frangelico liqueur
1 pound hazelnuts, toasted
Nonstick cooking spray
Gold leaf (*See cook's note)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F on convection or 350 degrees F in a regular oven.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the hazelnut and all purpose flour, breaking up any lumps. Set aside.
  • In the mixing bowl of a 20-quart standing mixer set on high speed, whip together the whole eggs and 2 pounds of sugar until tripled in volume, pale yellow and forming thick ribbons, warming the bowl of the mixer with a propane torch to increase the volume of the eggs. Set aside.
  • In another mixing bowl of a 20-quart standing mixer set on high speed, whip the egg whites and remaining 1 3/4 pounds sugar until thick, glossy, and firm peaks form. Fold the flour mixture into the whole egg and sugar mixture, and then fold in the egg whites.
  • Divide the batter equally onto 6 (18-by-26-inch) parchment lined baking sheets. Bake until the corners brown and the batter doesn't adhere to your fingers when you touch the cake, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely.
  • To assemble the cake: Place a layer of the hazelnut cake on a prepared cake board or inverted sheet pan. Brush with about one-sixth of the simple syrup and spread a generous layer of the buttercream over top. Place another layer of the cake on top and soak with the simple syrup. Spread a layer of buttercream and then a layer of ganache. Place the next layer of cake and repeat the previous steps until you have used all 6 layers of hazelnut sponge cake, ending with a layer of buttercream on the top. Chill the cake completely to set. When chilled, trim the sides, and frost with a final layer of buttercream, reserving some buttercream for garnish. Return to the refrigerator again to set the top. Spread the remaining ganache over the top to make a smooth finished coat. Trim any excess ganache from the sides of the cake. Press the toasted and chopped hazelnuts onto the sides of the cake. Decorate the cake with buttercream piped from a star tip filled pastry bag, and decorate with the gilded hazelnuts.
  • Combine all of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Cook until the sugar is dissolved and the alcohol has evaporated. Cool completely.
  • Pour sugar and just enough water to moisten it in a large heavy bottomed pot. Bring sugar to a boil, stirring constantly. Brush down any sugar crystals that form on the side of the pot with pastry brush dipped in water. Once the sugar has come to a boil, stop stirring and cook the sugar to the soft ball stage or 240 degrees F on a candy thermometer. When the sugar reaches 240 degrees F, reduce the heat to low and whip the egg whites on high speed in a 20-quart standing mixer to firm peaks. While the mixer is on high, carefully pour the melted sugar into the whipped egg whites, being careful not to burn yourself on the molten sugar. Once the sugar is combined with the egg whites, reduce the mixer speed to medium, and continue to whip the egg whites and sugar until completely cool, approximately 30 minutes. When the egg white meringue is cool, turn the mixer back up to high, and gradually add the cubed butter. The butter may separate and become watery, but continue to whip on high until the water is re-incorporated. It is very important that the egg white meringue is completely cool so as not to melt the butter. When all the butter has been added, continue to beat until the buttercream is smooth and creamy. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the coffee and vanilla extracts.
  • Place chocolate pieces in a large bowl. Bring the heavy cream and Frangelico to a boil and pour over the chocolate. Let stand 3 to 5 minutes and then whisk together until smooth and all of the chocolate is melted. Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature so it reaches a spreadable consistency.
  • Lightly spray the hazelnuts with nonstick cooking spray and wipe off any excess. Place a single nut on the gold leaf and gently brush the gold onto the nut. Set aside to garnish the finished cake.

FOUR-LAYER CHOCOLATE BIRTHDAY CAKE WITH MILK CHOCOLATE GANACHE AND NUTELLA BUTTERCREAM



Four-Layer Chocolate Birthday Cake With Milk Chocolate Ganache And Nutella Buttercream image

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 1/2 cups (packed) light brown sugar
1/4 cups vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350˚. Butter two 9"-diameter cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper rounds. Butter parchment and dust with flour, tapping out excess.
  • Heat chocolate, coffee, and ⅔ cup cocoa powder in a medium heatproof bowl set over a medium saucepan of barely simmering water (water should not touch bottom of bowl), stirring until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Let cool, then whisk eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla into chocolate mixture.
  • Using an electric mixer on low speed, mix salt, baking powder, baking soda, and 2 cups flour in a large bowl just to combine. Add brown sugar, oil, ½ cup butter, and ½ cup reserved chocolate mixture and beat on medium speed until flour is evenly distributed and mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Add remaining chocolate mixture in 2 additions, scraping down sides and bottom of bowl as needed and beating until smooth after each addition. Scrape batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
  • Bake cake until top is firm to the touch and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 30-40 minutes. Transfer cake pan to a wire rack and let cake cool in pan 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Let cool completely.
  • Using a serrated knife and moving it back and forth in long, even strokes, carefully halve cakes lengthwise.
  • Place 1 cake layer, cut side up, on a platter. Using a rubber spatula, spread one-third of ganache over cake, spreading to edges. Place another cake layer, cut side down, on top and spread another third of ganache over cake. Repeat process once more with another cake layer and remaining ganache; top with remaining cake layer (leave top bare). Chill cake 1-8 hour.
  • Spread buttercream all over top and sides of chilled cake, making decorative swirls and swooshes. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.

THREE LAYER CHOCOLATE GANACHE CAKE



Three Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake image

After making this cake, Chef Jimmy Watters in Arizona ordered them constantly from me. He told me "I flatter his business". The difference is I made it as two sheet cakes stacked. This cake is very rich, moist and so good! I only wish I had decorated this much better, it was a order and they wanted it plain. I will be making...

Provided by Janet Scott

Categories     Cakes

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 c white sugar
1 3/4 c all purpose flour
3/4 c dark chocolate cocoa
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3 large eggs
3/4 c whole milk
1/4 c buttermilk
1/2 c vegetable oil
2 tsp real vanilla extract
1 c boiling water
2-3 c whipped cream frosting (you can ask your local bakery for this)
1-2 c dark chocolate butter cream frosting or raspberry cream cheese frosting.
*************for the ganache:
1 c heavy whipping cream
1 1/4 c simi sweet chocolate chips
1 Tbsp light corn syrup

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Grease generously and flour three 8" round pans.
  • 2. Stir together sugar, flour, dark cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl.
  • 3. Add eggs, both milks, oil and vanilla. beat on medium speed of your mixer for 2 minutes.
  • 4. Carefully stir in boiling water.
  • 5. Pour batter evenly into three 8" prepared pans. You don't have to measure, I just eye ball it! LOL
  • 6. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden tooth pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 to 10 minutes, remove your cakes onto your wire racks.
  • 7. While they are cooling, mix in a small dish 1 tablespoon dark cocoa and 2 tablespoon powdered sugar. Dust the tops of each round cake while still warm on your cooling rack.
  • 8. Place one section on your desired dish or cake board. I put a little frosting on the bottom to keep it from sliding. Frost the top with a chocolate butter cream frosting. ****Here is where you can get creative with several different fillings. I have also used a raspberry cream cheese frosting. "Yummy"
  • 9. On the "bottom" of your next layer coat with a whipped cream frosting.
  • 10. Flip on top of the coated butter cream section. Continue with your next layer.
  • 11. Take the rest of your whipped cream frosting and "cap" off your cake making it as round as you can. Don't use too much!
  • 12. Place your cake in the freezer. Make your chocolate ganache: Heat up in a small saucepan 1 cup heavy whipping cream to almost a boil.
  • 13. remove from heat and pour in your corn syrup and chocolate chips. Stir until chips dissolve. Using a wire whisk, whip it until very smooth.
  • 14. Take your frozen cake out. If it seems a little off square you can smooth it off by putting a little water on your frosting spatula and gently (not adding water to the cake) smooth it flat. Remove your cake with a LARGE cake spatula onto a wire rack with a cookie sheet below. (This is easy because it's frozen). Start pouring the ganache on top of the cake letting it flow down the sides. Carefully place it back on your serving plate. For the bottom edge I press a little crushed chocolate graham crackers.
  • 15. It may seem like a lot of work but it is truly a wonderful cake!

FOUR-LAYER CHOCOLATE BIRTHDAY CAKE WITH MILK CHOCOLATE GANACHE & NUTELLA BUTTERCREAM RECIPE - (4.4/5)



Four-Layer Chocolate Birthday Cake with Milk Chocolate Ganache & Nutella Buttercream Recipe - (4.4/5) image

Provided by á-174535

Number Of Ingredients 30

CAKE:
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pan
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup brewed coffee
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process)
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 1/2 cups (packed) light brown sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
GANACHE:
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, room temperature
BUTTERCREAM:
3 large egg yolks, room temperature
1 large egg, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces
1 cup Nutella
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles (for decorating; optional)
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:
A candy thermometer

Steps:

  • CAKE: Preheat oven to 350˚F. Butter two 9"-diameter cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper rounds. Butter parchment and dust with flour, tapping out excess. Heat chocolate, coffee, and ⅔ cup cocoa powder in a medium heatproof bowl set over a medium saucepan of barely simmering water (water should not touch bottom of bowl), stirring until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Let cool, then whisk eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla into chocolate mixture. Using an electric mixer on low speed, mix salt, baking powder, baking soda, and 2 cups flour in a large bowl just to combine. Add brown sugar, oil, ½ cup butter, and ½ cup reserved chocolate mixture and beat on medium speed until flour is evenly distributed and mixture is smooth, about 2 minutes. Add remaining chocolate mixture in 2 additions, scraping down sides and bottom of bowl as needed and beating until smooth after each addition. Scrape batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake cake until top is firm to the touch and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. Transfer cake pan to a wire rack and let cake cool in pan 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack. Let cool completely. Using a serrated knife and moving it back and forth in long, even strokes, carefully halve cakes lengthwise. GANACHE: Place chocolate in a medium bowl. Bring cream and salt to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Pour over chocolate; let sit 10 minutes, then whisk gently until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth and glossy. Let ganache cool, 30 to 45 minutes. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter into ganache until mixture is light and fluffy and has turned matte, about 3 minutes. Place 1 cake layer, cut side up, on a platter. Using a rubber spatula, spread one-third of ganache over cake, spreading to edges. Place another cake layer, cut side down, on top and spread another third of ganache over cake. Repeat process once more with another cake layer and remaining ganache; top with remaining cake layer (leave top bare). Chill cake 1 to 8 hours. BUTTERCREAM: While cake is chilling, beat egg yolks, egg, and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until mixture is pale and thick and falls back onto itself in a slowly dissipating ribbon, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, bring sugar and 3 tablespoons water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Clip thermometer to the side of saucepan and boil, swirling pan (do not stir), until thermometer registers 238˚F. Immediately remove from heat. Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually stream hot sugar syrup into eggs aiming for where the egg meets the side of the bowl (this will prevent hot sugar from splattering). Increase speed to high and beat mixture until light and fluffy and sides of bowl are cool to the touch, 5 to 8 minutes. Add butter a piece at a time, beating to thoroughly incorporate before adding the next piece and scraping down sides of bowl often. Add Nutella and vanilla and beat, scraping down sides and bottom of bowl, until mixture is smooth and homogenous. Spread buttercream all over top and sides of chilled cake, making decorative swirls and swooshes. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired. Do Ahead: Cake can be assembled 1 day ahead. Chill uncovered.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache. This will result in a richer, more flavorful frosting.
  • Make sure the cream is hot but not boiling before adding it to the chocolate. Boiling cream will cause the chocolate to seize.
  • Let the ganache cool slightly before spreading it on the cake. This will help to prevent it from melting and running off the cake.
  • If you are making a layer cake, chill the cake layers before assembling the cake. This will help to keep the cake from sliding around.
  • Decorate the cake with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or chopped nuts.

Conclusion:

This chocolate ganache layer cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It is rich, decadent, and sure to impress your guests. With a few simple tips, you can make this cake at home and enjoy it with your loved ones.

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