Galentine's Chocolate Ganache Cake

Name: Galentine's Chocolate Ganache Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Holiday Treat Recipes

I absolutely love creating sweet indulgences for special occasions, and this Galentine's Chocolate Ganache Cake has quickly become a favorite of mine. The rich chocolate ganache pairs beautifully with the velvety cake, making it the perfect treat to celebrate friendship with my favorite gals. I enjoy experimenting with flavors, and this cake offers a delightful balance of sweetness and richness that is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, letting me whip it up even on busy days. Trust me, your friends will love it!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T18:22:29.584Z

Making this Galentine's Chocolate Ganache Cake was a delightful experience for me. I wanted to create something extravagant yet approachable, reflecting the joy of friendship. The process starts with a moist chocolate cake base that is easy to mix together. The real star, the ganache, is crafted from high-quality dark chocolate and heavy cream, creating a luscious finish. I found that letting the ganache cool slightly before pouring it over the cake provides the perfect glossy effect that looks fabulous.

What I love about this cake is its simplicity, yet it tastes like a gourmet dessert. I often bring it to gatherings, and it always receives rave reviews. For an extra touch, I like to garnish it with a sprinkle of sea salt or fresh berries, elevating the taste and visual appeal. Trust me, once you try it, it'll become your go-to celebration cake!

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Decadent layers of rich chocolate that will satisfy any sweet tooth
Silky ganache that adds a luxurious finish
Great for celebrating friendships or simply treating yourself

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The ingredients in this Galentine's Chocolate Ganache Cake are what make it so wonderfully indulgent. The combination of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder forms the base that provides structure and rich flavor. Using high-quality cocoa powder will yield a deeper chocolate taste; I recommend opting for Dutch-processed for a smoother texture. Dairy ingredients play an essential role, with milk adding moisture and eggs contributing to the cake's height and lightness. Don’t skip the boiling water—it's key to achieving a moist crumb.

When it comes to the ganache, the balance of heavy cream to chocolate is crucial for achieving that luxurious pourable texture. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute with coconut cream and dairy-free dark chocolate. This will provide a delightful flavor while keeping the richness intact. Ensure that the chocolate you choose is of good quality and ideally at least 70% cocoa for the best depth of flavor. If the ganache seems too thick, adding a splash of hot cream can help adjust the consistency.

Techniques for Success

Achieving a perfect cake means mastering your mixing technique. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Over-mixing can lead to a dense texture, which is not what you want for a cake. I like to start with the dry ingredients and then add the wet, mixing on a low speed to keep the air in the batter. The boiling water, added last, should be mixed in gradually for even hydration of the flour and uniform texture throughout the cake.

Baking times can vary depending on individual oven performance, so keep an eye on your cakes as they bake. The toothpick test is reliable: when it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your cakes are ready. If you find that the tops are doming excessively, a quick levelling with a serrated knife after cooling can create a more aesthetically pleasing finish for layering.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Ganache

8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Beat in eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water until smooth. Divide evenly between the prepared pans.

Bake the Cake

Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Ganache

In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate and vanilla extract. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Pour half of the ganache over the first layer, allowing it to drip down the sides. Top with the second layer and pour the remaining ganache over, spreading gently.

Let it set for about 30 minutes before slicing.

Enjoy your deliciously rich Galentine's Chocolate Ganache Cake with friends!

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, add orange zest to the ganache for a zesty flavor contrast that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

Serving and Decoration Ideas

Once your cake is assembled and the ganache has set, consider decorating it for an extra special touch. A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a delightful contrast. For a festive look, fresh berries or edible flowers are beautiful additions that bring color and freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could create a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers for a tart contrast to the rich chocolate.

This cake is versatile enough to serve for any gathering, and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or a cake dome to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze individual slices if you want to enjoy a piece later on. Just place the slices in an airtight container or freeze on a baking sheet before transferring them to prevent sticking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your cake is flat or doesn't rise properly, ensure that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. These leavening agents lose their potency over time, so conducting a simple freshness test can save you from disappointing results. You can check baking powder by adding a teaspoon to hot water; if it bubbles vigorously, it's still good. For baking soda, mix it with vinegar or lemon juice to see if it fizzes.

Another common issue is ganache that doesn’t set properly. If your ganache is too runny, it might have been made with too much cream. You can remedy this by gently reheating it and adding more chopped chocolate, then allow it to cool again before using. For a super glossy finish, whisk vigorously to incorporate air and achieve that desired sheen before pouring it onto your cake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, you can experiment with milk or white chocolate, but keep in mind that sweetness levels will differ.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap until you are ready to assemble.

→ What can I do if the ganache is too thick?

If your ganache is too thick, simply warm it slightly on the stove or in the microwave and stir until smooth.