Chef Ed Recipe – Triple Layered Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache
Decadence in Every Bite

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cool & Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Ganache Filling & Frosting:

  • 16 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Bake the Cake Layers:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Gradually add wet ingredients to the dry, mixing until smooth. Slowly pour in boiling water while mixing to create a thin batter.

Divide batter evenly into the pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool 10 minutes in pans, then remove and let cool completely on wire racks.

2. Make the Ganache:

Heat cream in a saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Stir in butter and vanilla. Cool slightly until spreadable but not runny.

3. Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of ganache. Add the second layer, repeat with ganache, then top with the final layer.

Use remaining ganache to frost the top and sides of the cake. For a glossy finish, warm slightly and pour over the top, letting it drip down the sides.

4. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate cake for at least 1 hour before slicing. Slice with a hot knife for clean cuts. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for contrast.

Chef Ed’s Notes:

This cake isn’t just dessert—it’s an event. Deep cocoa flavor, lush ganache between each layer, and a silky chocolate shell make it unforgettable. Perfect for celebrations or chocolate lovers who want to go all-in.

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