Name: Chocolate Moist Cake with Ganache
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup cocoa powder; 1 cup sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter); 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice); 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 200 g dark or milk chocolate (chopped); ½ cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)

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This chocolate moist cake is soft, fluffy, and rich, topped with a glossy layer of silky ganache that makes every slice feel indulgent. I love how simple it is to prepare, yet it tastes like something straight from a bakery.

Chocolate Moist Cake with Ganache

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it always turns out moist and chocolatey without being overly sweet. The batter comes together in just a few minutes, and the ganache topping adds a luscious finish. I also like that I can make it ahead of time and it still tastes amazing the next day.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Ganache:

200 g dark or milk chocolate (chopped)
½ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.
I whisk together the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
In another bowl, I mix oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
I combine the wet and dry ingredients until just blended.
I pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
I let the cake cool completely before topping it.
For the ganache, I heat the cream until steaming, pour it over the chopped chocolate, and let it sit for 2–3 minutes.
I stir until smooth, then mix in butter for shine.
I pour the ganache over the cooled cake and spread evenly.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 8 slices. The cake takes around 15 minutes to prepare, 30–35 minutes to bake, and about 20 minutes to cool before adding ganache.

Variations

I sometimes swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate in the ganache when I want a sweeter finish. For a fruity twist, I layer fresh berries between the cake and ganache. I also like adding a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When chilled, I let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving so the ganache softens. I don’t usually reheat the cake, but if I want it warm, I microwave a slice for about 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

How long should I preheat the oven?

I usually preheat the oven for about 10–15 minutes until it reaches 180°C (350°F).

Can I make this cake without buttermilk?

Yes, I mix regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to replace buttermilk.

Can I use white chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, I can, but I adjust the cream slightly because white chocolate is softer and melts differently than dark or milk chocolate.

Can I bake this cake in a rectangular pan?

Yes, I sometimes use a 9×9-inch square pan. The baking time stays about the same, but I always check with a skewer.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, I wrap the cooled cake (without ganache) in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight before adding ganache.

Conclusion

I love how this chocolate moist cake brings together the perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and soft texture. The ganache makes it extra special and versatile enough for both everyday treats and celebrations. It’s a recipe I always come back to when I want something simple, indulgent, and satisfying.