Print

Epic Chocolate Overload Explosion Cake Recipe

Epic Chocolate Overload Explosion Cake Recipe

4.9 from 7 reviews

Indulge in the Epic Chocolate Overload Explosion Cake, a decadent and richly moist triple-layer chocolate cake soaked with hot coffee and layered generously with luscious semi-sweet chocolate ganache. Topped with an extravagant assortment of chocolates, this showstopper dessert is perfect for chocolate lovers craving a dramatic and irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (90 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) hot coffee

For the Ganache:

  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 cups (340 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Toppings:

  • Assorted chocolates (truffles, bars, chocolate shards, etc.)
  • Chocolate chips
  • Grated chocolate
  • Chocolate syrup or drizzle

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until fully combined and smooth. Next, stir in the hot coffee carefully; the batter will be thin, which ensures a moist, tender crumb. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake layers to cool completely on wire racks before assembling.
  2. Make the Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat just until it starts to simmer—do not boil. Pour the hot cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips placed in a mixing bowl. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the chocolate to melt. Whisk the cream and chocolate gently until the ganache becomes smooth, thick, and glossy. Allow it to cool slightly to thicken further before using it as the frosting and filling for the cake.
  3. Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer onto a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the slightly thickened ganache evenly over the top. Repeat with the second and third cake layers, spreading ganache between each layer to ensure rich flavor and moisture. Apply a thin crumb coat of ganache around the entire cake to seal in crumbs, then cover the cake with a thicker, smooth layer of ganache to create a flawless finish.
  4. Decorate: Pour the remaining ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip beautifully down the sides creating a dramatic effect. Pile on an assortment of chocolates such as truffles, bars, shards, and chocolate chips to emulate an explosion of chocolate bursts. Finish by sprinkling grated chocolate over the top and drizzling with chocolate syrup for a decadent, eye-catching presentation.
  5. Chill & Serve: Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the ganache firmly. Before serving, bring the cake to room temperature to optimize flavor and texture. Slice and enjoy the ultimate chocolate overload experience.

Notes

  • Chocolate Variety: Combine milk, dark, and white chocolates for added depth and contrast in flavor and texture.
  • Make Ahead: Bake the cake layers a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to assemble to save time on serving day.
  • Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, layered cake, chocolate dessert, moist chocolate cake, cake with chocolate toppings