Description
Ina Garten’s chocolate ganache cake delivers rich, velvety indulgence straight from her Barefoot Contessa kitchen. Luxurious chocolate layers nestled between silky ganache promise a sophisticated dessert experience you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 4 extra-large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ⅓ cups Hershey’s chocolate syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Dairy and Chocolate Ingredients:
- ¼ pound (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 8 ounces (226 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
Flavor and Garnish Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
- Optional: Candied violets or edible gold leaf for decoration
Instructions
- Meticulously prepare the oven by heating it to 325°F (163°C), ensuring an even temperature distribution. Thoroughly coat an 8-inch round cake pan with butter and a light dusting of flour, then line the bottom with precision-cut parchment paper for effortless cake removal.
- Utilize an electric mixer to cream unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy, and voluminous texture. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition to create a homogeneous, silky batter.
- Introduce rich chocolate syrup and pure vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, gently folding in all-purpose flour with a delicate touch. Mix just until ingredients are combined, avoiding overmixing to preserve the cake’s tender crumb.
- Transfer the velvety batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Verify doneness by gently touching the center – it should spring back and appear just set.
- Allow the cake to cool completely within the pan, which helps maintain its structural integrity and prevents potential cracking.
- Create a luxurious ganache by melting heavy cream, premium chocolate chips, and a hint of instant coffee in a double boiler. Stir until the mixture achieves a glossy, smooth consistency.
- Carefully invert the cooled cake onto a wire rack. Pour the warm ganache over the cake, ensuring complete and elegant coverage. For an optional sophisticated touch, garnish with delicate candied violets or shimmering edible gold leaf.
Notes
- Keep leftover slices fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature, maintaining delectable moisture for three days.
- Sprinkle candied violets or delicate edible gold leaf to transform your cake into a stunning, professional-looking dessert that wows guests.
- Cool cake completely before adding ganache to prevent melting and ensure a flawless, glossy chocolate coating.
- Parchment paper provides a foolproof method for effortless cake removal and prevents frustrating sticking during baking.
- Select premium chocolate chips to create a luxurious, shiny ganache that elevates the entire dessert experience.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, guaranteeing a consistently tender and uniform cake texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 494 kcal
- Sugar: 55 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 112 mg