Chocolate Lover's Dream Cake

Here’s a detailed recipe for a **Chocolate Lover’s Dream Cake**—a rich, indulgent dessert featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy chocolate ganache, and decadent chocolate frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever a serious chocolate craving strikes!

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# Chocolate Lover's Dream Cake

**A Rich, Multi-Layered Chocolate Cake That Will Satisfy Even the Most Passionate Chocoholics**

This cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Designed for the ultimate chocolate enthusiast, the Chocolate Lover’s Dream Cake features three luscious components: moist chocolate cake layers, a velvety chocolate ganache filling, and a silky, smooth chocolate buttercream frosting. Every bite is intense, fudgy, and luxurious—a true celebration of chocolate in all its glory.

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## Ingredients

### For the Chocolate Cake (makes two 9-inch rounds):

- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar

- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour

- ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

- 2 teaspoons baking soda

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 2 large eggs

- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk

- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water

- 1 cup (240 ml) hot brewed coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)

### For the Chocolate Ganache Filling:

- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

- 8 oz (225 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped

- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

### For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:

- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened

- 3 ½ cups (440 g) powdered sugar

- ¾ cup (65 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

- ½ teaspoon salt

- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream or milk

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## Instructions

### Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake

1. **Preheat your oven** to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper circles.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until smooth and well combined.

4. Slowly add boiling water and hot coffee to the batter. The batter will be thin—this helps create a moist cake. Mix just until combined.

5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

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### Step 2: Make the Chocolate Ganache Filling

1. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.

2. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour over the chocolate and let sit for 2–3 minutes.

3. Add butter, then stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly until thick but still spreadable.

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### Step 3: Make the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until fluffy.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low until combined.

3. Add vanilla extract, salt, and cream. Beat on high speed for 3–5 minutes until light and creamy.

4. Adjust consistency with more cream (for softness) or powdered sugar (for thickness) as needed.

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### Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate or cake board.

2. Spread a generous layer of chocolate ganache over the top, smoothing it with an offset spatula.

3. Carefully place the second cake layer on top.

4. Use the buttercream to frost the top and sides of the cake. For a professional finish, apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting), chill for 15 minutes, then add the final layer.

5. Decorate as desired: chocolate shavings, curls, ganache drizzle, or sprinkles.

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## Storage and Serving

- **Chill for at least 1 hour** before slicing for clean cuts.

- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, covered. Bring to room temperature before serving.

- This cake freezes well—wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.

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## Tips for Success

- Use **good-quality cocoa and chocolate** for the best flavor.

- Don't skip the **coffee**—it enhances the chocolate without making the cake taste like coffee.

- For extra richness, brush cake layers with chocolate syrup or a chocolate liqueur before assembling.

- You can double the ganache and drizzle it over the top for a glossy finish.

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## Final Thoughts

The **Chocolate Lover’s Dream Cake** is everything its name promises. It's rich, moist, and decadently layered to offer an unforgettable dessert experience. Whether you're baking it for a celebration or simply to treat yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress and satisfy your deepest chocolate cravings.

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Would you like a printable version, or tips on turning this into cupcakes or a sheet cake?