Spiced Chocolate Cake Recipe
Elevate your dessert game with this delicious Spiced Chocolate Cake Recipe! Combining rich chocolate flavor with a blend of aromatic spices, this cake is perfect for any celebration or a cozy treat. The layers are drenched in a velvety spiced chocolate ganache, creating a dessert experience that’s both decadent and comforting.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (sifted for light texture)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted for smoothness)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1 cup whole milk (at room temperature)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for moistness)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water (to create a moist, rich batter)
For the Spiced Chocolate Ganache:
- 6 ounces semisweet chocolate (finely chopped, about 170 grams)
- ½ cup heavy cream (120 ml)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
For Garnishing (Optional):
- Whipped cream (for a creamy touch)
- Chocolate shavings (for a decorative finish)
- A sprinkle of ground cinnamon (for extra spice)
- Fresh berries (such as raspberries or strawberries for a vibrant touch)
Instructions
1. Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them or lining them with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cayenne pepper.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients:Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring on low speed until the mixture is just combined.
- Incorporate Boiling Water:Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be quite thin, which is perfect for a moist cake.
- Bake the Cake:Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake:Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Spiced Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat the Cream:In a small saucepan, heat the cream until it just begins to simmer. Avoid boiling.
- Melt the Chocolate:Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Add Spices and Butter:Stir in the ground cinnamon and nutmeg. If desired, mix in the butter until the ganache is glossy and smooth.
- Cool the Ganache:Let the ganache cool until it thickens to a spreadable consistency. You can speed this up by placing it in the refrigerator briefly.
3. Assemble and Frost the Cake:
- Level the Cake Layers:If necessary, level the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife to ensure even layers.
- Layer and Frost:Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of ganache on top. Place the second cake layer on top, then cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining ganache.
- Decorate the Cake (Optional):Garnish the cake with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, a dusting of cinnamon, or fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the cake and enjoy the rich combination of chocolate and spices!
Expert Tips for Perfect Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that milk and eggs are at room temperature for the best cake texture.
- Thin Batter: The thin batter will result in a moist cake with a rich chocolate flavor.
- Ganache Consistency: If the ganache is too thick, gently reheat it. If it’s too runny, let it cool a bit longer.
