Description
This decadent chocolate layer cake is rich, moist, and perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 6 ounces semi-sweet or German’s sweet chocolate (for ganache)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat together eggs, both sugars, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir in boiling water. Batter will be thin.
- Divide batter among pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
- In a saucepan, cook evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter over medium heat until thickened, about 10–12 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, chopped pecans, and coconut. Let cool to spreadable consistency.
- For ganache, heat cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit, then stir until smooth.
- Assemble cake by layering cake and frosting, finishing with top frosting layer. Drizzle ganache on top.
- Chill the cake before slicing for clean layers and best texture.
Notes
- For an extra rich flavor, use high-quality chocolate.
- Let the cake fully cool before frosting for the best results.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice