Description
The Epic Chocolate Overload Explosion Cake is a rich, moist triple-layer chocolate cake drenched in glossy ganache and piled high with assorted chocolates. It’s a dramatic, indulgent dessert perfect for chocolate lovers and special celebrations.
Ingredients
- 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, shards, etc.)
- Chocolate chips
- Grated chocolate
- Chocolate syrup or drizzle
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Layers:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet and mix until combined.
- Stir in hot coffee. Batter will be thin.
- Divide evenly between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool completely.
- Make the Ganache:
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
- Pour hot cream over chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit 2–3 minutes.
- Whisk until smooth and glossy. Let cool until spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread ganache over the top.
- Repeat with second and third layers.
- Apply a crumb coat, then a final ganache layer.
- Decorate:
- Pour remaining ganache over top to create drips.
- Top with assorted chocolates, chocolate chips, grated chocolate, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set ganache.
- Bring to room temperature before slicing.
Notes
- Use a combination of dark, milk, and white chocolates for contrast.
- Substitute espresso for coffee for a mocha version.
- Add fresh berries or nuts between layers for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake cake layers ahead of time and refrigerate for easier assembly.
- Dip a sharp knife in hot water for cleaner slices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 74g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
