The Deep Dark Secret Chocolate Cake is a decadent and rich dessert that’s perfect for chocolate lovers. Combining a moist chocolate cake with a luscious chocolate ganache, this cake will satisfy your deepest chocolate cravings. Ideal for special occasions or simply to indulge yourself, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 (13.25 oz) box Devil’s Food Cake Mix
- 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 eggs
- ⅔ cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 8 oz sour cream
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
For the Ganache:
- 8 oz quality semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 10-inch bundt pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Devil’s Food Cake mix and instant chocolate pudding mix.
- Add Wet Ingredients:
- Add the eggs, brewed coffee, sour cream, vegetable oil, and dark rum to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined and smooth.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes (for round pans) or 45-50 minutes (for bundt pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Ganache
- Heat the Cream:
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Place the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for about 2 minutes to soften the chocolate.
- Stir Until Smooth:
- Stir the mixture gently until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Cool the Ganache:
- Allow the ganache to cool for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly but is still pourable.
Assembling the Cake
- Frost the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Pour some of the ganache over the top and spread it evenly. Place the second cake layer on top, and pour the remaining ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides. If using a bundt pan, simply pour the ganache over the top of the cake.
- Set the Ganache:
- Allow the ganache to set for at least 30 minutes before serving to ensure it has a firm, glossy finish.
Cook’s Tips and Variations
- Substitute for Coffee: If you prefer not to use coffee, you can substitute it with water or milk for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Additional Flavors: For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake batter for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Decorations: Decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries for an added touch.
- Alcohol-Free: If you want an alcohol-free version, simply omit the dark rum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. Prepare the ganache and assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting with ganache.
Q: What can I serve with this cake? A: This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh berries.
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache? A: Yes, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter ganache. Adjust the sweetness by reducing the amount of sugar in the cake if desired.
The Deep Dark Secret Chocolate Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and coffee with a luxurious ganache. Perfect for any special occasion or a treat-yourself moment, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Enjoy the deep, dark, and deliciously secret flavors of this indulgent cake!
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of the Deep Dark Secret Chocolate Cake. Perfect for any celebration or simply to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this cake is a surefire hit. Happy baking
