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Sliced chocolate truffle cake with ganache and decorations

Chocolate Truffle Cake

Emily
Indulge in this rich, moist chocolate truffle cake layered with silky ganache and creamy truffle filling—perfect for celebrations or chocolate cravings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cake Layers

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – for structure and softness
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – deepens chocolate flavor
  • 2 cups granulated sugar – adds balanced sweetness
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk – keeps the cake extra moist
  • ½ cup vegetable oil – adds richness and moisture
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – enhances overall flavor
  • 1 cup hot coffee or boiling water – intensifies the chocolate taste and thins the batter for a tender texture

For the Chocolate Truffle Filling

  • 8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chopped
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – adds shine and smoothness
  • Tip: Use high-quality chocolate for a truly decadent center.

For the Chocolate Ganache Frosting

  • 12 ounces dark chocolate chopped
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup optional – for extra gloss and smooth texture

Optional Toppings

  • Chocolate truffles – homemade or store-bought for garnish
  • Chocolate shavings or curls – for an elegant finish
  • Cocoa powder dusting – adds a professional touch

Instructions
 

Step 1 – Preheat and prepare the pans

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and lightly dust with cocoa powder.

Step 2 – Mix the dry ingredients

  • In a large bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Set aside.

Step 3 – Combine the wet ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, beat together:
  • Eggs
  • Buttermilk
  • Oil
  • Vanilla extract
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir gently until the batter comes together—avoid overmixing.

Step 4 – Add the hot coffee

  • Stir in 1 cup of hot coffee (or boiling water).
  • The cake batter will be thin—this creates a soft, moist texture. Mix until smooth but avoid overmixing.

Step 5 – Bake the cake

  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
  • Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, checking with a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.
  • Allow the cakes to rest in the pans for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool fully.

Step 6 – Make the truffle filling

  • In a small saucepan, heat ¾ cup of cream until just simmering.
  • Pour it over the chopped semisweet chocolate and butter in a bowl.
  • Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
  • Chill for 15–20 minutes until slightly thickened but still spreadable.

Step 7 – Make the ganache frosting

  • Heat 1 cup of cream in a saucepan until steaming.
  • Pour over chopped dark chocolate (and corn syrup, if using).
  • Let it sit for a few minutes, then whisk until silky. Cool slightly before using so it thickens enough to frost.

Step 8 – Assemble the cake

  • Set the first cake layer on a flat serving dish or cake pedestal.
  • Spread the chocolate truffle filling evenly across the top.
  • Place the second cake layer on top, gently pressing to secure.

Step 9 – Frost and decorate

  • Use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate ganache frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
  • For a smooth finish, work in thin layers and chill briefly between coats.
  • Finish the cake with a few chocolate truffles, shavings, or a soft sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Notes

Nutrition Information
    • Calories: 480
    • Total Fat: 30g
      • Saturated Fat: 18g
    • Cholesterol: 70mg
    • Sodium: 240mg
    • Total Carbohydrates: 50g
      • Sugar: 34g
      • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
 
Keyword chocolate truffle cake, decadent chocolate cake, truffle frosting