Moist Chocolate Cake with Ganache

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar)
• 1/2 cup hot water or coffee (optional for enhanced chocolate flavor)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate (chopped)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

For Topping:

• Chocolate sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and dust a round cake pan with cocoa powder or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the sugar and mix well.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine and Add Water:
   • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
   • Add the hot water or coffee to the batter and mix until smooth (it will be thin, but that’s okay).
5. Bake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool:
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Ganache:

1. Heat the Cream:
   • In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
   • Place the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
3. Cool Slightly:
   • Let the ganache cool for 5-10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Spread the ganache evenly over the cooled cake.
2. Sprinkle generously with chocolate sprinkles for decoration.
3. Let the ganache set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Serve:
Slice and enjoy your moist chocolate cake with rich ganache. Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!

Let me know if you need additional tips or variations!