Are you ready to impress your friends and family with a show-stopping dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further than this stunning Chocolate Tuxedo Cake! This elegant cake boasts layers of moist chocolate cake, a rich chocolate ganache, and a smooth, creamy vanilla buttercream frosting – a true masterpiece of homemade cooking. It's perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion, but honestly, it's so delicious you might just make it for a Tuesday night treat! This recipe offers a delightful balance of rich chocolate and sweet vanilla, making it a crowd-pleaser among chocolate lovers and those who prefer a more subtle sweetness. Let’s dive into this easy recipe for a delicious dish that’s sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Chocolate Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the boiling water to the batter while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Whisk until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.
Making the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- Beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and creamy. Add more powdered sugar if needed to reach desired consistency.
Assembling the Tuxedo Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate.
- Spread half of the chocolate ganache over the first cake layer.
- Top with the second cake layer.
- Frost the entire cake with the vanilla buttercream frosting.
- Decorate as desired. You can create a "tuxedo" effect by adding chocolate shavings or drizzling extra ganache.
Tips for Baking Success:
- Don't overmix the cake batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor in both the ganache and the cake.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to the cake batter for added texture and flavor.
- Different frostings: Try using a different type of frosting, such as cream cheese frosting or a chocolate buttercream.
- Flavored ganache: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder or orange zest to the ganache for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Fat: 25-30g
- Saturated Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 50-60g
This delicious chocolate tuxedo cake is a perfect example of a quick dinner idea that also satisfies your sweet tooth. It's a show-stopping dessert that's surprisingly easy to make, making it an ideal choice for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. Enjoy this decadent treat!