Jun 09 2026
RestaurantsHanover Street ChophouseChocolate Cake Recipe

Chocolate Cake Recipe

Time1h 30m
Serves12

Rich chocolate cake with ganache

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients

Ganache Ingredients

Method

Cake Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

  2. 2

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.

  3. 3

    Add Wet Ingredients

    Add eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth.

  4. 4

    Incorporate Boiling Water

    Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.

  5. 5

    Bake the Cake

    Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  6. 6

    Cool the Cakes

    Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Ganache Directions

  1. 7

    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.

  2. 8

    Combine with Chocolate

    Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 5 minutes.

  3. 9

    Stir Until Smooth

    After 5 minutes, stir the chocolate and cream mixture until smooth and glossy.

  4. 10

    Cool and Thicken

    Allow the ganache to cool at room temperature until it thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes.

  5. 11

    Frost the Cake

    Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of ganache on top. Place the second layer on top and pour the remaining ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

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