Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsHeronsChocolate Recipe

Chocolate Recipe

Inspired by Herons
Time2h
Serves12

brooklyn blackout layer cake, whipped ganache, buttercream icing

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Ingredients

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Cake Layers

Whipped Ganache

Buttercream Icing

Method

Cake Layers

  1. 1

    Prepare 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, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

  3. 3

    Combine Wet Ingredients

    In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

  4. 4

    Combine and Add Boiling Water

    Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gradually stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth.

  5. 5

    Bake the Cake Layers

    Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven 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 before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Whipped Ganache

  1. 7

    Heat the Cream

    In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.

  2. 8

    Melt the Chocolate

    Place the chocolate chips in a heat-proof bowl and pour the hot cream over them. Let it sit for 5 minutes.

  3. 9

    Whisk Until Smooth

    Whisk the chocolate and cream together until smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge until it thickens slightly.

  4. 10

    Whip the Ganache

    Once chilled, use an electric mixer to whip the ganache until it holds soft peaks.

Buttercream Icing

  1. 11

    Beat the Butter

    In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with an electric mixer until creamy.

  2. 12

    Add Sugar and Cream

    Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Then add the heavy cream and vanilla extract and beat on medium speed until fluffy.

Assembly

  1. 13

    Layer the Cakes

    Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of whipped ganache on top.

  2. 14

    Add Second Layer

    Carefully place the second cake layer on top and repeat the ganache layer.

  3. 15

    Frost the Cake

    Use the buttercream icing to frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate as desired.

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