Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsMac's TavernChocolate Cake Recipe

Chocolate Cake Recipe

Inspired by Mac's Tavern
Time1h 30m
Serves12

Rich chocolate cake with ganache.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Cake Ingredients

Ganache Ingredients

Method

Cake Preparation

  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, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.

  3. 3

    Add Wet Ingredients

    Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.

  4. 4

    Incorporate Boiling Water

    Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin; 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 in the center comes out clean.

  6. 6

    Cool the Cakes

    Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Ganache Preparation

  1. 7

    Heat the Cream

    In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it 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 sit for 5 minutes.

  3. 9

    Stir Until Smooth

    After 5 minutes, stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth.

  4. 10

    Cool the Ganache

    Allow the ganache to cool at room temperature until it thickens slightly, about 15-20 minutes.

Assembly and Serving

  1. 11

    Layer the Cake

    Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of ganache on top.

  2. 12

    Add Second Layer

    Place the second cake layer on top of the first and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache.

  3. 13

    Serve

    Slice and serve the chocolate cake. Enjoy!

More from Mac's Tavern