Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsPoor Calvin'sChocolate Cake Recipe

Chocolate Cake Recipe

Inspired by Poor Calvin's
Time1h 30m
Serves12

Rich chocolate cake with a ganache topping.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients

Ganache Topping 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, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  3. 3

    Add Wet Ingredients

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

  4. 4

    Incorporate Boiling Water

    Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.

  5. 5

    Bake the Cake

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

  6. 6

    Cool the Cakes

    Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack 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

    Melt the 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 mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth.

  4. 10

    Cool the Ganache

    Let the ganache cool for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.

  5. 11

    Assemble the Cake

    Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Pour a portion of the ganache over the top, then place the second layer on top and pour the remaining ganache over the entire cake.

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