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Dark Chocolate Lovers Dream | Mount Doom Cake

A rich, velvety dark chocolate cake featuring deep chocolate layers and a luscious ganache—perfect for chocolate lovers craving an indulgent treat that's easy to make.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
For the Ganache
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped dark chocolate 70% cocoa or higher
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Three 8-inch cake pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Sifter
  • Saucepan
  • Heatproof Bowl
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Step 3: Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat until smooth and well combined, being careful not to overmix.
  4. Step 4: Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin—this intensifies the chocolate flavor.
  5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Step 6: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  7. Step 7: For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour over chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
  8. Step 8: Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a serving plate, spreading ganache on top, and repeating with the remaining layers. Frost the outside with the remaining ganache and decorate as desired.

Notes

Substitute ingredients to customize: use gluten-free flour, plant-based milk, or alternate frostings like cream cheese or buttercream. Store cake at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 5 days. Freeze layers wrapped tightly for longer storage.