Recipe For Chocolate Forest Cake

Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of a Chocolate Forest Cake! This moist chocolate cake is layered with chocolate ganache and topped with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, and edible flowers to create a magical forest-inspired dessert. Perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something truly luxurious.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) hot water or coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream
2 cups (340g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For Decoration:

Chocolate shavings or curls
Fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, blackberries)
Edible flowers (optional)
Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Chocolate Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Gradually add the hot water (or coffee) and mix until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Chocolate Ganache:

Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not boil).
Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Add vanilla extract if desired.
Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.

3. Assemble the Cake:

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of chocolate ganache over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache. Use a spatula to create a smooth or textured finish.
Decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, and edible flowers for a forest-inspired look.
Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

4. Serve: