Three-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min. + chilling

Makes

16 servings

Updated: Nov. 09, 2023
This decadent triple-layer beauty is pure chocolate indulgence. The cake layers can be frozen prior to final assembly; in fact, they're easier to work with when frozen. —Kathleen Smith, Overland, Missouri
Three-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2-1/4 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup baking cocoa
  • 4 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2-1/4 cups mayonnaise
  • 2-1/4 cups brewed coffee, cold
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • FILLING:
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
  • GANACHE:
  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • GLAZE:
  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 3 greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease paper. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa and baking soda. Beat in mayonnaise, coffee and vanilla. Transfer batter to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 30-35 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely.
  2. For filling, in a small heavy saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Whisk in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Cool completely. In a large bowl, cream butter. Gradually beat in cooled mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.
  3. For ganache, place chocolate in a large bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; let stand 5 minutes. Stir with a whisk until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. Refrigerate, covered, until cold. Beat ganache just until soft peaks form, 15-30 seconds (do not overbeat).
  4. Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with half the filling. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and side of cake with ganache. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate, cream and butter. Microwave at 50% power until smooth, 1-2 minutes, stirring twice. Cool slightly, stirring occasionally. Drizzle over cake, allowing some to flow over side. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Test Kitchen tip
  • To create the unique "naked cake" look on the outside of the cake, spread a layer of frosting around the outside thin enough to leave the layers exposed. Save the leftover ganache for another use, such as a dip for strawberries.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1 piece: 970 calories, 65g fat (30g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 81g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.