Description
A festive dessert perfect for Christmas celebrations, combining rich flavors and elegant presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a mixer, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just boiling. Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Once cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate, spread ganache on top, then place the second layer on top.
- Cover the entire cake with remaining ganache. Chill for 30 minutes to set.
- Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with mint leaves before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add espresso powder to the batter.
- Consider layering with raspberry or cherry preserves for added tartness.
- For plating, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: christmas dessert recipes, chocolate cake, festive dessert, holiday baking