Indulge in Barefoot Contessa’s Dreamy Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe

Rich chocolate lovers sink their forks into this decadent Barefoot Contessa chocolate ganache cake that melts hearts with every velvety bite.

Ina Garten’s legendary dessert combines deep cocoa flavors with silky smooth textures that dance across your palate.

Each slice promises pure indulgence through carefully balanced ingredients.

The cake glossy ganache coating creates an irresistible sheen that beckons dessert enthusiasts.

Layers of moist chocolate promise an elegant yet comforting experience for any special occasion.

Serious bakers and casual home cooks alike will appreciate this sophisticated yet approachable recipe.

Get ready to impress and savor every luxurious moment of chocolate bliss.

Instructions to Bake Chocolate Ganache Cake

• Cake Foundation

Craft a rich, decadent chocolate cake base using classic baking techniques. Select high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor depth and smooth texture.

• Mixing Magic

Blend butter and sugar until creamy and light. Incorporate eggs carefully, ensuring smooth integration. Fold chocolate syrup and vanilla for complex flavor profile.

• Baking Brilliance

Transfer cake batter into prepared pan. Bake at moderate temperature, watching carefully to maintain moisture. Allow cake to cool completely before next stage.

• Ganache Glory

Create silky chocolate glaze by melting chocolate with cream. Use gentle heat to develop glossy, luxurious coating. Stir consistently for smooth consistency.

• Elegant Finishing

Invert cake onto serving platform. Pour warm ganache over entire surface, allowing natural flow and even coverage. Let excess drip gracefully for professional presentation.

• Serving Suggestions

Enhance with delicate garnishes like edible flowers or gold accents. Serve at room temperature to maximize flavor and texture experience. Enjoy decadent chocolate masterpiece with friends and family.

Chocolate Ganache Cake Hacks & Flavor Boosts

• Add a splash of dark rum or orange liqueur to the cake batter for a sophisticated flavor twist that elevates the chocolate profile.
• Swap regular flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend to create a delicious alternative for those with dietary restrictions.
• Fold in chopped toasted hazelnuts or espresso-soaked raisins into the batter for unexpected crunch and complex taste layers.
• Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate to change the ganache's richness and sweetness level.
• Top the cake with fresh berries, caramelized nuts, or a dusting of sea salt to add visual appeal and contrasting flavor notes.

Serving Chocolate Ganache Cake with Style

• Garnish with Elegant Toppings: Sprinkle delicate candied violets or crumble gold leaf across the ganache for a sophisticated and luxurious presentation that transforms this cake into a showstopping dessert.
• Pair with Rich Beverages: Complement the deep chocolate flavor by serving alongside a steaming espresso, velvety cappuccino, or smooth port wine to enhance the cake's intense chocolate notes.
• Create Dramatic Plating: Place each slice on a pristine white plate, using a small dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar around the edge to create a stunning visual contrast that highlights the glossy ganache.
• Serve at Perfect Temperature: Allow the cake to rest at room temperature for the most decadent texture, ensuring the ganache remains silky and the cake stays incredibly moist and tender.

Store It, Slice It – Ganache Cake Tips for Later

• Serve Smartly: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping it away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Freeze with Finesse: Wrap the unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before adding ganache.
• Keep Ganache Gorgeous: If preparing ahead, store ganache separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Gently reheat and stir before glazing the cake.
• Slice and Savor: Cut clean cake slices using a warm, dry knife wiped between each cut. Serve on beautiful plates at room temperature for the most luxurious chocolate experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients Needed for Chocolate Ganache Cake

• Butter: Ensures a rich, moist texture and adds luxurious flavor to the cake's foundation.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb with delightful caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's light, fluffy structure.
• Chocolate Syrup: Deepens the chocolate flavor and adds moisture to the cake.
• Vanilla: Enhances and rounds out the chocolate's complex flavor profile.
• Flour: Creates the cake's structure and provides a delicate, tender base.

• Double Cream: Creates a silky, smooth glossy finish with luxurious richness.
• Chocolate Chips: Melts into a decadent, glossy coating with intense chocolate flavor.
• Instant Coffee: Amplifies and intensifies the chocolate's deep, complex notes.

• Candied Violets: Adds an elegant, delicate floral garnish with a subtle sweet crunch.
• Gold Leaf: Provides a luxurious, eye-catching shimmer for sophisticated presentation.

Tools to Create Chocolate Ganache Cake

• Stand mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Paddle attachment: Needed for mixing cake batter smoothly.
• 8-inch round cake tin: Crucial for baking the perfect cake shape.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent cake from sticking to the tin.
• Heatproof bowl: Used for melting chocolate and creating ganache.
• Simmering pan: Provides gentle heat for chocolate mixture.
• Wire rack: Perfect for glazing and allowing excess ganache to drip.
• Whisk or spatula: Helpful for stirring ganache and mixing ingredients.

Luxurious Chocolate Ganache Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate ganache cake showcases Ina Garten’s signature elegance with deep cocoa flavors and silky smooth texture. Chocolate lovers will find pure indulgence in each luxurious slice of this classic dessert.

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Ingredients

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• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 225 g (8 oz) good-quality semisweet chocolate chips
• 115 g (4 oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 200 g (7 oz) caster sugar
• 320 ml (10.8 fl oz) Hershey’s chocolate syrup
• 125 g (4.4 oz) plain flour
• 120 ml (4 fl oz) double cream
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp instant coffee granules
• Candied violets or edible gold leaf, for decoration (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Calibrate oven to 160°C (fan) or 180°C (conventional). Meticulously prepare cake tin with butter, flour, and parchment paper, ensuring seamless cake release.
2. Batter Creation: Cream butter and sugar in stand mixer until fluffy and pale. Introduce eggs one at a time, integrating thoroughly. Fold in chocolate syrup and vanilla extract, maintaining silky consistency.
3. Mixing and Preparation: Gently sift flour into wet ingredients, using delicate folding technique to preserve batter’s airiness. Transfer mixture to prepared tin, smoothing surface with spatula.
4. Baking Process: Position cake in preheated oven, baking for 40-45 minutes. Test doneness with skewer—minimal moist crumbs indicate perfect bake. Allow cake to cool completely in tin, then transfer to wire rack.
5. Ganache Technique: Create double boiler by positioning heatproof bowl over simmering water. Meld heavy cream, chocolate chips, and instant coffee, stirring until achieving glossy, smooth texture.
6. Finishing Touch: Cascade warm ganache over cake, tilting rack to ensure elegant, even coverage. Optional: Adorn with candied violets or delicate gold leaf. Serve at ambient temperature to highlight complex flavor profile.

Notes

• Butter Temperature Matters: Use room temperature butter for smoother, more even cake batter that incorporates ingredients seamlessly and creates a lighter texture.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients to prevent developing tough gluten strands, which can make the cake dense and less tender.
• Double-Check Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise temperature, as slight variations can dramatically affect cake’s rise and texture.
• Ganache Technique Tip: Let ganache cool slightly before pouring to achieve perfect draping consistency without becoming too runny or thick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg