Death by Chocolate Cake Recipe: Decadent Bliss in Every Slice

Chocolate lovers swoon over this decadent death by chocolate cake recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Rich, velvety layers of moist chocolate cake melt in your mouth with each delightful bite.

Dark chocolate ganache drips seductively between each tender layer, creating an irresistible dessert.

Dense chocolate frosting blankets the entire cake in luxurious waves of cocoa bliss.

Intense chocolate flavors dance across your palate with every forkful of this sinful treat.

Prepare to experience a chocolate experience so divine it practically defines dessert perfection.

This recipe transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary chocolate celebration you won’t forget.

All You Need for Ultimate Chocolate Dream

• Water: Creates the base for the simple syrup.
• Melted Chocolate: Adds rich chocolate flavor to the buttercream.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
• Heavy Cream: Provides smoothness and richness to the buttercream.

• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create structure in both the syrup and cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor to the simple syrup and cake.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the main structure for the cake layers.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the sweet flavors.

• Butter: Forms the base of the buttercream and adds richness to the cake.
• Chocolate Chips: Creates a decorative border around the cake sides.
• Eggs: Helps bind the cake ingredients and provides moisture.

Creating an Ultimate Chocolate Dream Cake

Step 1: Create Simple Chocolate Syrup

Combine water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.

Whisk continuously until sugar dissolves completely.

Stir in cocoa powder until smooth and integrated.

Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Ensure all baking tools and ingredients are readily accessible.

Step 3: Mix Dry Cake Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk ingredients until thoroughly combined and free of lumps.

Step 4: Blend Wet Cake Ingredients

• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Warm water

Blend until ingredients are smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Create Cake Batter

Gradually pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients.

Gently fold until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to maintain cake’s light texture.

Step 6: Bake Chocolate Cake Layers

Divide batter evenly among prepared cake pans.

Spread batter smoothly.

Bake in preheated oven for 23-26 minutes.

Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in center.

Step 7: Cool And Level Cake Layers

Remove cakes from oven.

Let cool in pans for 15 minutes.

Transfer to wire rack.

Once completely cooled, level tops using a serrated knife for even stacking.

Step 8: Prepare Chocolate Buttercream

In a stand mixer, beat softened butter until creamy.

• Cocoa powder
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar.

Mix in heavy cream.

Fold in melted chocolate until silky smooth.

Step 9: Assemble Cake Layers

Brush each cake layer with prepared chocolate syrup.

Spread buttercream between layers.

Stack layers carefully and evenly.

Step 10: Decorate Chocolate Masterpiece

Cover entire cake with remaining buttercream.

Press chocolate chips around cake sides.

Pipe decorative rosettes or swirls on top.

Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.

Tips for Chocolate Dessert Excellence

• Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and moist texture.
• Adjust cocoa powder amount to customize chocolate depth.
• Ensure butter is softened but not melted for perfect creamy consistency.
• Use a serrated knife or cake leveler for clean, even cake layers.
• Brush simple syrup between layers to boost moisture and richness.

Recipe Variations for Ultimate Chocolate Dream

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Dream: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same rich chocolate flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Sensation: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and dairy-free chocolate for a completely animal-product-free version.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Bliss: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining intense chocolate taste.
• Nutty Chocolate Adventure: Add ground almonds or hazelnut flour to the cake batter, introducing a delightful nutty undertone to the classic chocolate recipe.

Serving Up Ultimate Chocolate Dream Dessert

• Chocolate Lover's Paradise: Slice the cake and serve on elegant dessert plates for a sophisticated presentation.
• Sweet Celebration Centerpiece: Top the cake with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or edible gold leaf for a stunning visual impact.
• Decadent Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a rich espresso to enhance the chocolate experience.
• Gifting Gourmet Delight: Wrap individual slices in beautiful parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift that will impress friends and family.

Keeping Chocolate Dream Dessert Fresh

• Store the Ultimate Chocolate Dream cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve its moist texture.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place under a cake dome or cover with a large inverted bowl to maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual cake layers or the entire frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Store the cake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption. Place a piece of bread near the cake to help retain moisture and keep the cake soft and delicious.

FAQs

• What's the secret to the chocolate syrup's rich flavor?

The simple syrup with cocoa powder creates an intense chocolate base that adds moisture and deepens the cake’s overall chocolate taste.

• How do I ensure my cake layers are perfectly even?

After baking, let the cakes cool for 15 minutes, then use a long serrated knife to carefully level the tops for uniform, professional-looking layers.

• Why do I need to brush the layers with syrup?

Brushing layers with syrup helps keep the cake incredibly moist, prevents dryness, and enhances the chocolate flavor throughout each slice.

• What technique makes the buttercream extra smooth?

Beat the butter until completely smooth before gradually adding sugar and cream, which prevents lumps and creates a silky, spreadable frosting.

Ultimate Chocolate Dream: Why It’s a Showstopper

• Whip Up Chocolate Bliss: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a decadent chocolate cake that'll make everyone's taste buds dance with joy.
• Master Baker's Delight: Perfect for bakers wanting to level up their skills, with clear steps that guide you through creating a stunning chocolate masterpiece.
• Family Celebration Showstopper: Guaranteed to impress at birthdays, anniversaries, or any special gathering where you want to create memorable moments around a gorgeous dessert.
• Customize Your Chocolate Dream: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like different chocolate chip decorations or creative piping designs to match your style and mood.

Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate lovers rejoice with this death by chocolate cake that promises pure bliss in every rich, velvety slice. Layers of moist chocolate cake, decadent ganache, and silky chocolate mousse create an irresistible dessert you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (260g / 9.2 oz)
• 2 cups granulated sugar (400g / 14.1 oz)
• 3/4 cup dark cocoa powder (75g / 2.6 oz)
• 1 cup dark cocoa powder (100g / 3.5 oz)
• 2 tsp baking powder (8g / 0.3 oz)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda (9g / 0.3 oz)
• 1 tsp fine salt (6g / 0.2 oz)
• 1/2 tsp fine salt (3g / 0.1 oz)
• 5 cups powdered sugar (625g / 22 oz)

Liquid and Soft Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water (120g / 4.2 oz)
• 1 cup warm water (240g / 8.5 oz)
• 1 cup sour cream, room temp (255g / 9 oz)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (110g / 3.9 oz)
• 2 large eggs, room temp (112g / 4 oz)
• 2 cups unsalted butter, room temp (434g / 15.3 oz)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (180g / 6.3 oz)

Flavor and Optional Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp dark cocoa powder (6g / 0.2 oz)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (8g / 0.3

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Instructions

1. Craft the simple syrup by simmering water and sugar until dissolved, then whisk in cocoa powder thoroughly until smooth and glossy.
2. Allow the simple syrup to cool completely to room temperature, which helps develop deeper flavor complexity.
3. Preheat the oven to 350°F and meticulously prepare three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and light butter coating.
4. Sift together all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain and ingredients are uniformly combined.
5. In a separate bowl, blend wet ingredients until they create a smooth, cohesive mixture with consistent texture.
6. Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together, mixing just until incorporated to maintain the cake’s delicate structure.
7. Evenly distribute batter among prepared pans, spreading smoothly, and bake for 23-26 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean.
8. Remove cakes from oven and let rest for 15 minutes, then carefully level layers using a serrated knife for even surface.
9. Prepare buttercream by beating butter until creamy, then gradually incorporate cocoa, vanilla, salt, powdered sugar, and cream until luxuriously smooth.
10. Melt chocolate and fold into buttercream, creating a rich, glossy frosting with intense chocolate flavor.
11. Delicately brush each cake layer with prepared simple syrup to enhance moisture and depth of taste.
12. Carefully stack layers, spreading buttercream between each, creating a stable and delectable tower of chocolate decadence.
13. Generously coat entire cake with remaining buttercream, ensuring smooth and even coverage.
14. Artfully press chocolate chips around cake sides for textural contrast and visual appeal.
15. Finish by piping elegant decorative elements on top, transforming the cake into a stunning chocolate masterpiece.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and more even baking, ensuring a tender chocolate cake texture.
• Sift dry ingredients to prevent lumps and create a lighter, more delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Brush layers with simple syrup to lock in moisture and add an extra layer of rich chocolate flavor, keeping the cake incredibly moist.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the cake’s decadent chocolate essence.

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 658
• Sugar: 54g
• Sodium: 339mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 73g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 57mg