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Mount Doom Chocolate Cake Recipe

4.8 from 111 reviews

Indulge in the rich and decadent Dark Chocolate Lovers Dream, also known as the Mount Doom Cake. This luscious layered chocolate cake features moist cocoa-infused layers paired perfectly with a smooth, silky dark chocolate ganache made from heavy cream and chopped dark chocolate. Ideal for special occasions or any time you’re craving an intense chocolate experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water

Ganache Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups chopped dark chocolate
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and evenly distributed.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredient mixture. Beat everything together until the batter is smooth and uniform.
  4. Incorporate Boiling Water: Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on a low speed. Note that the batter will be thin; this is expected and vital for the cake’s moist texture.
  5. Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the thin batter among the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before assembling.
  7. Prepare Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes to melt. Stir the mixture gently until smooth and glossy. Chill slightly until thickened but still spreadable.
  8. Assemble Cake: Stack the cooled cake layers, spreading ganache generously between each layer. Use the remaining ganache to frost the top and sides of the cake liberally for a rich finish.

Notes

  • Using Dutch-process cocoa powder ensures a smooth and slightly less acidic chocolate flavor.
  • The batter will be very thin after adding boiling water, which is key to a moist cake.
  • Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling to prevent ganache from melting.
  • Chilling the ganache slightly makes it easier to spread and helps maintain a smooth finish.
  • For an extra touch, garnish the cake with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Keywords: dark chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, layered cake, rich chocolate dessert, Mount Doom Cake, chocolate lovers