Mount Doom Chocolate Cake Recipe
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.
- Author: Kai
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before assembling.
- 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.
- 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