Godiva Dark Chocolate Ganache Cake from Godiva Cafe features layers of rich, moist dark chocolate cake enveloped in a smooth, velvety dark chocolate ganache, topped with delicate chocolate shavings for an indulgent, luxurious dessert experience.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans (2 or 3)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling racks
- Saucepan
- Heatproof bowl (for ganache)
- Offset spatula
- Serrated knife (for leveling cake layers)
- Cake turntable (optional)
- Cake board or serving plate
- Grater or vegetable peeler (for chocolate shavings)
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) hot water or brewed coffee
- 12 oz (340g) high-quality dark chocolate (such as Godiva), chopped
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter
- Chocolate bar (for shavings)
High-quality dark chocolate, such as Godiva, is essential for an authentic and rich flavor in your ganache, ensuring a smooth and velvety texture. Using brewed coffee instead of hot water enhances the chocolate's depth without overpowering the cake, so choose a mild, fresh brew if possible. Be sure to use fresh baking powder and baking soda to achieve the perfect rise and moist crumb in your cake layers. Buttermilk is crucial for tenderizing the cake and balancing the cocoa's bitterness, so don't substitute it lightly. Your Godiva Dark Chocolate Ganache Cake from Godiva Cafe copycat menu will come to life with these carefully selected ingredients, delivering an indulgent and luxurious dessert experience.
Instructions
- Cake Preparation Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Add hot water or brewed coffee and mix until batter is well combined (batter will be thin).
- Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes.
- Remove cakes from pans and cool completely on racks.
- Ganache Preparation Instructions:
- Place chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and unsalted butter over medium heat until just simmering.
- Pour hot cream mixture over chocolate.
- Let sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Let ganache cool until spreadable.
- Cake Assembly Instructions:
- Level cake layers with a serrated knife if needed.
- Place first cake layer on cake board or serving plate.
- Spread a layer of ganache over cake using an offset spatula.
- Repeat with remaining cake layers, stacking and spreading ganache between each.
- Cover top and sides of cake with remaining ganache.
- Smooth sides and top with offset spatula. Use turntable if available.
- Chill cake for 15-30 minutes to set ganache.
- Decoration Instructions:
- Use a grater or vegetable peeler to create chocolate shavings from a chocolate bar.
- Sprinkle chocolate shavings generously over the top of cake.
- Transfer cake to serving plate and serve at room temperature.
Substitution
Godiva Dark Chocolate Ganache Cake from Godiva Cafe copycat menu delivers a perfectly balanced rich and moist dark chocolate flavor with a silky ganache finish. You can substitute brewed coffee with hot water to enhance the chocolate depth without adding bitterness. If you don't have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. When melting the dark chocolate for ganache, use a heatproof bowl over simmering water to prevent burning the chocolate. Instead of chocolate shavings, finely chop chocolate bars or use a vegetable peeler to create similar elegant toppings.
Tips
Ensure your cake pans are properly greased and lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking, allowing the delicate dark chocolate cake layers to release easily after baking. When mixing, add the hot water or brewed coffee slowly to achieve a smooth batter without overmixing, which can affect the cake's texture. Use a serrated knife to level the cooled cake layers for even stacking and a professional finish when applying the ganache with an offset spatula. Chill the assembled cake briefly to let the ganache set, making it easier to apply decorative chocolate shavings without smudging your final presentation.
Nutritions
Godiva Dark Chocolate Ganache Cake offers a rich source of antioxidants derived from high-quality dark chocolate, which can support heart health and improve cognitive function. Each slice provides substantial amounts of dietary fats from heavy cream and butter, contributing to satiety but should be enjoyed in moderation due to calorie density. The cake contains carbohydrates primarily from all-purpose flour and granulated sugar, providing a quick energy source but also influencing blood sugar levels. Your indulgence in this dessert includes valuable minerals such as iron and magnesium present in cocoa, enhancing its nutritional profile despite its decadent nature.
Storage
Store Your Godiva Dark Chocolate Ganache Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain the ganache's creamy texture and prevent drying out. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full richness of the dark chocolate layers. Avoid freezing, as this can alter the texture and flavor of both the cake and ganache.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute brewed coffee for the hot water in the cake batter to enhance the chocolate flavor. For a richer ganache, try using a combination of dark chocolate and a touch of milk chocolate or adding a splash of espresso. If you prefer a lighter texture, fold in some whipped cream into the cooled ganache before spreading. To vary the decoration, replace chocolate shavings with crushed hazelnuts or toasted coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
Allergies
Godiva Dark Chocolate Ganache Cake contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy from buttermilk, heavy cream, and butter, as well as gluten from all-purpose flour. If you have sensitivities to cocoa or chocolate, note that this dessert is rich in dark chocolate, which may trigger reactions in some individuals. You should avoid this cake if you have allergies to any of these ingredients or consult with your healthcare provider before consumption.
Why this recipe?
Godiva Dark Chocolate Ganache Cake from Godiva Cafe offers an intense cocoa flavor paired with a smooth, velvety texture that chocolate enthusiasts crave. Its rich ganache filling and moist cake layers create a balanced sweetness that satisfies without overwhelming the palate. The cake uses premium Godiva chocolate, known for its quality and depth, making every bite indulgent. Trying to make a copycat version lets you recreate this luxurious dessert experience at home, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.