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If you believe there’s no such thing as too much chocolate, you’re in the right place. This Triple Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist, and decadent dessert that layers three types of chocolate into one unforgettable slice. With a moist cocoa cake base, a silky ganache filling, and a whipped chocolate buttercream frosting, this cake is pure indulgence.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving something truly indulgent, this cake delivers maximum chocolate satisfaction. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch.
🍰 Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Three types of chocolate in every bite
- Super moist texture from buttermilk and coffee
- Perfect for any celebration (or when you just need a slice of joy)
- Can be made ahead and decorated beautifully
📝 Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water for milder flavor)
Ganache Filling:
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream (add more for desired consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
🍽️ Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cake Layers
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add in the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
- Slowly pour in the hot coffee and mix until the batter is smooth. Don’t worry—the batter will be thin.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Ganache Filling
- Place the chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl.
- Heat the cream in a saucepan until just simmering—don’t let it boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir gently until smooth and glossy. Chill slightly to thicken before assembling.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Buttercream
- Beat the butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Sift in the cocoa powder and beat until well mixed.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Slowly stream in the heavy cream and beat until the frosting is creamy and spreadable.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a thick layer of ganache over the top.
- Add the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with chocolate buttercream.
- Decorate with chocolate curls, truffles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate if desired.
🎂 Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Coffee Boosts Flavor: Hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. But you can use hot water if preferred.
- Chill Before Slicing: For clean layers, refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
🔄 Variations
- Add a Raspberry Twist: Spread a thin layer of raspberry preserves under the ganache.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: Top with a drizzle of salted caramel for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use bittersweet chocolate for the ganache and add espresso powder to the batter.
🍽️ Serving & Storage
- Serving: This cake is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature.
- Storage: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let sit out for 15 minutes before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the full cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
💬 Final Thoughts
This Triple Chocolate Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of chocolate in every form. Moist, rich, and indulgent, it’s the kind of cake that turns any occasion into something extra special. So grab your whisk, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a slice (or two) of pure chocolate heaven.
