Description
This Mount Doom Cake is a rich, dark chocolate lover’s fantasy. With three towering layers of deeply moist cocoa cake and a glossy bittersweet ganache that flows like molten lava, it’s perfect for when only the most intense chocolate experience will do. Whether you’re celebrating something special or treating yourself, this cake delivers.
Ingredients
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup dark cocoa powder (Dutch-processed)
2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup freshly brewed coffee
½ cup neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper rounds.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and coffee until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the melted bittersweet chocolate.
6. Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
8. To make the ganache, heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for 3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.
9. Level cake layers if needed. Spread ganache between each layer, then over the top and sides. Swirl with an offset spatula for a dramatic lava effect.
10. Let the cake set at room temperature before slicing and serving.
Notes
For the deepest chocolate flavor, use high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa and chocolate with at least 60% cacao.
Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest batter and even baking.
The ganache can be made ahead and gently reheated; just stir until smooth before frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg