This Super Moist Chocolate Cake is rich, decadent, and topped with a smooth, velvety chocolate ganache. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply satisfying your chocolate cravings, this cake delivers deep chocolate flavor with a soft, tender crumb.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra Moist Texture: The combination of oil, milk, and boiling water keeps the cake soft and tender.
Deep Chocolate Flavor: Cocoa powder and semisweet chocolate create a rich taste.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a foolproof recipe.
Decadent Ganache Topping: A luscious chocolate ganache elevates the cake to bakery-quality indulgence.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake

1¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1½ tsp baking powder
1½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Ganache

1 cup heavy cream
8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp butter

Directions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
Add Boiling Water: Slowly stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin—this is normal!
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes (round pans) or 35-40 minutes (9×13-inch pan), until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Ganache

Heat Cream: In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
Melt Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Add Butter: Stir in the butter until fully incorporated and glossy. Let cool slightly before using.

Assemble the Cake

Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, pour the ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Smooth with a spatula if needed.
Set and Serve: Let the ganache set for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-14
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Espresso Kick: Add 1 tsp of instant coffee powder to the batter for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Nutty Twist: Stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
Fruity Addition: Top with fresh raspberries or strawberries before serving.
Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk and dairy-free chocolate for a lactose-free version.
Extra Decadence: Fill the cake with chocolate mousse or whipped cream before adding the ganache.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: Microwave slices for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey texture.

FAQs

Why is my cake batter so thin?

The boiling water helps create a moist texture and enhances the cocoa flavor. It’s supposed to be thin!

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes! Canola or melted coconut oil work well as substitutes.

What’s the best chocolate for ganache?

Use high-quality semisweet or dark chocolate for the best flavor and texture.

How do I make a thicker ganache?

Let it cool longer before spreading, or reduce the cream by ¼ cup.

Can I make this cake without an electric mixer?

Yes! Simply whisk the ingredients thoroughly by hand until smooth.

How do I get smooth ganache drips?

Use a spoon or piping bag to carefully drizzle ganache over the edges.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Yes! Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.

What frosting pairs well with this cake?

Besides ganache, buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped cream all complement the chocolate flavor.

Can I add liqueur to the ganache?

Yes! Stir in 1 tbsp of Baileys, Kahlúa, or Grand Marnier for a boozy touch.

What can I do if my ganache is too runny?

Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to thicken before using.

Conclusion

This Super Moist Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Ganache is a chocolate lover’s dream—rich, soft, and covered in silky-smooth ganache. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or a weekend indulgence, this easy yet decadent cake will impress every time. Try it today and enjoy a slice of pure chocolate bliss!