Baking the Best chocolate layer cake you will ever need by Claire Saffitz!

unsweetened cocoa powder

🥗Healthier: dark cocoa powder

💰Cheaper: chocolate syrup

Dark cocoa powder enhances flavor without added sugar.

eggs

🥗Healthier: flaxseed meal

💰Cheaper: egg substitute

Flaxseed meal is a vegan alternative that binds well.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk is lower in calories, while water reduces costs.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: applesauce

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Applesauce adds moisture with fewer calories.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour two round cake pans.

In a bowl, mix self-raising flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, cream together unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract and buttermilk until combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with hot water until smooth.

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare chocolate ganache by heating cream and pouring over chopped chocolate until melted, stirring until smooth.

Once cakes are cool, spread ganache between layers and over the top.

Decorate with fresh fruits and whipped cream before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens