Description
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream with this Epic Chocolate Overload Explosion Cake. Layers of moist chocolate cake sandwiched with rich chocolate frosting, topped with a decadent chocolate ganache drip and an explosion of chocolate toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Ganache Drip:
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Toppings (optional but encouraged):
- Mini brownies
- Chocolate truffles
- Chocolate bars (broken into pieces)
- Chocolate chips
- Chocolate curls
- Sprinkles
- Crushed cookies
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined, then stir in the hot coffee (batter will be thin).
- Divide evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat butter until creamy. Sift in cocoa powder and mix until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, beating until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- To make the ganache, heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 2–3 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly before drizzling.
- To assemble, layer the cakes with frosting between each layer. Frost the top and sides with remaining frosting. Drizzle ganache over the top and let it drip down the sides. Pile chocolate toppings generously on top for the “explosion” effect. Chill slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa for best flavor.
- The cake layers can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
- Customize toppings based on your favorite chocolates and candies.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 68g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 86g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
