Description
This Italian Chocolate Cake is rich, moist, and packed with deep cocoa flavor. Made with dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and a silky ganache topping, it’s the perfect indulgent treat for chocolate lovers. The cake has a tender crumb, enhanced by the smoothness of melted chocolate and the richness of butter. Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with fresh berries and whipped cream, this dessert brings a taste of Italy to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- 150g unsalted butter
- 150g granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 100g all-purpose flour
- 30g unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 100ml whole milk
- 50g dark chocolate chips (optional)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 100g dark chocolate, chopped
- 100ml heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon butter (for shine)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Melt dark chocolate and butter together over a double boiler or in the microwave (stir every 20 seconds). Let it cool slightly.
- Beat eggs and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Slowly mix in the melted chocolate and butter until smooth.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until fully combined.
- Stir in dark chocolate chips for extra fudginess (optional).
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Ganache:
- Heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth and glossy. Add butter for extra shine.
- Pour ganache over the cooled cake, letting it drip over the sides.
- Allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) for a deep, rich flavor.
- Don’t overbake! A slightly moist center ensures a soft and fudgy texture.
- Want an extra Italian touch? Add a splash of espresso or orange zest to the batter for a subtle twist.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour in equal measure.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Italian Chocolate Cake, chocolate dessert, easy chocolate cake, chocolate ganache cake, rich chocolate cake, fudgy chocolate cake