Last weekend, in addition to Memorial Day, we celebrated a birthday. I love to make cakes, but admit that sometimes I can easily talk myself out of doing it. Elaborate recipes, mixers, and utensils, can sound like a lot of work when you’re short on time. In walks my favorite chocolate cake recipe. It requires nothing more than a whisk, that’s right. The ganache is equally easy to make and it is yummy!
I like to serve it warm while it’s still oozy and delicious, but it’s also good chilled and reheated. You can add a scoop of ice cream if you wish, but believe me, this cake can stand on its own.
Recipe from Martha Stewart
CAKE
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder (I use Ghiradelli)
1 cup sugar
2/3 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8″ round pan with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper. I make an outline and cut it to fit.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
In a measuring cup, whisk together the milk, vinegar, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Pour into the flour mixture. Mix gently with a spatula until just combined. Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and bake 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from oven and place on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes before turning out. Cool completely before glazing with ganache.
GANACHE
1/2 heavy cream
4 ounces chopped, semisweet chocolate ( I used Ghiradelli)
Heat cream in a small saucepan until bubbles form around the edges. Add the chocolate and remove from heat and cover. Let ganache rest for about 5 minutes, until the chocolate has melted, then whisk until smooth. Pour warm ganache over the top of the cake. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
You had me at simple and delicious Rene! My family loves chocolate and this looks yummy. As much as I do love to try the challenge of an electorate cake recipe I find these days that simple with fewer steps works best for me! I can't wait to try this.
Oh yes! I'm all about simple these days. I hope your family loves it Allison!