Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent Dark Romance Cake, perfect for romantic occasions or whenever you’re craving a deeply chocolatey treat. This luscious layered cake features moist dark cocoa-infused sponge complemented by a creamy dark chocolate frosting. Enhanced with brewed coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor without overpowering it, this cake is a showstopper adorned optionally with chocolate shavings, edible rose petals, and fresh berries.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Edible rose petals
- Berries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, dark cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures a smooth, clump-free batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Add Coffee and Chocolate Chips: Stir in the hot brewed coffee thoroughly to enhance the cocoa flavor, then fold in the dark chocolate chips evenly.
- Fill Pans and Bake: Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, preventing sogginess and ensuring a perfect texture.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well. Then add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Assemble and Decorate: Once cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and cover the entire cake with the chocolate frosting. Decorate with optional dark chocolate shavings, edible rose petals, or fresh berries as desired.
Notes
- The brewed coffee enhances the richness of the chocolate without imparting a coffee flavor.
- For added decadence, spread a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers before frosting.
- Make sure cakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use high-quality dark cocoa powder for the best intense chocolate flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
