Fluffy Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 grams/8 oz) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (200 grams/7 oz) sugar
• 3/4 cup (75 grams/2.6 oz) cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tsp coffee powder
• 1 cup (235 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) canola oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (235 ml) hot water (from boiling)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 500 grams (17.6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate
• 2 tbsp (28 grams/1 oz) unsalted butter
• 1 (250 ml) pack of cream

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a round cake tin with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them with the canola oil until well combined. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
4. Combine Coffee and Cocoa: Boil one cup of water and add the instant coffee powder, whisking until dissolved. The coffee will enhance the chocolate flavor. Add the cocoa powder to this mixture and whisk until fully combined.
5. Mix Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Then, slowly add the hot coffee mixture. Mix gently until everything is well incorporated and there are no lumps, but be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
7. Prepare the Ganache: Place the semi-sweet chocolate and unsalted butter in a large bowl. Heat the cream in a saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and butter, letting it sit for a minute to melt. Stir the mixture until smooth and glossy. Cover with plastic wrap and let it cool to room temperature.
8. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, you can slice it in half horizontally if you wish to add a layer of ganache in the middle. Spread the ganache evenly over the cake, or pour it over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a more rustic look.