Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups brewed coffee
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Ghirardelli recommended)
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Ganache
- 6 ounces heavy cream
- 3 Tbsp corn syrup
- 12 ounces chopped chocolate
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Cocoa: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, brewed coffee, vegetable oil, unsweetened cocoa powder, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Whisk in the baking soda and then gradually add the flour, mixing until the batter is smooth but thin in consistency.
- Pour and Level Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles and level the surface.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake for 30 minutes, being careful not to overbake. The cake is done when the center feels firm and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for at least 30 minutes before applying the ganache.
- Prepare Ganache: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, scald the heavy cream and corn syrup just until hot but not boiling. Pour the cream mixture over the chocolate and let sit for a few minutes to soften, then stir gently until smooth and silky. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Glaze the Cake: Pour the ganache evenly over the cooled cake and spread it with an offset spatula for a smooth finish. Allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake at room temperature or refrigerate to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use good quality cocoa powder and chocolate for best flavor.
- Ensure the coffee is cooled before mixing with other ingredients to avoid curdling.
- Be careful not to overbake; the cake should remain moist inside.
- The ganache should be poured over the cake when the cake is warm but not hot to ensure smooth coverage.
- This cake can be stored at room temperature for a day or two or refrigerated for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American