Chocolate Pistachio or Lime Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate Pistachio or Lime Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache
Ingredients:
For the cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1 cup whole milk

½ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup boiling water

For the pistachio or lime layer:

1 cup pistachio paste (or lime curd if you prefer lime flavor)

1 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

For the ganache:

6 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or your preferred dark chocolate)

½ cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the white chocolate swirl:

2 oz white chocolate, melted

Instructions:
Make the chocolate cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch rectangular baking dish.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until combined.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.

Stir in the boiling water until the batter is thin and well-combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool completely in the dish.

Prepare the pistachio or lime layer:

If using pistachio paste, whisk it together with the heavy cream and powdered sugar until smooth. If using lime curd, simply whisk until combined.

Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled cake, creating a vibrant layer. Set aside to set for a few minutes.

Make the dark chocolate ganache:

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just starts to simmer.

Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to melt, then stir until smooth.

Stir in the butter until completely melted and the ganache is glossy.

Assemble the dessert:

Pour the dark chocolate ganache over the pistachio or lime layer on the cake. Spread it evenly with a spatula.

Drizzle the melted white chocolate in a web-like pattern over the ganache for decoration.

Chill and serve:

Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the ganache to set.

Slice the cake into squares and serve with a spoonful of the rich, layered dessert!

This dessert combines the richness of chocolate with the vibrant, nutty flavor of pistachio (or the tangy zing of lime), topped with a glossy dark chocolate ganache and delicate white chocolate swirls.