Moist Chocolate Walnut Cake with Ganache Topping

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

• ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)

• ½ cup (120 ml) milk (room temperature)

• ½ cup (120 ml) hot water or hot coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)

• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream

• 1 tsp butter (optional, for extra shine)

For Garnish

• ¼ cup (30 g) chopped walnuts (to sprinkle on top)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan.

2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined.

5. Stir in hot water/coffee slowly (batter will be thin, but that’s okay).

6. Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

2. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

3. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Ganache

1. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until just about to simmer (don’t boil).

2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl.

3. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

4. Stir in butter for extra shine (optional).

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Place the cooled cake on a serving plate.

2. Pour the warm ganache over the cake, letting it drip naturally over the sides.

3. Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top while the ganache is still soft.

4. Allow the ganache to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Best Results

• Use hot coffee instead of water for a richer chocolate flavor.

• Toast the walnuts lightly before adding for extra crunch.

• If you want extra moistness, brush the cake with a little sugar syrup before adding ganache.

• This cake pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

✅ Yields: 8–10 slices
✅ Time: ~1 hour (including baking and cooling)