Go Back
+ servings
Recipe dd6e2090b9

Mount Doom Cake

A theatrical and comforting chocolate cake, rich in flavor yet easy to make, perfect for quick family meals or special occasions.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour Do not overmeasure; spoon and level or weigh.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar Brown sugar can be used for a chewier texture.
  • 3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder Gives deep chocolate flavor; do not substitute with regular cocoa.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder Essential for lift.
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda Essential for lift.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Kosher salt is preferred.
  • 2 large eggs Use room temperature for best results.
  • 1 cup whole milk Almond milk can be used in a pinch.
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil Keeps the cake moist.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Use pure for better flavor.
  • 1 cup boiling water Blooms the cocoa powder and thins the batter.

For the Ganache

  • 1 cup heavy cream Heat until just simmering.
  • 8 oz chopped dark chocolate 70% cocoa is preferred for richness.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla; mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in boiling water; the batter will thin out.

Baking

  • Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Ganache Preparation

  • Heat heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over chopped dark chocolate and wait 5 minutes before stirring until smooth.

Assembly

  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate, pour a bit of ganache on top and spread. Add the second layer.
  • Pour remaining ganache over the cake allowing it to drip down the sides.

Notes

Use parchment to prevent sticking. Avoid overbaking for a moist cake. Experiment with flavors like espresso or orange zest.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30g
Keyword Chocolate Cake, Easy Chocolate Dessert, Family Meals, Mount Doom Cake, Quick Dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!