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Capricorn Cake

This Capricorn Cake is a decadent, layered chocolate cake perfect for celebrating birthdays or any special occasion. Rich chocolate ganache and a touch of coffee enhance the deep flavors, making it a truly unforgettable dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons instant coffee granules
  • For the Chocolate Ganache:
  • 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Dissolve coffee granules in boiling water. Slowly add to the batter, mixing until smooth.
  6. Pour batter evenly into prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. For the Chocolate Ganache: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until just simmering.
  10. Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
  11. Let ganache cool slightly until it thickens enough to spread.
  12. Once cakes are completely cool, level the tops if necessary.
  13. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with a generous layer of chocolate ganache.
  14. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining ganache.
  15. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set before serving.

Notes

For an extra touch, garnish with chocolate shavings or fresh berries before serving.