When it comes to fluffy, tasty, and delicious desserts, nothing beats a classic vanilla cake topped with chocolate ganache. This easy recipe uses gluten-free flour and brown sugar, making it a perfect treat for any occasion throughout the year.
I remember how my mom would bake this cake for my grandmother’s birthday, which always fell on Christmas Eve. For us, making this cake has become a cherished tradition. It’s not overly sweet and has a thin layer of chocolate with some fruit on top, striking the right balance of flavor.
After a big dinner with family during the holiday season or a family reunion, a piece of this cake is always a warm welcome. Any leftover cake is usually saved for the following day and enjoyed with a cup of coffee for breakfast—a delightful way to start the day!
What Is Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Ganache
Vanilla cake with chocolate ganache is a classic dessert that pairs the light and fluffy texture of vanilla cake with the rich, decadent flavor of chocolate ganache. The vanilla cake serves as a perfect canvas, offering a sweet and delicate flavor that complements the deep, smooth, and slightly bitter taste of the chocolate ganache. This combination creates a balanced and indulgent treat, perfect for any occasion.
Do I Have to Use Dark Chocolate?
When it comes to ganache, the choice of chocolate can really influence the final taste of your vanilla cake. While I prefer dark chocolate for its rich flavor, many people enjoy the creaminess of milk chocolate or the sweetness of white chocolate.
If you decide to use milk or white chocolate, remember to adjust the amount of cream. For instance, if you normally use 200ml of double cream, you should only use 100ml to avoid a runny consistency since milk solids are more abundant in these chocolates. This little tip ensures your ganache turns out perfectly, no matter what chocolate you choose to make it with.
The Ingredients
• Select Flour: Start by choosing your flour. Depending on your preference or dietary needs, you can use all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or gluten-free flour.
• Add Sugar: Next, choose your sugar. I like to use organic cane sugar or brown sugar to achieve the right level of sweetness in the cake.
• Use Butter: For the fat content, add butter. I usually go for organic butter, but plant-based butter is a great alternative for those avoiding dairy.
• Incorporate Fruits: Enhance the cake with fruits like strawberries, raspberries, peaches, or oranges. These pair beautifully with chocolate and can be complemented with rosemary for a festive holiday decoration.
• Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Melt chocolate with cream to make ganache. Depending on your desired texture, use regular milk for a liquid consistency or add coconut milk for a hint of coconut flavors. For a balanced texture, use half and half cream—it’s not too fluffy yet still smooth. If you want a traditional, rich finish, go with heavy cream for that silky and creamy ganache.
Useful Tips
When making a vanilla cake, it’s crucial to ensure your cake turns out fluffy by carefully mixing the butter and sugar until they’re blended well. My mom always emphasizes the importance of this step in any good recipe.
While the cake is cooking in the oven, avoid opening the door too early, but after 30 minutes, I recommend checking it by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, you know the cake is perfectly completed and won’t risk burning.
A little lemon juice or lemon zest can add a refreshing touch to your cake, but this is purely optional and depends on personal preference. Following these steps ensures a deliciously light and airy result every time.
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Ingredients
For the ganache:
200g dark chocolate
25g unsalted butter
200ml double cream
For the cake:
125g softened unsalted butter
125ml of any flavorless oil (I use vegetable)
250g granulated sugar
Two teaspoons of vanilla extract
Four eggs
250g self-raising flour
50ml warm milk
Directions
• Preheat your oven and grease and line your cake tins.
• In a large bowl, combine butter, oil, sugar, and vanilla. Beat on high speed or whisk until smooth.
• Add the eggs one at a time, then gradually add flour and milk to create a smooth batter.
• Divide the batter evenly between the tins and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Allow the cakes to cool completely after removing them from the oven.
• For the ganache, place chocolate, butter, and cream in a bowl and microwave in short bursts, stirring until melted and smooth.
• Let the ganache set in the fridge, then whip it until it lightens in color and doubles in volume.
• Assemble the cakes by placing one on a board or plate, spreading the ganache between the layers and on top.
• After a quick chill in the fridge, cut a slice and enjoy!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Vanilla Cake with Chocolate Ganache is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful blend of tradition, taste, and texture that brings warmth and joy to any occasion.
The balance of the light, fluffy vanilla cake with the rich, silky chocolate ganache creates a memorable treat that can be enjoyed by all, whether during festive celebrations or as a sweet indulgence after a family meal.
With the versatility of ingredients and the ease of preparation, this cake is a timeless classic that can be personalized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether it’s served fresh from the oven or enjoyed the next day with a cup of coffee, this cake is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home, just as it has in ours.
