[ The Best Chocolate Cake ]

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The Best Chocolate Cake 

8 to 10 servings 8 to 10 servings

Freezes

Cake

2 cups (300 g) unbleached all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 eggs
2 cups (420 g) sugar

1 cup (250 ml) buttermilk

1/2 cup (125 ml) canola oil

2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract

3/4 cup (75 g) cocoa powder

3/4 cup (180 ml) strongly brewed coffee, warm

Ganache

1 3/4 cups (430 ml) 35% heavy cream 2 tbsp (30 ml) corn syrup

16 oz (450 g) dark chocolate, chopped

Preparation

1. With the rack in the middle position, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter and line two 8-inch (20 cm) springform pans with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

3. In another bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, buttermilk, oil and vanilla with a whisk. Set aside.

4. In a small bowl, combine the cocoa powder and coffee with a whisk. Add to the egg mixture. Add the dry ingredients and stir until smooth. Spoon the batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Let cool completely before unmoulding.

Ganache

5. In a saucepan, bring the cream and corn syrup to a boil.

6. In a bowl, pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate. Let melt for 2 minutes. Stir until the ganache is smooth. Refrigerate for about 1 hour or until it has thickened and is still spreadable, stirring four or five times.

Assembly

7. On a work surface, cut and remove the rounded tops of each cake. Cut each cake in half horizontally to make four slices. With a spatula, spread the ganache evenly over the surface of each slice. Layer the four slices and place on a cake stand.

Note :: This cake keeps well for up to 3 days at room temperature under a cake dome.