Chocolate Bundt Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe

If you are looking for a decadent treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Chocolate Bundt Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich, luscious, and lovingly crafted, this cake combines the deep flavors of semisweet chocolate with a silky ganache topping that takes every bite to the next level. Whether you’re baking for a cozy evening at home or celebrating a special occasion, this cake bakes up moist, tender, and simply irresistible. Trust me, once you make this Chocolate Bundt Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved classic in your dessert rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is half the joy and success of any baking adventure, and this recipe is no exception. Each component plays its part to build a tender crumb, perfect texture, and that irresistible chocolate flavor that makes this cake shine.

• Semisweet chocolate morsels (1½ cups): These melt down into a dreamy chocolate base, giving the cake a rich depth.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The sturdy foundation that gives structure and a tender crumb to the cake.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): The secret to a light and fluffy texture, helping the cake rise beautifully.
• Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, room temperature): Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
• Brown sugar (16 ounces): Infuses a subtle caramel undertone and keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Large eggs (3): Bind the cake together and add stability with a lovely golden color.
• Sour cream (8 ounces, room temperature): Gives the batter incredible moisture and tang to balance the sweet chocolate.
• Hot water (1 cup): Helps melt the chocolate smoothly into the batter and keeps it soft.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Lifts the entire flavor, providing warmth and complexity.
• Heavy cream (¾ cup): The luscious base for the ganache, creating that silky finish.
• Semisweet chocolate morsels (11 ounces): For the ganache, to create a glossy, rich topping.
• Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Adds shine and a bit of richness to the ganache.
• Flake sea salt (⅛ teaspoon, optional): A sprinkle of this on top perfectly balances the sweetness and adds a gourmet touch.

How to Make Chocolate Bundt Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the middle—it’s the sweet spot for even baking. Grease a 10-inch tube pan generously with butter or shortening and dust it with cocoa powder, or simply use a nonstick spray that contains flour for an effortless release later.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

Place 1½ cups of semisweet chocolate morsels in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them at medium power for 30 seconds, then stir. Continue heating in short 15-second bursts, stirring in between, until the chocolate is silky smooth. This simple step ensures a rich, even chocolate flavor throughout the cake.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. This aerates the baking soda and evenly distributes the salt, creating a perfectly balanced batter.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and brown sugar at medium speed until fluffy and well combined, about 5 minutes. This aeration is the secret behind a tender crumb and rich texture—think of it as the cake’s fluffy cloud.

Step 5: Add the Eggs

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition. This slow incorporation helps keep the batter light and stable without overmixing.

Step 6: Blend in Melted Chocolate

Pour your beautifully melted chocolate into the batter and mix gently until the mixture is uniformly chocolatey and smooth—this is when the cake truly starts to come alive.

Step 7: Alternate Adding Flour and Sour Cream

On low speed, begin adding the sifted flour mixture and sour cream alternately, starting and ending with the flour. Add ⅓ of the flour mix, then half the sour cream, another ⅓ of flour, remaining sour cream, and the last ⅓ of flour, mixing until just combined each time. This method gently combines wet and dry ingredients, preserving the cake’s tender crumb.

Step 8: Incorporate Hot Water and Vanilla

Gradually beat in the hot water on low speed until blended—you’ll barely believe how this thins the batter just enough to keep it moist and luscious after baking. Stir in vanilla extract to add aromatic warmth.

Step 9: Bake the Cake

Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared tube pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Make the Ganache

While your cake cools, prepare the ganache by heating heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until small bubbles form at the edges. Add 11 ounces of semisweet chocolate morsels and stir every 15 seconds until the chocolate is fully melted and glossy. Stir in butter until smooth and velvety. This ganache will pour gorgeously over your cake, adding an indulgent finish.

Step 11: Finish the Cake

Pour the warm ganache over the cooled cake, letting it cascade down every contour. If you like, sprinkle a pinch of flake sea salt on top to add a perfect contrast to the sweetness.

How to Serve Chocolate Bundt Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and flavors, consider garnishing with fresh raspberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few mint leaves. The bright berries add a pop of color and a tart balance, while the mint contributes a refreshing aroma that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

Side Dishes

This lush cake deserves some delightful companions. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast. A cup of strong coffee or a rich, nutty port wine also pairs wonderfully, enhancing the chocolate flavor with their robust accents.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, slice the cake into elegant wedges and plate each with a drizzle of extra ganache and a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts like hazelnuts or almonds. You might even layer it with fresh fruit for a unique trifle-style dessert that’s sure to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Chocolate Bundt Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to two days when covered loosely with foil or stored in an airtight container. The ganache may firm up slightly, adding to the cake’s charm, so let it come to room temperature before serving again.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, freeze without ganache, and add fresh ganache after thawing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

If you prefer a slightly warm slice, gently warm individual pieces in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the ganache and releases the cake’s deep chocolate aromas, making each bite comforting and decadent.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet for this Chocolate Bundt Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe?

Absolutely! Using dark chocolate will deepen the chocolate flavor and add a slightly more intense, bittersweet note. Just be mindful of the cocoa percentage as it affects sweetness—you might want to adjust the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake.

Is it necessary to use sour cream in the batter?

Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tanginess that brightens the flavor and contributes to a tender crumb. If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt is a great substitute in equal amounts.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?

Greasing the pan thoroughly and dusting with cocoa powder is a tried and true method. Alternatively, using a nonstick baking spray with flour works wonders. Letting the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before turning it out also helps keep it intact.

Can I make the ganache ahead of time?

You can make ganache a day in advance; just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Before pouring over the cake, gently reheat it until pourable, stirring to restore its smooth texture.

What’s the best way to cut the bundt cake?

Use a sharp serrated knife and cut with a gentle sawing motion to avoid crumbling. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for beautiful, clean slices every time.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about baking a cake that’s as beautiful in presentation as it is delicious in flavor, and this Chocolate Bundt Cake with Rich Ganache Recipe hits every mark. With its moist crumb, rich chocolate warmth, and that irresistibly silky ganache, it’s the kind of dessert you’ll want to share with family, friends, or savor on your own. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite chocolate cake that everyone will ask you to bake again and again.

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