Best 2-Layer Chocolate Naked Cake
Photo from Unsplash
Originally Posted On: https://www.goodcook.com/recipes/best-2-layer-chocolate-naked-cake
The Best 2-Layer Chocolate Naked Cake you will ever make is a beautiful way to celebrate special occasions. A rich chocolate cake is balanced by a light vanilla buttercream and drizzled with a rich chocolate ganache. The frosting is sandwiched between cake layers, leaving the sides exposed to create a stunning layer cake – The Best 2-Layer Chocolate Naked Cake around!
Naked cakes are simple and elegant and make a delicious statement at special events from weddings to birthdays to anniversaries. This cake starts with 2 layers of rich, moist, and utterly delicious chocolate cake, and is frosted with the creamiest vanilla buttercream between each layer and on top. For an irresistible finishing touch, a decadent chocolate ganache is drizzled down the sides. A splendid way to celebrate!
- Serves: 20
- Difficulty: High
- Prep: 35 minutes
- Type: Desserts
- Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Bookmark itPrint recipeIngredients
- 4 oz unsweetened chocolate
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 4 large eggs plus 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, cut into 12 pieces, room temperature
Directions
For the Cake:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Grease, and flour 2, 9 inch round cake pans.
- Chop chocolate into fine pieces.
- Place in a metal bowl over gently simmering water.
- Add in the cocoa powder, and hot water.
- Stir often, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is combined.
- Add a 1/2 cup of the sugar to the mixture and stir until the sugar is incorporated and glossy.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine the buttermilk and vanilla in a measuring cup.
- In a large bowl or stand, mixer with a paddle attachment beat the eggs and yolks on high for 1 minute.
- Add remaining 1 1/4 cup sugar and beat on high for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the cooled chocolate mixture to the eggs, mix at a medium speed until combined.
- Add the butter, one piece at a time. Allow mixing for about 10 seconds before adding the next piece.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl often.
- On low speed, alternate adding in the flour and the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour. (Add in a ? of the dry ingredients, mix until almost completely combined, then add half of the buttermilk mixture. Repeat process once more. Then add the remaining flour.) Beat until well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Smooth out the batter to make it even.
- Bake on a center rack for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake slightly springs back when touched and a toothpick comes out clean.
For the Frosting:
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, whisk butter until light and creamy, for about 7 minutes, at a high speed.
- At a medium speed, slowly add in the powdered sugar one tablespoon at a time.
- Make sure the sugar has been mixed completely in before adding the next tablespoon. Scrape the bowl often.
- Add in the vanilla, milk, and salt.
- Whisk on high for 4 more minutes until very creamy and fluffy.
- Place 2 cups on top of one of the cooled cakes.
- Evenly spread to edges and place the second cake on top.
- Use remaining 1 1/2 cups to cover the top and sides of the cake.
- Remove from oven and let rest in pan for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cakes from the pans and let rest on wire racks until completely cooled.
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@franklymedia.com