Chocolate Olive Oil Cake with Ganache
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If you’re craving a rich chocolate dessert, this Chocolate Olive Oil Cake with Ganache hits every note. It’s incredibly moist thanks to the olive oil, has deep cocoa flavor with a little espresso to bring it to life, and gets finished with a silky dark chocolate ganache that sets into the prettiest glossy topping. It feels fancy, but the recipe couldn’t be easier — just basic pantry ingredients and one bowl for the cake. Whether you’re baking for a dinner party or just want something special at home, this olive oil cake delivers that warm, indulgent chocolate bite that never misses.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Olive Oil Cake with Ganache
- Rich, Decadent Flavor: This cake is loaded with deep cocoa and espresso flavors, creating a chocolate lover’s dream dessert.
- Smooth, Velvety Ganache: The glossy dark chocolate ganache is the perfect finishing touch, adding a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture to every bite.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can create a show-stopping dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.
- Moist and Tender Cake: The addition of coffee and olive oil ensures the cake stays incredibly moist and flavorful, without being overly heavy.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weekend treat or a special celebration, this cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients Needed To Make This Chocolate Olive Oil Cake with Ganache
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- 1.1 GF flour or all-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Eggs
- Olive Oil
- Kosher salt
- Coffee (or hot water)
- Espresso powder
- Vanilla extract
- Dark chocolate chips
- Heavy cream
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make This Rich Chocolate Ganache Cake
- Preheat the oven and prepare your pan by greasing it.
- Mix together the dry ingredients in one bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth and pour the batter into the pan.
- Bake until done and let the cake cool completely.
- Melt the chocolate and mix in the cream to make the ganache.
- Pour the ganache over the cooled cake and spread evenly.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of oil in this recipe?
If you don’t have extra virgin olive oil on hand, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or another neutral oil. Olive oil gives a subtle fruity flavor, but other oils will work just fine without affecting the texture too much.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Be sure to check it toward the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake can be baked a day or two in advance. Just allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for a couple of days.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you need to keep it for longer, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place it in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature and top with fresh ganache if desired.
How do I reheat this cake?
To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. If you’re reheating a whole cake, cover it with foil and place it in a low-temperature oven for about 10-15 minutes, just until it’s warmed through. The ganache will stay smooth and shiny!
Chocolate Ganache Cake
Equipment
- toothpick
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Offset spatula (optional)
Video
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour)
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ cup coffee (can substitute hot water)
- ½ tsp espresso powder
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
Ganache
- 8 ounces dark chocolate chips
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Butter a 9” round springform pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, coffee (or hot water), espresso powder, and vanilla extract.
- Combine and Bake: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Ganache: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler. Melt until smooth, stirring occasionally. Whisk in the heavy cream until well combined and glossy.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the ganache over the cooled cake and spread evenly with an offset spatula if desired.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
This Chocolate Ganache Cake is such a treat for any occasion—rich, moist, and topped with that perfectly smooth ganache. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make, and I love how the coffee and espresso give it that extra depth of flavor. Whether it’s a special celebration or just because, this cake never disappoints!
