Wedding cakes are more than just desserts—they are the centerpiece of one of the most important celebrations in life. Among the many wedding cake recipes, one that consistently steals the spotlight is the Chocolate Ganache Wedding Cake. Luxurious, rich, and elegant, this cake blends the timeless appeal of chocolate with the sophistication of a wedding centerpiece.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a wedding cake that looks stunning and tastes even better, this recipe will become your ultimate guide. In this article, we’ll explore every detail about creating a perfect Chocolate Ganache Wedding Cake, from ingredients and tools to preparation, decorating tips, serving suggestions, and storage.
Whether you’re a professional baker or a bride-to-be planning your own dessert, this article will guide you step by step to create a show-stopping wedding cake.
Why Chocolate Ganache Wedding Cake is Perfect for Weddings
In the world of wedding cake recipes, vanilla and buttercream often dominate. But couples are increasingly turning toward chocolate-based cakes for a richer, more decadent flavor profile.
Here’s why a Chocolate Ganache Wedding Cake stands out:
- Timeless Elegance – Ganache gives a sleek, glossy finish perfect for weddings.
- Rich Flavor – The combination of moist chocolate sponge and velvety ganache satisfies chocolate lovers.
- Versatile Design – It pairs beautifully with flowers, edible gold, or minimalist décor.
- Crowd-Pleaser – While fruitcakes may divide guests, chocolate cake is universally loved.
Complete Ingredients List
For the Chocolate Cake Layers (3 tiers, 12-inch base, 9-inch middle, 6-inch top):
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tsp baking soda
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 4 cups buttermilk (room temperature)
- 3 cups vegetable oil
- 12 large eggs (room temperature)
- 4 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 4 cups hot brewed coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
For the Ganache Filling & Frosting:
- 4 lbs high-quality semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 quarts heavy cream (36% fat)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature, cut into cubes)
Optional Decorations:
- Edible gold leaf
- Fresh or edible flowers
- Chocolate curls or shards
- Fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries)
Required Kitchen Tools
- 3 round cake pans (12-inch, 9-inch, 6-inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or electric hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Offset spatula
- Serrated cake knife (for leveling)
- Cake turntable
- Saucepan (for heating cream)
- Pastry bags and tips (optional for decorating)
- Cake boards (for each tier)
- Cake dowels (for stacking)
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
1: Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk sugars, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with hot coffee. Mix until smooth but do not overmix.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean (about 35–40 minutes for smaller pans, 50–55 minutes for larger pans).
- Cool completely before removing from pans.
2: Prepare the Ganache
- Heat cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
- Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate. Let sit for 3–4 minutes.
- Stir gently until smooth and glossy.
- Add butter cubes and stir until fully incorporated.
- Allow ganache to cool until spreadable (it thickens as it cools).
3: Assemble the Cake
- Level each cake layer with a serrated knife.
- Place bottom tier (12-inch) on a cake board. Spread a layer of ganache between each cake layer.
- Repeat with middle and top tiers, using dowels for support.
- Once stacked, cover entire cake with a thin crumb coat of ganache. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Apply a smooth final ganache layer for a glossy finish.
4: Decorate
- Keep it sleek and modern with a plain glossy ganache finish.
- Add edible gold leaf for a luxury touch.
- Decorate with fresh flowers or berries for a romantic look.
- Pipe chocolate ganache details or add a white chocolate drizzle for contrast.
Tips for a Perfect Wedding Cake
- Use high-quality chocolate – The better the chocolate, the richer the ganache flavor.
- Make ahead of time – Cake layers can be baked a day before assembly. Wrap tightly and refrigerate.
- Support is key – Always use dowels when stacking multiple tiers.
- Temperature matters – Ganache spreads best when slightly cooled but still soft.
- Practice smoothing – Use a cake scraper and turntable for the sleekest finish.
- Transport carefully – Chill the cake before moving to ensure stability.
Serving Suggestions
A Chocolate Ganache Wedding Cake pairs beautifully with:
- Espresso or cappuccino
- Sparkling wines like Prosecco or Champagne
- Fresh fruit platters (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)
- Lighter desserts like macarons or fruit tarts (to balance richness)
Nutritional Value (per serving, based on 100 guests)
- Calories: ~480
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Sugars: 40 g
(Values may vary depending on serving size and decorations)
Why This Cake Dominates Wedding Cake Recipes
This cake doesn’t just taste incredible—it also aligns perfectly with the latest wedding cake recipes trends:
- Minimalist Luxury – Smooth ganache finishes are trending for modern weddings.
- Chocolate-Centered Celebrations – More couples are ditching traditional fruitcakes.
- Customizable Design – Ganache works with metallic finishes, rustic styles, or floral designs.
Common Questions About Wedding Cake Recipes
1. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a high-quality gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
2. Can I freeze the cake layers?
Absolutely. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
3. Can this recipe be used for cupcakes?
Yes! The same batter makes about 60 cupcakes, ideal for a wedding dessert table.
4. How far in advance can I make the cake?
The cake is best served within 48 hours of assembly, but the ganache-coated layers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
Among all wedding cake recipes, the Chocolate Ganache Wedding Cake remains a timeless favorite. With its luxurious flavor, stunning presentation, and versatility in decoration, it’s no wonder couples worldwide are choosing chocolate for their big day.
If you’re looking to impress your guests and create a centerpiece that will be remembered forever, this is the recipe to master. Try it, share it, and savor every bite of elegance.
