For chocolate lovers, there is no greater delight than a dessert that is rich, decadent, and utterly indulgent. The Death By Chocolate Bundt Cake is precisely that—a luxurious chocolate cake with a luscious chocolate cream cheese filling, all enveloped in a moist, tender crumb and topped with a silky chocolate butter ganache. This dessert is the epitome of chocolate decadence and is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging your sweet tooth.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through each step of making this show-stopping cake. From preparing the cake batter and the creamy filling to achieving the perfect ganache, you’ll find all the tips and tricks you need to ensure your Death By Chocolate Bundt Cake turns out flawlessly every time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, promising a dessert that will impress and delight.
Ingredients Breakdown
To create the perfect Death By Chocolate Bundt Cake, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients and understand their roles in the recipe.
Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups (375 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- 1 ¾ cups (219 g) all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake.
- ¾ cup (65 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder: Adds a rich, deep chocolate flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds additional leavening for a light texture.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly: Adds moisture and richness.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Provide structure and moisture.
- ¾ cup (173 g) sour cream, room temperature: Adds moisture and a slight tang.
- ½ cup (123 g) buttermilk, room temperature: Contributes to the cake’s moist texture.
- ½ cup (119 g) hot brewed coffee or hot water: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and helps create a smooth batter.
Filling:
- 12 ounces (340 g) cream cheese, room temperature: Creates a creamy, tangy filling.
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
- ¼ cup (29.5 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder: Adds a rich chocolate flavor to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup (168 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides a rich chocolate base for the ganache.
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and a glossy finish to the ganache.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 10-inch bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy release.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups granulated sugar, 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Set aside.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter, 2 large eggs, ¾ cup sour cream, and ½ cup buttermilk until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Gradually add ½ cup hot brewed coffee (or hot water) and whisk until the batter is smooth and well-blended. Set aside.
Preparing the Filling
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium speed to beat 12 ounces of room temperature cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Add Sugar and Cocoa: Add ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Start mixing on low speed, then increase to medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Assembling and Baking the Cake
- Layer the Batter and Filling: Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan. Spread the chocolate cream cheese filling in the center, avoiding the edges of the pan. Top with the remaining cake batter, spreading it evenly over the filling.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the cake.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate and let it cool completely for about an hour before adding the ganache.
Making the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the Water: Fill a pot about halfway with water and bring it to a simmer over low heat. Find a heat-safe bowl (glass or stainless steel) that can be set over the pot without touching the water.
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter: Add 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and ½ cup unsalted butter to the heat-safe bowl. With the heat on low, use a rubber spatula to stir the chocolate and butter until they are melted and smooth.
- Finish the Ganache: Once the chocolate and butter are fully melted and combined, remove the bowl from the heat. Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens but is still pourable.
Finishing the Cake
- Drizzle the Ganache: Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides. You may not need all of the ganache, so use as much as desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the ganache to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving the cake. Enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness of this decadent dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Death By Chocolate Bundt Cake is a stunning dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Here are a few serving suggestions to make your dessert experience even more delightful:
- Classic Presentation: Slice the cake and serve it on a decorative platter. The contrast of the dark chocolate ganache and the tender crumb of the cake makes for an impressive presentation.
- Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and a touch of tartness by garnishing the cake with fresh raspberries or strawberries.
- Serve with Ice Cream: Pair each slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Offer a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side for added richness and a creamy contrast.
- Dust with Cocoa Powder: Lightly dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder for a sophisticated finish.
Tips for Perfect Death By Chocolate Bundt Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, and butter are at room temperature before you begin. This helps them blend more smoothly and results in a better texture.
- Proper Mixing: Mix the cake batter just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake at the 50-minute mark. If it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the ganache. This ensures the ganache sets properly and doesn’t melt off the cake.
- Smooth Ganache: Melt the chocolate and butter over low heat to prevent scorching. Stir constantly for a smooth, glossy ganache.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving (approximately 1 slice):
- Calories: 589kcal
Keep in mind that the nutritional values may vary based on the exact quantities and brands of ingredients used.
Conclusion
Death By Chocolate Bundt Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the richness of chocolate cake with the creamy delight of chocolate cream cheese filling, all topped with a luxurious chocolate ganache. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy even the most discerning chocolate lovers.
By following the detailed steps and tips provided in this guide, you can create a Death By Chocolate Bundt Cake that will be the highlight of any gathering. Whether you’re sharing it with friends and family or indulging in a slice yourself, this cake promises a delicious and satisfying treat that celebrates the joy of chocolate.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and indulgent, give this Death By Chocolate Bundt Cake a try. Your taste buds will thank you!
Happy baking!