Galentine's Dark Chocolate Cake

Name: Galentine's Dark Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 tsp instant coffee granules; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 ½ cups powdered sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1-2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed)

Highlighted under: Sweet Dessert Recipes

I absolutely adore making this Galentine's Dark Chocolate Cake for my friends on Valentine's Day. It’s not just a dessert; it's a celebration of friendship and love. Each bite of velvety dark chocolate, combined with a hint of rich vanilla and coffee, brings warmth and joy to our gathering. I find that using high-quality chocolate makes a significant difference in taste, elevating the cake from delicious to divine. Whether it's for Galentine's Day or any special occasion, this cake is bound to impress and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:22:29.659Z

I remember the first time I made this Galentine's Dark Chocolate Cake; it was a splendid success! Just seeing my friends' faces light up with delight made all the effort worth it. I experimented with adding coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor, and it worked like magic. It’s all about the little details that transform ordinary recipes into extraordinary experiences!

One crucial tip I learned is to let the cake cool completely before frosting it. If you frost it while it's warm, the icing tends to melt, making a mess instead of a smooth finish. Trust me, it's an important step that ensures your cake will look just as magnificent as it tastes!

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with a hint of coffee
Perfectly moist texture that melts in your mouth
Beautifully decorated for a special Galentine's celebration

      

Choosing the Right Chocolate

The quality of chocolate is crucial for achieving the rich, intense flavor of this cake. I recommend using at least 70% dark chocolate for the best taste. If you prefer a slightly sweeter profile, you can mix dark chocolate with some semisweet varieties. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds complexity, making each bite more enjoyable.

When incorporating chocolate into the batter, consider melting it with the boiling water and coffee granules. This helps the chocolate emulsify well with other ingredients and creates a smoother batter. If you're unsure about the chocolate's quality, choose brands known for their craft, as they tend to have a more robust flavor.

Perfecting Your Baking Technique

After mixing the batter, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture instead of the fluffy result we desire. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and the batter is smooth. When baking, check the cakes a few minutes before the suggested time. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Cooling the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them is vital. This allows them to set and reduces the chances of breaking. Once moved to the wire racks, ensure they cool completely before frosting; any warmth can cause the frosting to melt, making a gooey mess instead of a beautiful finish.

Ingredients for Galentine's Dark Chocolate Cake

Cake Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 tsp instant coffee granules

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp heavy cream (as needed)

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and mix until combined. Stir in the boiling water and coffee granules until smooth.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too stiff, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the entire cake evenly, using a spatula to create a smooth finish.

Decorate and Serve

For decoration, consider using chocolate shavings, fresh raspberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Slice and serve this chocolate delight among friends during your Galentine's celebration!

Enjoy this cake with a side of warm friendship!

Pro Tips

Each oven is different
keep an eye on your cake as it bakes and adjust the time as necessary for your specific oven.

Frosting Variations

While the rich chocolate frosting outlined in the recipe is divine, feel free to experiment with flavors. For a more decadent experience, add a tablespoon of espresso powder to intensify the coffee flavor. Alternatively, a hint of orange or peppermint extract can give the frosting a unique twist that's especially lovely for celebrations.

You can also substitute part of the cocoa powder for melted chocolate to create a smoother, more glossy frosting. This technique provides a richer consistency that pairs beautifully with the moist cake layers.

Storage Tips

This cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. However, if you'd like to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, where it can last up to a week. To prevent the frosting from drying out, press a piece of wax paper directly onto the frosting before covering it with plastic wrap.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving. This makes it perfect for those wishing to prepare in advance without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for this recipe; just ensure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.

→ How long can I store leftover cake?

The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.

→ Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and frost them the next day for more flavor development.

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, but keep in mind that the flavor will be sweeter and less intense than using dark chocolate.