Triple Chocolate Cake

Name: Triple Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups all-purpose flour; 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 0.75 cups unsweetened cocoa powder; 1.5 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp salt; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup whole milk; 0.5 cups vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped (for ganache); 1 cup heavy cream

Delicious triple chocolate cake topped with chocolate frosting and shavings

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Creamy, rich, and utterly indulgent, this Triple Chocolate Cake is the chocolate lover’s dream come true. Imagine layers of moist chocolate cake, pockets of melty chips, and a glossy dark chocolate ganache that drips down every slice — pure comfort in dessert form. Fun fact: many home bakers say a triple chocolate cake is the easiest way to win a party before you even arrive. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a cozy weekend, or an impressive dinner finale, this cake feels special without being fussy.

If you enjoy decadent chocolate treats, you might also love our take on a playful freezer-friendly dessert like the chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream cake. This Triple Chocolate Cake stands out for its simplicity, speed, and wide family-friendly appeal — and it’s a fantastic introduction to layered cakes for beginners. Ready to bake? Let’s dive in and make something that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What is Triple Chocolate Cake?

What makes a cake “triple” chocolate — is it a secret handshake among bakers? Not at all, it’s deliciously straightforward: three levels of chocolate goodness in one cake. Is it cocoa in the batter, chocolate chips folded in, and a rich ganache on top? Exactly. It’s a chocolate hat trick that answers the age-old question: can there ever be too much chocolate? Humor aside, this cake might make you laugh and say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Maybe that’s why it appears at so many family gatherings — it’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and irresistible. Give it a try and see which chocolate layer becomes your favorite.

Why You’ll Love This:

Deep, satisfying chocolate flavor: Cocoa in the batter, melty semi-sweet chips in the crumb, and a silky dark chocolate ganache finish create layers of chocolate intensity that are never cloying.
Budget-friendly baking: Making a show-stopping cake at home costs far less than buying from a bakery, and the ingredients are pantry staples most home cooks already have.
Family-friendly and adaptable: Kids love the melty chips, adults appreciate the dark chocolate ganache, and the recipe scales well for celebrations or simple weekday treats.

Compared to other chocolate favorites on this blog, like the rich and fudgy Deep Dark Secret Chocolate Cake, this Triple Chocolate Cake offers a lighter, layered experience with a glossy ganache that makes it ideal for special occasions. If you want a cake everyone raves about, this is your new go-to. Preheat that oven — it’s time to bake.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This Triple Chocolate Cake is surprisingly easy to make: the batter comes together in one bowl, it bakes in under 40 minutes, and the ganache takes only a few minutes to prepare. Texture-wise, expect a moist crumb studded with melty chips and a silky ganache that gives a decadent finish. Total time: about 50–60 minutes (15 minutes prep + 30–35 minutes bake + cooling time). The standout element is the ganache — glossy, pourable, and effortlessly elegant.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
8 oz dark chocolate, chopped (for ganache)
1 cup heavy cream

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth.
Carefully stir in the boiling water; the batter will be thin, but that’s okay!
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra melty goodness.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped dark chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth.
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread chocolate ganache on top before adding the second layer. Pour more ganache over the top and sides of the cake.
Slice, serve, and watch everyone smile with delight!

Triple Chocolate Cake

What to Serve With

Fresh berries (strawberries or raspberries) to cut through the richness and add brightness.
A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
Espresso or a dark roast coffee to complement the intense chocolate flavors.
Vanilla ice cream to create a warm-and-cold dessert contrast for each bite.
Light salads or fruit plates if serving the cake after a rich main course.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use room-temperature eggs and milk to help the batter emulsify smoothly for a tender crumb.
Don’t worry about the thin batter after adding boiling water — that keeps the cake moist.
For extra shine on the ganache, use good-quality dark chocolate and ensure the cream is hot but not boiling when poured over the chocolate.
If your ganache is too thin for spreading, cool it briefly in the fridge and stir gently; if too thick, warm it slightly over a double boiler.
Substitute sour cream or buttermilk for part of the milk if you want an even more tender, slightly tangy crumb.
Avoid overbaking — pull the cakes out when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs for best texture.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store the assembled cake in an airtight cake carrier or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Freezing: Wrap cooled, un-iced cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and finish with ganache before serving.
Reheating: Individual slices are best served at room temperature; warm gently in a microwave for 8–10 seconds if you prefer a slightly softer ganache. Avoid overheating to prevent the ganache from separating.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?
Yes. Milk chocolate will give you a sweeter, creamier ganache. Reduce any added sugar in toppings or sides to balance the extra sweetness.

Can I make this recipe into cupcakes instead of layers?
Absolutely. Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.

What if I don’t have boiling water?
Boiling water helps bloom the cocoa for deeper chocolate flavor. Very hot water will work in a pinch, but try to use water as hot as possible.

How do I fix grainy ganache?
If your ganache looks grainy, warming it gently while stirring will usually bring it back. If separation persists, blitz briefly with an immersion blender to smooth it out.

Can I make the ganache vegan or dairy-free?
Yes. Use a good-quality dairy-free dark chocolate and substitute full-fat coconut milk for heavy cream. Chill slightly to thicken before using.

Conclusion

This Triple Chocolate Cake is a reliably impressive, easy-to-make dessert that balances deep chocolate flavor, comforting texture, and show-stopping presentation — a perfect candidate for celebrations or cozy nights in. It’s straightforward enough for beginners but indulgent enough for chocolate connoisseurs, and it stores and freezes well so you can enjoy slices over several days. If you’d like a different baker’s take for inspiration, check out this well-loved variation at Triple Chocolate Cake (Popular Recipe!). Give it a try, share it with friends, and prepare to collect compliments.