Chocolate Ganache Sourdough Cake
This Chocolate Ganache Sourdough Cake is soft, rich, and decadently fudgy, crafted with sourdough discard for a subtle tangy depth. Topped with a luscious layer of creamy chocolate ganache, it’s a showstopping dessert perfect for any occasion.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Salted butter
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Espresso powder (optional)
Salt
Eggs
Sourdough discard (sub: Greek yogurt)
Vanilla extract
Heavy cream
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Ganache Sourdough Cake:
Incredibly Rich and Fudgy Texture: This cake is moist, soft, and decadently fudgy, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.
Luscious Chocolate Ganache Topping: The thick, creamy ganache layer adds a luxurious finish, making this cake irresistible for chocolate lovers.
Perfect Use of Sourdough Discard: Incorporating sourdough discard gives the cake a subtle tangy depth, enhancing the overall chocolate flavor and reducing food waste.
Decadent and Elegant: Ideal for special occasions or simply indulging your chocolate cravings, this cake is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Easy to Make: Despite its sophisticated appearance, this sourdough chocolate cake is surprisingly simple to prepare with basic pantry ingredients.
Customizable for All Occasions: Whether served as a birthday cake, dessert for dinner parties, or a cozy family treat, it suits every occasion.
Naturally Balanced Sweetness: The sourdough adds a slight tang that balances the rich sweetness of the chocolate, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Keeps Well: This cake stays moist and delicious for days, making it perfect for baking ahead of time.
Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Its rich chocolate flavor and unique sourdough twist make it a guaranteed hit with both chocolate and sourdough enthusiasts.
Pairs Perfectly with Toppings: Add fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to elevate this cake even further.
Tips for Making a Chocolate Ganache Sourdough Cake:
Use Fresh Sourdough Discard: Ensure your sourdough discard is fresh and not overly fermented to avoid overpowering the chocolate flavor with too much tanginess.
Choose High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache and cake batter to achieve a rich and luxurious flavor.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs, butter, and sourdough discard to room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter and even baking.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can result in a dense cake.
Use a Parchment-Lined Pan: Line your cake pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and clean edges.
Bake Until Just Set: Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs to ensure the cake stays fudgy.
Cool Completely Before Adding Ganache: Allow the cake to cool completely before pouring on the ganache to prevent it from melting and becoming runny.
Make Ganache Silky Smooth: Warm your cream gently before mixing it with chopped chocolate to create a silky-smooth ganache without lumps.
Adjust Ganache Consistency: If the ganache is too thick, add a splash of warm cream. If it’s too thin, let it cool for a few minutes to thicken before spreading.
Decorate Creatively: For added flair, sprinkle flaky sea salt, chocolate shavings, or edible gold dust over the ganache for an elegant touch.
Serve at Room Temperature: Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Store Properly: Store the cake in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and fudgy texture (see storing options for more details).
Reheat for Extra Gooeyness: If desired, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance the fudgy texture.
How to Store a Chocolate Ganache Sourdough Cake:
Room Temperature (Up to 1 Day): If the room is cool, you can store the cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent the ganache from melting.
Refrigeration (Up to 5 Days): Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavor and fudgy texture.
Freezing Individual Slices (Up to 3 Months): Slice the cake and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw slices at room temperature or in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
Freezing the Whole Cake (Up to 3 Months): Wrap the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then let it come to room temperature before serving.
Protecting the Ganache: If freezing, ensure the ganache has fully set before wrapping. Place parchment paper between slices or layers to protect the ganache from sticking or smudging.
Reheating for a Gooey Texture: To slightly warm the cake after refrigeration, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a low-temperature oven to restore the fudgy texture.
Avoid Storing with Strong-Smelling Foods: Chocolate absorbs odors easily, so ensure the cake is stored away from strong-smelling items in the refrigerator or freezer.
Store Decorations Separately: If you’ve added delicate toppings like fresh fruit or edible flowers, store them separately and add just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Keep Moisture Levels Balanced: Place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between the cake and the lid of the container to prevent condensation from dripping onto the ganache.
Best Served Fresh: While the cake stores well, it’s at its absolute best within the first two days of baking for maximum flavor and texture.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use older sourdough discard for this cake?
A: Yes, older sourdough discard can work, but fresh discard is recommended for a milder tang that complements the chocolate flavor without overpowering it.
Q: Can I make this cake without sourdough discard?
A: If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can substitute it with an equal amount of Greek yogurt for a similar texture and slight tang.
Q: How do I ensure the cake stays moist and fudgy?
A: Avoid overbaking the cake by checking for doneness early. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean.
Q: How do I make the ganache smooth and glossy?
A: Use high-quality chocolate and warm cream. Whisk gently to avoid incorporating air bubbles for a silky, glossy ganache.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cake up to two days in advance. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator and add the ganache just before serving for the freshest look and taste.
Q: Can I freeze the cake with the ganache?
A: Yes, but let the ganache set completely before wrapping the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and serve at room temperature.
Q: How do I store leftover cake?
A: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I use milk chocolate for the ganache?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that milk chocolate is sweeter and less intense than dark chocolate. Adjust the sweetness of the cake batter if using milk chocolate.
Q: What’s the best way to serve this cake?
A: This cake is best served at room temperature or slightly warmed, paired with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Q: Can I add additional flavorings to the cake?
A: Absolutely! You can add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor or a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth.
Check out my other sourdough cake recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make this chocolate ganache sourdough cake. Happy baking!
