Ingredients:

  • 1 box (15.25 oz / 432g) Devil's Food Chocolate Cake Mix (like Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines)
  • 1 cup (240ml) strong brewed coffee, cooled (instead of water called for on box)
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (instead of water called for on box)
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 12 oz (340g) good quality semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Chocolate shavings (optional)
  • Fresh raspberries (optional)
  • A dusting of cocoa powder (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled coffee, buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  3. Add the cake mix and sea salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes.
  4. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
  7. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil.
  8. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute to soften the chocolate.
  9. Add the butter, vanilla, and salt to the chocolate mixture. Gently whisk until smooth and glossy.
  10. Once the cakes are completely cooled, level the tops if necessary.
  11. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of ganache over the top.
  12. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining ganache.
  13. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set slightly. Garnish with chocolate shavings, fresh raspberries, or a dusting of cocoa powder, if desired.