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This chocolate cake is perfect for any celebration! Rich, delicious chocolate cake with whipped mocha ganache filling and dark chocolate buttercream. It is perfect for a party!
When I think of celebrations, good news and a party, I immediately think of my absolute favorite chocolate cake recipe. It is one of those cake recipes that I can practically make with my eyes closed I’ve made it so many times. But for today, I added a delicious touch of whipped mocha ganache filling that I piled between the layers and a dark chocolate buttercream that I think you’ll love.
So, now that I’ve told you about this cozy chocolate cake of mine, let’s talk a little bit about the news I want to share with you, and why I call it celebration cake.
I am writing a cookbook.
Lord have mercy, just typing those words thrills me and makes me a nervous wreck all at the same time!
The cookbook, being published by Clarkson Potter, is based on the blog and will be filled with brand-spanking new recipes (and a few favorites) that I think y’all are absolutely going to love!
As with the blog, the book is a modern take on traditional Southern food that celebrates simple, fresh, and delicious recipes for the whole family!
The book is not scheduled to release until 2017, and while I promise not to overshare every single detail of working on the book and the number of times a day I wash dishes (lots!), I do promise to keep you guys in the loop.
Because seriously, this book is for YOU!
Without y’all, it absolutely wouldn’t be possible and I want to make sure it is a book that you find useful, beautiful, and one that you want to share with your friends and family, too! I want the pages of your book to be splatter stained from use with your favorite pages dog-earred. I want it to be loved on and for you to know that I put love into every one of recipes that is included.
Thank you so much for all of your comments, emails and encouragement throughout the years. Your love and support means the world!
Here’s the recipe for my Celebration Chocolate Cake. I hope you guys love it nearly as much as I love you!
Celebration Chocolate Cake Recipe {and some news!}
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Recipe:
- Best Chocolate Cake Recipe our favorite!
For the Whipped Mocha Ganache Filling:
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 cups chopped dark chocolate
- 3 tablespoons cold strong brewed coffee
- pinch of salt
For the Dark Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- 1½ cups butter softened
- 1 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 5 cups confectioner’s sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon espresso powder
For the Chocolate Hearts:
- 1 cup chopped milk chocolate or dark chocolate
Instructions
For the Chocolate Cake:
- Prepare cake according to directions included in the chocolate cake recipe. Note that the cake batter will be very thin, but will bake into a moist tender cake.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and cool on a wired rack until cooled completely. You can follow my tips for how to tell when your cake is done.
For the Whipped Mocha Ganache Filling:
- Add heavy cream and butter to a small saucepan and heat on low heat until the butter has melted and the cream is warmed throughout.
- Add chocolate to a large glass or nonreactive bowl. Pour the warmed cream and butter mixture over the chocolate chips. Add in the brewed coffee and a pinch of salt. Allow to stand for about 3-5 minutes to soften the chocolate completely. Stir briskly to combine and until smooth. Press plastic wrap onto the top of the ganache and refrigerate while cakes cool. Once cooled, remove plastic wrap and whip until light and fluffy. Spread between cake layers.
For the Dark Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- Add dark cocoa powder to a large bowl or bowl of stand mixer. Whisk through to remove any lumps.
- Cream together butter and cocoa powder until well-combined. Add sugar and milk to cocoa mixture by adding 1 cup of sugar followed by about a tablespoon of milk. After each addition has been combined, turn mixer onto a high speed for about a minute. Repeat until all sugar and milk have been added.
- Add vanilla extract and espresso powder and combine well.
- If frosting appears too dry, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it appears too wet and does not hold its form, add more confectioner’s sugar, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
For the Chocolate Hearts:
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on a rimmed baking sheet pan. Bring about 3 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Place chopped chocolate into a glass bowl and then place the bowl on top of the saucepan to form a bain marie. Leave for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted.
- Remove from the heat and pour into a zip top bag. Press as much air as possible from the bag and then seal the bag. Snip a small piece from the corner of the bag and pipe the shape of hearts (or other shapes) onto the parchment lined sheet pan.
- Once all hearts are formed, place the sheet pan into the freezer for at least about 30 minutes to harden.
- Once the cake has been frosted, carefully remove hearts from the parchment paper and place onto the cake. The heat of your hands will soften the chocolate, so work quickly.
Nutritional Information
Love y’all!
Robyn xo
I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am about your news! It can’t come soon enough. I love all of your recipes and make them all the time for my family! Congratulations!!!
Thank you so much, Kristen. It means the world that you enjoy the recipes for your family (and that you share in my excitement)! xo
Robyn – I am so proud of you I could absolutely burst! This is such a special day for you in your cookbook journey – and I hope that you enjoy it to the fullest! There will be many, many more special celebrations for Add a Pinch and you – and I couldn’t be prouder of you!
Enjoy every moment of this experience! I just know your book will be beautiful!!!
Love you!
You are the sweetest and most supportive sister ever! I love you! xo
Oh Robyn I’m so thrilled for you and all your readers….we not only get great recipes we are going to be getting a cookbook! Happy Days xoxo
Thank you so much, Beverley! You have no idea how much I appreciate your support! xo
A cookbook? Yes! Thank you. Cannot WAIT for it.
Thank you so much, Amy!
I am so happy!!!!! I can have all your recipes together, How Great is THAT!!!!! Looking forward to supporting you.
You are so sweet, Sandy! Thank you so muchfor your supprt. It means more than you’ll ever know! xo
How exciting for you. I am happy that this is happening for all of your hard work. Have a wonderful celebration!
Thanks for sharing your recipes.
HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY DAY!
Linda Martin.
Thank you so much, Linda! Big hugs! xo
CONGRATULATIONS:) I cannot wait to read your cookbook. I’m sure it will be awesome! THANK YOU for all of your time and effort to share your gifts with others.
Aww, thank you so much, MK! xo
Congrats! I love your recipes!
Thank you so much, Robyn!
Congrats! As a B&N bookseller, I hope we carry it and sell many copies!
Thank you, Debra! That would be great, wouldn’t it! Let’s keep our fingers crossed (and toes, too!) xo
Such exciting news! CONGRATULATIONS!!
Can’t wait to have a copy of my own. You’re recipes are fantastic!!
Thank you so much, Holly! xo
Congratulations! I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to see it. Your southern recipes have always been my favorites!
Thank you so much, Melissa! You are the sweetest! xo
I am soo happy for you! My family and I love all of your recipes! I’m sure that this cookbook will be the one that I use the most. I will look forward to it’s release~ It is going to be a Best Seller! Congratulations Robyn~ You Go Girl!!
Thank you so much, Judi! You are so sweet and I sure hope it is one that you love!!! xo
Okay first, let me extend my biggest congratulations, that is AMAZING! I can’t wait to order my copy!! Second, this cake. Have mercy! <3
Thank you so much, Joan! I wish we could share a piece of that cake right about now! xo
This is wonderful news! Congratulations and I pray you have a great time and all goes well until publication! I love cookbooks and yours will be one I will PURCHASE! 🙂 Proud of a sister Georgian!!! 🙂
Your prayers mean so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! xo
Awesome news ! I am so happy for you ! I can not wait to have a copy in my kitchen . The cake looks fabulous too !
You are the sweetest, Shannon! Thank you so much! xo
Congratulations! Love all your tried & true recipes. I knew many of the family you write about. Wonderful people.
Thank you so much, Brenda! I’m a bit biased, but I think they are wonderful people, too! (And… I can never thank you enough for being a part of my parents meeting so many moons ago!)
YAY! Congrats!! So excited for you! xo
Thank you so much, Maria!
What a wonderful reason for a celebration cake! Congratulations. I hope the next year will be a very exciting journey for you. We will try to wait patiently for what will be an awesome cookbook!
Thank you , Karla! It has been so much fun already and I can’t wait to share it with you! xo
Thanks for this recipe My birthday 24 October sure I’ll do it
Happiest birthday wishes, Latifa!!!
Congratulations!!! I am so excited for you…and for all of us!
Thank you so much, Vicki! xo
Congratulations! Can’t wait until it’s published! Good luck
Thank you so much, Lisa!!! xo
Yay! I can hardly wait to see what you create. I know it will be filled with deliciousness! And yes, I’m sure I will be making a happy mess of the pages with your fantastic recipes. Congratulations!
You are such a sweet friend, Amy! I couldn’t do it without your encouragement! Love ya! xo
Congratulations, that is exciting news and definitely a reason to celebrate! What a beautiful cake… I want to devour it!
Thank you so much, Amy! xo
Clapping my hands and twirling around…So excited for you on this journey! Your cookbook will have a special place in my heart and on the counter opened with those splashes of yumminess on it you requested. So happy and proud for you Robyn…
Oh Kay, you are the best! I can just picture you twirling! xo
I am so happy and excited for you. I know you are thrilled to pieces. Looking forward to being able to buy one. The very best to you! Cake looks gorgeous!
Mary – you have been such a huge source of support and encouragement since day one and I just love you for it! xo
I make the Chocolate cake for grandson’s birthday ….it was a big hit! Will make again & again.
I’m so glad y’all enjoyed it, Kathy! And happy birthday to your grandson! xo
Hurray!!!!! I am so happy for you 🙂 xoxoxoxoxoxox
Thank you so much, Michelle! xo
COGRATULATIONS! How exciting for you….AND FOR US! I have enjoyed your site and recipes for several years now…
NOW to look forward to a whole cookbook full of your recipes! 2017 will be here before you know it!
That cake looks amazing! Is this similar to the chocolate cup cake recipe you gave us cause that is my go-to chocolate
cup cake recipe now! It is soo de-lious!
You have been such a huge supporter and I can never thank you enough, Char! I just appreciate you so much! Yes, this is based off that same chocolate cake/ cupcake recipe that you love. The frosting is dark chocolate and it has a whipped ganache frosting. I hope you enjoy it! xo
OHMYGOSH Robyn!! CONGRATULAIONS!!!! You’re book is going to be as exquisite as it is delicious! SO happy for you love!! xoxoxoxo
You are such a great friend and encourager, Wendy! I just love ya! xo
Dear Robyn,
I recently discovered your wonderful “Add A Pinch” site. What a beautiful, southern, Christian cook you are. Thank God for your loving way of sharing all of your talent with us. The first one I tried was your Patti’s Blind Grandma’s Chocolate Cake. I served it to my bridge club and received rave reviews!!! It will always be a favourite of mine. Just one question, is the Celebration Chocolate Cake Recipe even better in a different way?
Congratulations on the great news about your own cookbook. I will certainly be waiting for it to come out but in the meantime, I will check your site for what ever I am needing to cook.
God Bless you as you’re enjoying this new journey!!!
Thank you so much, Marian! The Celebration Chocolate Cake is based on the chocolate cake recipe that you love. I used a dark chocolate buttercream frosting and filled it with a whipped ganache. It takes a little bit longer to make with the filling, but you can easily make it in steps or make the ganache ahead and then whip right before filling the cake. I hope you enjoy it! xo
Ive made the best chocolate cake three ti.ms and it gets better all the time. I crave it so much. Never a crumb left. I going.to make it for a dessert auction and bid on it myself. Cant wait to see your cookbook. When in 2017 is it coming out and will we get advance.offerings??
Karen
Thank you so much, Karen! I love that you are going to make the cake for an auction (and the bidding on it yourself is just awesome!). I’ll be sure to keep you updated as we get closer to the release date of the book. It is scheduled for a fall release! xo
Congratulations Robyn. This is definitely the best-selling news ever. Your recipes are amazing,can’t wait for the cook book.
Thank you so much, Angie! I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know! xo
Congratulations, Robyn!!!!!! Oh, I know it is going to get a workout in my kitchen! So happy for you!!! ♥
Oh Bridget, thank you so much! You are such a sweetheart!
I absolutely love your chocolate cake recipe, I’m telling you it is the best!
I also have try quite a few of your other recipes and they are amazing as well
(slow cooker port last night)
Can’t wait for the cook book
I hope you loved the pork recipe, Bonnie! I can’t wait to share the book with you. 2017 will be here before we know it! xo
So so excited for you, Robyn!! Enjoy the journey and congratulations!! xoxo
Thank you so much, Julie! Speaking of books, I’m thrilled about your upcoming book release! I know it will be fabulous! xo
AMAZING!!!!!!!! Congratulations!
Thank you so much, Leslie!
Excited for you and the Southern flair you’ll be sharing in the cookbook. Congrats and I hope there will be a lot more recipes for CHOCOLATE CAKE!
Thank you so much, Heidi! You are so sweet! xo
Congratulations, I hope the cookbook will be available to buy in Ireland. I love your site and enjoy making many of the recipes. I am sure the cookbook will be a huge success
Thank you so much, Jacqui! I really appreciate all of your sweet support over the years. You are just so sweet to me! I hope it is available to buy in Ireland as well! We’ll have to make sure you get it!!! xo
I am thrilled! Congratulations and I can’t wait to buy it!
Thank you so much, Naomi! xo
That’s exciting news. I’m so happy for you. Can’t wait to see all the scrumptious recipes. ?
Thank you so much, Robin! I appreciate you!!! xo
Robyn! I’m not sure which is better, the cake or your news…YOUR NEWS! This will be the next cookbook I get. I hope the process is fun yet challenging in the best ways! Congratulations!
Super exciting news!! cannot wait to see it ready and devour the recipes! 🙂
Congrats!! ♥
A cookbook? Pinch me! I must be dreaming! Can’t wait.
Robyn,
I love chocolate cake. Congratulations on the cook book! You must be so excited.
Annamaria
Congrats on the cookbook!!!! I am so happy for you!!!! and woot woot, pass me a slice of this cake!
Robyn, I’m so very happy for you. This is wonderful news, and I just know that your book will be lovely. Congratulations, friend!
Thank you so much, Merry! I really appreciate you!!! xo
Hi I want to know what kind of chocolate was used for the filling.
Thank you
Congratulations…. Robyn…
.you have been a real inspiration to all those who are passionate about baking….I’m one of them…..all the very best for your future endeavours….. All love….
This was fabulous. Was going to make best chocolate cake but went with celebration chocolate cake for a milestone birthday of a discerning person. One compliment was decadent. TY!!
Your cake is totally OSM, baked it and love it. Congrats on the cookbook! <3 u…
Thank you so much, Rose! xo
So delicious, I’ve made it several ti es for birthdays and they love it!
Thanks Stefanie!!! xo
Your chocolate cake has been my go-to recipe for a few years, but I am excited to have found this.. I just made this for my husband’s birthday, hearts and all.
The cake in yummy and cute, but I especially appreciate how the amounts of filling, frosting, and chocolate hearts are just right. I never know how much filling/frosting/decoration to make, and this was the perfect amount of each.
Thanks so much, Amy! So happy you enjoy it!!! xo
Yumm, what an amazing cake! I got your cookbook, and I love it! Most of the pages are dog-eared, and some pages are so splattered I can’t even read the recipes now! Thanks!
I’m happy you like the this cake and the cookbook, Nandy!
Wow
I’ve made your chocolate cake recipe several times never fails going to try the birthday cake version today thank you for such amazing recipes
Thanks, Ann. I hope you enjoy the cake!
This is by far the BEST cake recipe ever. The cake is a moist, decadent chocolate. Easily the best chocolate cake I’ve ever made. The mocha ganache is rich and delicious and the dark chocolate buttercream pulls it all together to make a masterpiece. I made it for my husband’s birthday because he is a chocolate lover and he LOVED it. Make this cake. You will not be disappointed!
Thanks so much, Tracey. I’m so happy you loved this cake. Hope your husband had a happy birthday!