Introduction: This rich and moist chocolate cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and garnished with fresh berries for an elegant presentation.

Ingredients: For the Cake:
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
For Garnish:
Fresh red berries (e.g., red currants, raspberries, or strawberries)
Chocolate shavings (optional)
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions:
For the Cake:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined.
Add Boiling Water:
Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is expected.
Bake the Cakes:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Chocolate Ganache:
Heat the Cream:
In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a simmer over medium heat.
Melt the Chocolate:
Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
Add the Butter:
Stir in the butter until the ganache is glossy. Allow it to cool slightly until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
Layer the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of ganache over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining ganache over the top and sides of the cake.
Garnish:

Garnish the cake with fresh red berries, chocolate shavings, and mint leaves if desired.
Enjoy your decadent chocolate cake with berry garnish!