Moist Chocolate Sheet Cake with Whipped Cream & Ganache

If you’re craving the ultimate chocolate dessert that is both indulgent and incredibly easy to pull together, you’re going to adore this recipe for a Moist Chocolate Sheet Cake topped with whipped cream and rich ganache. Made in a simple dish and loaded with deep coffee undertones, fluffy whipped chocolate filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache, this cake offers a luxurious experience without complicated fuss. It’s the perfect way to impress friends or satisfy your chocolate fix with a recipe that feels gourmet but is genuinely accessible and made in a simple approach anyone can master.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cake lies in straightforward, staple ingredients that come together to create extraordinary flavor and texture. Each component, from the cocoa to the coffee soak, plays a vital role in balancing moisture, richness, and that irresistible chocolate intensity.

• Eggs (4, room temperature): Help create a tender crumb and provide structure to the cake.
• Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and balances the chocolate’s bitterness perfectly.
• Warm milk (1 cup): Adds moisture and warmth to dissolve sugar and cocoa evenly.
• Oil (½ cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender without heaviness.
• Flour (2½ cups): Forms the sturdy base for this sheet cake’s dense yet soft crumb.
• Cocoa powder (2 heaping tablespoons): The heart of the chocolate flavor, giving it rich depth.
• Baking powder (1 packet): Ensures the cake rises just enough to stay moist and fluffy.
• Vanilla (1 packet): Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate profile perfectly.
• Milk for soaking (1½ cups): Used with coffee to infuse the cake with moisture and subtle complexity.
• Instant coffee granules (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate aroma with a lovely yet mild bitterness.
• Sugar for soaking (1 teaspoon): Balances the coffee soak with a touch of sweetness.
• Whipped cream powder (2 packets): Creates a luscious, airy whipped topping that’s easy to prepare.
• Cold milk (1½ cups for whipped topping): Activates the whipped cream powder for fluffy texture.
• Spreadable chocolate (2 heaping tablespoons): Folded into the whipped cream to add a creamy chocolate punch.
• Cream for ganache (200 ml): Provides the silky base for the luxurious topping.
• Dark chocolate (80 grams): Melts into the cream to form the gorgeously rich ganache layer.

How to Make Moist Chocolate Sheet Cake with Whipped Cream & Ganache

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by beating the eggs and sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for a tender crumb. Next, stir in the oil and warm milk until just combined. Then sift your dry ingredients—the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and vanilla—into the wet mixture and fold gently until smooth and lump-free. Pour your batter into a greased rectangular baking dish, smoothing the top to ensure even baking. Pop it into the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Soaking the Cake

While the cake bakes, prepare the soak by dissolving the instant coffee granules and sugar into 1½ cups of milk. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven and is still warm, pour this soak evenly over the surface, allowing it to sink in and infuse the cake with moisture and subtle coffee notes that really elevate the chocolate flavor.

Step 3: Whipped Chocolate Topping

Whip the cream powder with cold milk until you get peaks that hold their shape well. Gently fold in the spreadable chocolate for a creamy, luscious whipped topping that adds an airy contrast to the dense cake. Once the cake has fully absorbed the milk and cooled, spread this whipped chocolate layer evenly over the surface for the perfect delicate finish.

Step 4: Make the Ganache and Finish

Heat the cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer, then remove from heat and add the dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate completely melts and the mixture is luxuriously smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly so it thickens a bit, then pour it evenly over the whipped topping, smoothing it out with a spatula for a beautiful glossy finish. Refrigerate for at least an hour before slicing to allow the layers to fully set.

How to Serve Moist Chocolate Sheet Cake with Whipped Cream & Ganache

Garnishes

Decoration is your chance to personalize this gorgeous cake. A simple dusting of cocoa powder can give a rustic vibe, while a scattering of chocolate shavings elevates it with elegance. Fresh raspberries or strawberries add a bright, refreshing contrast that cuts through the richness and delights the palate. For extra flair, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the ganache for a stunning two-tone marbled effect.

Side Dishes

This chocolate sheet cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of crème fraîche. These sides complement the deep chocolate flavors while adding lightness to the overall dessert experience. A cup of strong coffee or a bold red wine also makes for an excellent companion, enhancing both the coffee notes in the cake and the bittersweet ganache.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, slice the cake into petite squares and place them on decorative plates or in paper liners for a fancy bite-sized dessert. You can also layer the cake pieces into a trifle bowl with extra whipped cream and berries for an impressive layered dessert. For a party, serve individual portions in small glasses topped with extra ganache drizzles and fresh mint leaves, turning this simple cake into a stylish treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled and chilled, this cake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the ganache from drying out. The flavors actually deepen with time, so it can taste even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the unassembled cake layers before soaking or the fully assembled cake if necessary. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic and foil to avoid freezer burn, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, then add fresh whipped cream if desired to revive the fluffy topping.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled, as the ganache and whipped topping are designed to be served cold. However, if you prefer a slightly warmed slice, let it come to room temperature first. Avoid microwaving directly to keep the whipped topping intact. Instead, allow slices to sit out for 20-30 minutes for gentle softening.

FAQs

Can I use instant espresso instead of instant coffee granules?

Absolutely! Instant espresso powder offers a more intense coffee flavor and works beautifully to enhance the chocolate notes in the cake. Adjust slightly to taste if it’s stronger than what you prefer.

Is there a substitute for whipped cream powder?

Yes, you can use heavy cream instead. Simply whip cold heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and fold in melted chocolate for a fresh whipped chocolate topping instead of the powder blend.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cake’s structure intact.

What if I don’t have spreadable chocolate?

If you can’t find spreadable chocolate, try softened chocolate hazelnut spread or melted chocolate ganache cooled to a spreadable consistency. Both add wonderful chocolate flavor and richness.

How thick should the ganache layer be?

About ¼ inch thick is ideal — enough to form a smooth, rich top without overpowering the delicate whipped topping underneath. If the ganache is too thin, it won’t set nicely; too thick can feel heavy.

Final Thoughts

This Moist Chocolate Sheet Cake with whipped cream and ganache is truly a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to create because it’s made in a simple way anyone can follow. The layers of flavor and texture make every bite a celebration of chocolate at its finest. Once you try this, it’s going to become your go-to dessert for special occasions and casual treats alike. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy making this delicious cake that’s indulgent, elegant, and, best of all, made in a simple process that guarantees success!

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