Description
Discover the secret to making the perfect Catch a Husband Cake with these helpful tips and tricks. Try it today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center. Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans as described in the pro tips section. Measure all ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth baking process. Having everything ready will make assembling this Catch a Husband Cake much more enjoyable.
- Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until just combined. Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the hot coffee, mixing until incorporated. The batter will be quite thin—don’t worry, this is exactly what creates that irresistibly moist texture.
- Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and gently tap them on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Pro tip: place them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before assembling to make frosting easier.
- Step 4: Prepare the Buttercream Filling While the cakes cool, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream. Once incorporated, add the vanilla and salt, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 3-4 minutes until fluffy and light. This patient beating process incorporates air into your buttercream, creating that luscious, silky texture that’s essential to a proper Catch a Husband Cake.
- Step 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache Place chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer (don’t let it boil). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes. Add the butter and vanilla, then whisk until completely smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool until it reaches a pourable but not runny consistency.
- Step 6: Assemble the Cake Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread about 1 cup of buttercream evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top, then apply a thin layer of buttercream over the entire cake as a crumb coat. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set.
- Step 7: Add the Final Touches Once the crumb coat has set, pour the ganache over the center of the cake, using an offset spatula to gently guide it toward the edges, allowing it to drip down the sides naturally. For the finishing touch that makes this Catch a Husband Cake truly irresistible, garnish with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or edible flowers if desired.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg