Indulge in a rectangular chocolate cake with glossy dark chocolate ganache that promises a rich, fudgy experience with a silky, mirror-like finish. Imagine slicing through a sleek, dark chocolate traybake, the ganache gleaming under light, and the decadent aroma filling your kitchen—this dessert is not just a treat, it’s an experience. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a festive celebration, or simply craving an elevated chocolate moment, this chocolate sheet cake with shiny ganache is your go-to recipe.
Its allure lies not only in its luxurious taste but also in its elegance and ease. Even novice bakers can achieve a professional-looking dark chocolate slab cake with silky glaze that impresses guests and satisfies chocolate lovers alike.
Why You’ll Love This Rectangular Chocolate Cake with Glossy Dark Chocolate Ganache
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Fudgy, decadent texture: The chocolate brownie cake with decadent ganache topping melts in your mouth.
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Elegant presentation: A ganache-topped chocolate tray cake looks bakery-perfect, ready for celebrations.
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Quick to make: Easy steps allow you to create a sleek chocolate traybake in under an hour.
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Versatile for occasions: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or casual dessert indulgence.
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Customizable flavor: Add espresso, cherries, or nuts for a unique twist.
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Affordable ingredients: Uses pantry staples while delivering gourmet taste.
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Pairing-friendly: Complements coffee, milk, or dessert wine beautifully.
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Kid-friendly and adult-approved: Loved by chocolate enthusiasts of all ages.
Ingredients: Quality & Function Tips
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All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): Provides structure. For a more tender cake, substitute half with almond flour.
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Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens and enhances chocolate flavor. Can swap with coconut sugar for subtle caramel notes.
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Unsweetened cocoa powder (¾ cup): Concentrated chocolate flavor; sift to avoid lumps.
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Baking powder (1 tsp) & baking soda (½ tsp): Leavening agents for light, airy crumb.
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Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness.
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Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps cake moist; substitute with melted butter for richness.
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Milk (1 cup): Hydrates dry ingredients. Use almond milk for a dairy-free version.
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Eggs (2 large): Bind ingredients and create structure.
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Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances chocolate flavor.
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Dark chocolate (8 oz, chopped): Base of ganache. Use high-quality 70% cocoa for glossy shine.
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Heavy cream (1 cup): Blended with chocolate for smooth ganache.
Tip: Bring eggs and milk to room temperature to avoid curdling the batter and achieve uniform texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Perfection
1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. A rectangular chocolate torte with dark ganache finish will slide out perfectly when fully cooled.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting ensures no lumps, giving a smooth, fudgy chocolate loaf-style cake with mirror-like ganache.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
Whisk milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Incorporating these slowly prevents overmixing and keeps the cake tender.
4. Assemble the Batter
Gently fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense crumb. Fold in any extras like chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a personalized touch.
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The cake should spring back when touched lightly—this ensures a perfect fudgy interior.
6. Prepare the Ganache
Heat heavy cream until simmering, pour over chopped chocolate, and stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly before pouring over cake.
7. Pour & Set
Spread ganache evenly across the top. For sleek shine, use an offset spatula and gentle strokes. Chill for at least 1 hour to set, then slice into elegant rectangles.
Pro Tips & Expert Advice
How do you make a rectangular chocolate cake with glossy dark chocolate ganache without cracking?
Avoid pouring hot ganache directly on a warm cake. Cool the cake completely and slightly cool the ganache before pouring.
Can I make this chocolate traybake dairy-free?
Yes! Use almond or oat milk and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Dark chocolate should also be dairy-free.
How do I get a perfectly smooth ganache finish?
Stir ganache slowly in a circular motion and pour from the center outwards. Avoid over-stirring, which introduces air bubbles.
Best Ways to Serve
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Pair with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for contrast.
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Garnish with fresh berries for color and brightness.
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Serve slices on a festive platter for holidays or celebrations.
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Crosslink: Try our Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Balls for an elegant party dessert.
Nutrition (Per Serving, 12 slices)
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Calories: 450 kcal
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Fat: 28g
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Saturated Fat: 16g
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Carbs: 50g
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Sugar: 38g
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Protein: 5g
Tip: Use unsweetened cocoa and sugar alternatives for a lower-calorie version.
Storage & Leftovers
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerate for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
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Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake the cake and prepare ganache a day ahead. Keep the ganache in a sealed container at room temperature.
What chocolate works best for ganache?
High-quality dark chocolate with 60–70% cocoa produces the best shine and rich flavor.
Is this cake suitable for children?
Yes! Mildly sweet and fudgy, it’s adored by kids and adults alike.
How do I avoid soggy cake?
Ensure the cake is fully cooled before adding ganache. Excess moisture from the refrigerator can affect texture.
Recipe Variations
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Flavor Boost: Add espresso powder to dry ingredients for a mocha twist.
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Fruit Infusion: Layer with raspberries or cherries for tart contrast.
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Nutty Crunch: Add toasted almonds or hazelnuts in the batter.
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Mini Traybakes: Cut into smaller rectangles for parties or lunchboxes.
Conclusion
This rectangular chocolate cake with glossy dark chocolate ganache is your ultimate chocolate indulgence—sleek, fudgy, and irresistibly shiny. Bake it, share it, and watch it disappear in seconds!