Introduction

This Ultimate Chocolate Chip Ganache Drip Cake is a showstopping dessert perfect for celebrations. Moist chocolate chip cake layers are filled with creamy frosting and topped with a rich, glossy chocolate ganache drip. For more decadent chocolate treats, try these Creamy Chocolate Amaretto Truffles Recipe or this Easy Smores Poke Cake Recipe.

Ingredients

This decadent Chocolate Chip Ganache Drip Cake combines moist, tender layers with rich chocolate chips and a glossy, flowing ganache that creates an irresistible dessert experience.

• 1 3/4 cups (350g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 5 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature
• 1 and 1/4 cups (225g) mini chocolate chips tossed in 1 tablespoon cake flour
• 5 cups buttercream of choice (whipped vanilla buttercream recommended)
• 6 ounces chopped dark or semi-sweet chocolate (for ganache)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	55 minutes

Context: This Chocolate Chip Ganache Drip Cake recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chocolate Chip Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

Alternately add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Fold in chocolate chips gently to avoid overmixing. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans.

Step 2 — Bake and Cool the Cake Layers

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). The cakes should be golden and spring back when lightly touched.

Let the cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Proper cooling prevents the ganache from melting when applied.

Step 3 — Make the Chocolate Ganache for Dripping

Chop 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate and place in a heatproof bowl. Heat 1 cup of heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over the chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes before whisking until smooth.

Cool the ganache to a thick but pourable consistency—this takes about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. Test the drip on a glass to ensure it flows slowly but doesn’t run too thin.

Step 4 — Level and Fill the Cake Layers

Use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cooled cake layers if they have domed. Place one layer on a cake stand or serving plate.

Spread a layer of buttercream or reserved ganache over the first layer, then top with the next cake layer. Repeat until all layers are stacked. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting and chill for 20 minutes.

Step 5 — Apply the Final Frosting Coat

Frost the chilled cake with a smooth, even layer of buttercream using an offset spatula. Make sure the top edge is sharp and clean to guide the ganache drip.

Chill the frosted cake again for 15-20 minutes to set the frosting. A firm surface helps control the ganache flow during the drip step.

Step 6 — Create the Ganache Drip Effect

Pour slightly cooled ganache onto the center of the chilled cake. Use a spoon or squeeze bottle to guide drips down the sides, spacing them evenly.

Work quickly but carefully—if the ganache is too warm, it will run too far. Fill in the top with remaining ganache and smooth with a spatula.

Step 7 — Decorate and Serve

Garnish the Chocolate Chip Ganache Drip Cake with extra chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder while the ganache is still slightly soft.

Allow the ganache to set completely at room temperature before slicing. For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between slices.

Nutritional Information

Calories	485
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	62g
Fat	25g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	280mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Greek yogurt for heavy cream — Adds protein and tang while reducing fat content in the ganache.
• Almond flour for all-purpose flour — Creates a gluten-free, lower-carb cake base with nutty flavor.
• Coconut sugar for granulated sugar — Provides a lower glycemic index option with caramel notes.
• Dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate — Increases antioxidant content and reduces sugar in your Chocolate Chip Ganache Drip Cake.
• Applesauce for butter — Cuts fat and adds moisture while keeping the cake dairy-free.
• Oat milk for dairy milk — Offers a creamy, dairy-free alternative that blends well with chocolate.
• Reduced-sodium baking powder — Lowers sodium content without affecting the cake’s rise.
• Protein powder blend for portion of flour — Boosts protein while maintaining structure in this ganache drip cake.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair slices with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
• Serve this Chocolate Chip Ganache Drip Cake at birthday celebrations where its dramatic appearance makes it a perfect centerpiece.
• Offer alongside coffee or espresso for an elegant dessert course at dinner parties.
• Garnish each plate with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to add color and a touch of acidity.
• Use a warm knife for clean slices, wiping between cuts to maintain the ganache drip’s beautiful presentation.
• Present on a cake stand with edible gold flakes or chocolate shavings sprinkled around the base for special occasions.

This Chocolate Chip Ganache Drip Cake is versatile enough for both casual family gatherings and formal events, with its rich flavors and stunning visual appeal satisfying any sweet tooth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using chocolate chips for the ganache, which can cause seizing. Fix: Opt for high-quality baking chocolate bars, chopped finely for smooth melting.
• Mistake: Pouring ganache onto a warm cake, leading to messy drips. Fix: Ensure your Chocolate Chip Ganache Drip Cake is completely chilled before applying the drip.
• Mistake: Overmixing the cake batter, resulting in a dense texture. Fix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to maintain a light, tender crumb.
• Mistake: Adding chocolate chips that sink to the bottom during baking. Fix: Toss chips in a light coating of flour before folding into the batter.
• Mistake: Making ganache with incorrect cream-to-chocolate ratios, affecting consistency. Fix: Use a 1:1 ratio by weight for a perfect pourable ganache drip.
• Mistake: Applying ganache drip from too high, creating uncontrolled streams. Fix: Hold your piping bag or bottle close to the cake edge for precise, elegant drips.
• Mistake: Frosting cake layers with a thick, unstable buttercream. Fix: Apply a thin crumb coat and chill before adding the final layer for sharp edges.
• Mistake: Rushing the ganache cooling process, making it too thick. Fix: Let ganache cool gradually at room temperature until it reaches a pourable but not runny state.
• Mistake: Storing the finished cake at room temperature, risking melt. Fix: Refrigerate your Chocolate Chip Ganache Drip Cake until serving to maintain structure.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Chocolate Chip Ganache Drip Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Let frozen cake thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving. For individual slices, microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Always ensure your Chocolate Chip Ganache Drip Cake is stored below 40°F when refrigerated or frozen for food safety. The ganache may firm up when chilled but will soften at room temperature.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Chip Ganache Drip Cake is a showstopping dessert perfect for any celebration. If you enjoyed this recipe, try our Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe next. Share your results in the comments and subscribe for more delicious cake recipes!

Print

FAQs

Can I make the Chocolate Chip Ganache Drip Cake in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cake layers a day ahead. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Make the ganache drip on the day of serving for the best texture and appearance.

How do I get the perfect ganache drip for my cake?

Ensure your ganache is at the right temperature—slightly warm but not hot. Test the drip on the side of a glass first. Pour the ganache over the chilled cake and use a spoon or squeeze bottle to guide the drips down the sides.

What can I use if I don’t have chocolate chips for the ganache?

You can chop a high-quality chocolate bar into small, even pieces as a substitute. This Chocolate Chip Ganache Drip Cake will still turn out rich and smooth. Avoid using chocolate with a low cocoa butter content for the best results.