Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake layer)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chocolate chips (for ganache)
- ½ cup heavy cream (for ganache)
Equipment Needed
- 2 round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Saucepan (for ganache)
- Piping bag (optional, for decorating)
Step-by-Step Instructions
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans. Then, in a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. It’s always satisfying to see those dry ingredients coming together, filling my kitchen with a sweet aroma! Next, add in the vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, red food coloring, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything on medium speed until well combined. You’ll love the vibrant red color that pops! (See the next page below to continue steps…)