• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Recipes by Nora
  • Recipe Index
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About me
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipe FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Cake and Ganache Frosting

    Published: Mar 23, 2022 by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. ·

    4 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    If you've ever had trouble making Chocolate Cake and Ganache Frosting, or want to avoid common mistakes, this post is for you. Here are frequently asked questions that may be helpful.

    Showing the inside of chocolate cake with chocolate ganache frosting.
    What is the secret to a moist cake?

    Find a good recipe with the right proportions of ingredients and follow it to the letter.

    Using oil instead of butter and buttermilk (or other cultured dairy products) instead of milk or plain water will produce moist cakes.

    The most important thing is not to overmix or overbake the cake.

    What's the best cocoa powder to use?

    I prefer Dutch-process cocoa powder. It is less bitter and produces a fudgier, darker cake. You can also use regular unsweetened cocoa powder with subtle differences in color and taste.

    Is butter or oil better for cakes?

    There are a few reasons why I prefer oil for cakes. Oil does not require creaming or melting. It keeps cakes moist because it is liquid at room temperature, whereas butter is solid.

    Gluten is less likely to develop because oil does not contain water. Water activates gluten, making cakes hard when overmixed. Cakes made with oil also have a longer shelf life.

    What type of oil to use for baking?

    Using neutral-flavored oils like canola or other vegetable oils is always a good idea. I also like mild-tasting oils like avocado, olive, and coconut oil.

    What is the purpose of coffee in baking?

    Coffee will enhance the chocolate flavor and tone down the sweetness in baked goods. You can try them with Chocolate Crinkle Cookies or Oreo Brownies from Brownie Mix.

    Do I need to refrigerate my cake?

    Most cakes can be kept at room temperature for two days. Cakes and frosting containing fresh fruit, cream cheese like Carrot Sheet Cake, or whipped cream should be refrigerated.

    When in doubt, always refrigerate. They stay fresh longer, especially when the weather is warm or if your kitchen gets too hot.

    Can I freeze the cake layers?

    Yes. I always make the cake layers several days in advance and freeze them. They stay moist and are easier to frost.

    When properly wrapped, they can last for 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or let them sit out on the counter for about an hour.

    How do you keep the cake from crumbling when frosting?

    The cake should be completely cooled before frosting. You can also freeze them to avoid crumbling.

    Crumb coating or covering the cake with a thin layer of icing traps loose crumbs and keeps the cake moist.

    How to fix a crumbly cake?

    If your cake is crumbly, let the frosting compensate for it by keeping it together.

    Avoid making the cake crumbly by accurately measuring the ingredients (especially the flour) and use large or extra-large eggs to provide enough structure (if the recipe doesn't specify).

    Most importantly, allow the cake and frosting to set in the fridge before slicing.

    Why is my cake dry?

    Check that you used the right ingredients and measured them correctly. It can also result from overbaking or incorrect oven temperature.

    To compensate for the dryness, you can brush the cake layers with simple syrup. Making it is as simple as boiling equal parts of sugar and water.

    Why did my cake sink in the middle?

    A cake can sink in the middle due to underbaking or inaccurate oven temperature, which hinders the proper structure formation.

    Overmixing the batter or using too much leavener can lead to excessive rising and subsequent collapse.

    Choosing the right pan size to use is also vital for even baking and preventing the cake from rising too much in the center.

    What causes large holes in cakes?

    Overmixing can result in large holes or tunneling (air pockets within the cake). When gluten develops excessively, it can toughen the cake and trap the leavener, leading to the formation of tunnels.

    Additionally, using an excessive amount of chemical leavener can contribute to this issue. If this happens, you can cover the holes and tunnels with frosting.

    What is ganache?

    A classic chocolate ganache is a smooth mixture of chocolate and heavy cream. It can be used as a filling or frosting for cakes, pastries, or confections like truffles.

    The texture can vary depending on the ratio of chocolate to cream and how it is used. Butter and flavor extracts are sometimes added.

    Why is my ganache not smooth?

    Ganache turns grainy or lumpy when there is too little cream or the cream is not hot enough. The chocolate pieces must be small enough to melt fast and create a smooth texture.

    How to fix a broken ganache?

    Ganache turns grainy or curdled because there is not enough cream to melt the chocolate.

    To fix it, place the ganache in a heatproof bowl and warm it over a pot of simmering water. Whisk until smooth and add more cream as needed.

    Why is my chocolate ganache not setting?

    If the proportions of ingredients are off, the ganache won't set properly. Sometimes it takes longer to reach the desired consistency.

    You can refrigerate it if your kitchen is too warm. Be sure to mix the ganache thoroughly until smooth.

    I hope this post can help you avoid mistakes in the future and make the cake right the first time. You should definitely try my recipe for Chocolate Cake with Ganache Frosting!

    Top questions on other recipes

    • Assorted achara in jars with FAQs banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Achara
    • Chicken Empanada in a bowl with FAQ banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Filipino Empanadas
    • Sweet Sour Chicken topped on rice in a bowl with FAQ banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet and Sour Recipes
    • Beef Caldereta topped on a rice served on a plate with a FAQ's banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Caldereta

    More Recipe FAQs

    • Filipino pork adobo in a bowl over rice with FAQ's banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Filipino Pork Adobo
    • Sweet Rice Cakes (Palitaw) on a banana leaf with FAQs banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Palitaw
    • Chicken Pot Pie with FAQs banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Pot Pie
    • Chocolate crinkle cookies with FAQs banner.
      Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
    4 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    About the author

    Hi, I'm Nora! 

    Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    Learn more about me →

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Nora! Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Grilled Pork Belly on a plate with pickled vegetables and spicy vinegar dipping sauce.
      Inihaw na Liempo Recipe

    • Beef stir fry with onions and peppers in a wok zoomed in.
      Beef Stir Fry with Onions & Peppers

    • Mackerel on Olive oil on a plate.
      Mackerel in Olive Oil

    • Beef Caldereta topped on a rice served on a plate.
      Beef Caldereta Recipe

    • Buko Pandan on a glass dish cup topped with ice cream covered be rice crisps.
      Buko Pandan Salad Recipe

    • Assorted Filipino foods on a table covered in banana leaf for a Kamayan Feast.
      Kamayan Feast: Bringing Family and Friends Together

    Seasonal Desserts

    You must use the category name, not a URL, in the category field.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Statement
    • Cookie Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Image Use & Copyright
    • Privacy Policy

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2023 RECIPES BY NORA

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    4 shares