heaven on earth cake recipe

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The Best heaven on earth cake recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite Heaven on Earth Cake recipe. This cake is a classic Southern dessert that’s been around for decades, and for good reason – it’s moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. I’ve been making this cake for my family for years, and it’s always a hit.

My kids love helping me mix the batter, and my husband can’t get enough of the sweet, caramel-like flavor of the cake. In fact, I’ve even started making it for our weekly family gatherings, and it’s always the star of the show. But what really makes this cake special is its rich history and cultural significance.

The recipe originated in the Southern United States, where it was often served at church socials and community gatherings. Over time, it’s evolved into a beloved family tradition that’s been passed down through generations. When I first tried this cake, I was blown away by its depth of flavor and tender crumb.

It’s truly a taste of heaven on earth! One of the key techniques that sets this cake apart is its use of buttermilk instead of regular milk. The acidity in the buttermilk helps to react with the baking soda, creating a light and fluffy texture that’s just perfect for a special occasion or everyday treat.

I’ve also experimented with different types of sugar, but granulated white sugar is still my top choice – it adds a sweetness that complements the tangy flavor of the buttermilk perfectly.

4.8 from 898 votes

A moist, delicious cake with a rich chocolate flavor and a hint of coffee. Perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time35 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time55 mins

Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 400 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 tsp espresso powder

1 cup milk

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup hot coffee

For the Chocolate Ganache

8 oz dark chocolate

1 cup heavy cream

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.

3In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder.

4Mix well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

5In a separate bowl, mix milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

6Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.

7Pour the hot coffee into the batter and stir until fully incorporated.

8The batter will be thin.

9Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.

10Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

11The cake should be slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.

12While the cake is baking, prepare the chocolate ganache.

13Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl.

14Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.

15Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the chocolate to soften.

16Whisk the chocolate and cream together until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

17Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

18Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.

19Once the cake is completely cool, pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.

20Let the ganache set for a few minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl

Electric mixer

Baking pan

Saucepan

Whisk

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 400 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 450mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 35g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use brewed coffee instead of hot water. You can also add a layer of whipped cream or fresh berries on top of the ganache for added decadence.

This Heaven on Earth Cake recipe is truly a classic for good reason – it’s moist, flavorful, and easy to make.

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just want a delicious dessert for yourself, this recipe is sure to please.

And because it freezes so well (just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil), you can easily make a double batch and store some away for future meals.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Heaven on Earth Cake

Q: What type of flour should I use for this cake?

In order to achieve that tender crumb we all love in a Southern-style cake, you’ll want to use all-purpose flour with a high protein content (such as bread flour) or ‘cake flour’ which has been milled to have less gluten than regular all-purpose flour.

Q: Can I substitute almond extract for vanilla extract?

No! While almond extract can add a lovely flavor to baked goods, it will completely change the character of this recipe.

Q: How long does this cake take to mix up?

This cake comes together quickly – in about 15 minutes you’ll have your batter ready to go!

Q: What kind of pan do I need to bake this cake in?

A 9-inch round or square pan will work just fine – just grease it well before adding your batter.

Q: Can I make individual servings of this cake?

Sure thing! Simply divide your batter evenly among six or eight muffin cups and bake until they’re done.

heaven on earth cake recipe

The Best heaven on earth cake recipe