Description

This delightful Dino Cake features a moist, honest chocolate sponge layered with silky turquoise-tinted vanilla icing and rich chocolate ganache ‘mud.’ It is a reliable and impressive centerpiece perfect for any child’s birthday celebration.

Ingredients

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder, sifted
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1 tbsp unsalted butter, for ganache
4 egg whites
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, for icing
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
Turquoise gel food coloring
Dinosaur figurines and sprinkles for decoration

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 8-inch cake pans lined with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sifted cocoa, baking soda, and baking powder.
In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale, then gradually whisk in the canola oil and vanilla extract.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
Divide the batter between pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the ganache by pouring hot simmering cream over chopped chocolate and butter; stir until smooth.
Make the icing by whisking egg whites and sugar over a double boiler until warm, then beat to stiff peaks and gradually add softened butter.
Assemble the cake by layering with turquoise icing, coating the exterior, drizzling ganache mud, and decorating with dinosaurs.

Notes

To ensure your icing remains silky and stable, make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch before adding it to the meringue. If the icing begins to look curdled during the mixing process, continue beating at a high speed until the emulsion naturally smooths out. For the best flavor, bake your cake layers a day in advance to allow the chocolate notes to deepen and the crumb to settle.

Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American