Galentine's Red Wine Chocolate Cake

Name: Galentine's Red Wine Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup red wine (preferably a dry variety); 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Highlighted under: Taste the World

I adore baking this Galentine's Red Wine Chocolate Cake because it brings people together to celebrate friendship. Combining rich chocolate with a hint of red wine creates a unique flavor profile that surprises and delights everyone who tries it. The moist, tender crumb pairs beautifully with a glossy ganache, making it an indulgent treat perfect for any gathering. Trust me, once you taste this cake, you’ll want to make it for all your favorite celebrations!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:46:30.346Z

When I first made this Galentine's Red Wine Chocolate Cake, I wasn't sure how the wine would affect the chocolate, but the combination is pure magic! The depth of flavor that red wine brings to the chocolate is incredible, making it an unforgettable dessert. Friends who typically shy away from dessert couldn't resist a second slice!

One tip I learned is to let the cake cool completely before adding the ganache. This ensures a smooth, shiny finish that looks just as good as it tastes. The ganache sets perfectly, creating a decadent layer that everyone will rave about.

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with a hint of red wine
Moist texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrating friendship with your Galentine's

      

Mastering the Baking Technique

To achieve that perfect moist and tender crumb, ensure that you do not overmix the batter once you add the wet ingredients. The goal is to combine them until just moistened. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake texture. When adding the boiling water, which may seem counterintuitive, it actually helps to create a lighter cake by blooming the cocoa powder and increasing moisture content, contributing to the cake's overall flavor and texture.

Baking at the right temperature is crucial for this chocolate cake. Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) allows for even cooking and helps the cake to rise properly. If you find that your cakes are domed on top, they may have been in the oven for too long or your oven might be running a little hot. Check for doneness around the 30-minute mark by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

The type of red wine you choose can significantly influence the flavor profile of your cake. Opt for a dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, to enhance the richness without making the cake too sweet. If you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, consider using a non-alcoholic red wine or substituting with grape juice mixed with just a splash of vinegar to mimic the acidity of wine, which balances the sweetness of the chocolate.

For the ganache, using a good quality chocolate is essential. Semi-sweet chocolate chips can work, but I recommend using chopped chocolate bars for a creamier texture. When heating the cream, watch it closely; you want it just at a boil. Pouring the hot cream over the chocolate rather than directly heating the chocolate itself preserves its texture and flavor, ensuring a beautifully smooth ganache once mixed with the butter.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start baking:

For the Cake:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup red wine (preferably a dry variety)
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Ganache:

8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Make sure to have all ingredients measured out before you start for smooth preparation.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect Galentine's Red Wine Chocolate Cake:

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, red wine, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Add Boiling Water

Carefully stir in boiling water until incorporated. The batter will be thin.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Prepare Ganache

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until just boiling, then pour over the chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and add butter, mixing until glossy.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of ganache on top of one cake layer, place the other layer on top, and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake and serve with your favorite Galentine's, accompanied by a glass of red wine!

Enjoy this delightful chocolate cake with friends and don’t forget to take some pictures to share!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the ganache before it sets. It enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.

Storing and Serving

This Galentine’s Red Wine Chocolate Cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, but for longer preservation, keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure it's wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to avoid drying out. If you'd like to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; it can stay in the freezer for about three months. To serve, allow it to come to room temperature before enjoying it, as the flavors will be more pronounced.

For a stunning presentation, consider garnishing the finished cake with fresh berries or sprigs of mint. This not only adds a pop of color but also complements the rich chocolate flavor wonderfully. Pair slices of the cake with a glass of red wine for a decadent treat at your Galentine's gathering, turning a simple dessert into a charming experience.

Variations and Additions

If you want to elevate this cake further, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking, which can introduce pleasant textures and flavors. Feel free to experiment with flavored extracts such as almond or orange to give a twist to the classic chocolate-wine combination. Additionally, you could layer the cake with different fillings like raspberry jam or whipped cream for added depth and personality.

For those who love a little spice, adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or espresso powder can intensify the chocolate flavor and provide a subtle warmth. Keep an eye on the balance of flavors, however, as these can become quite pronounced quickly. Always taste your batter before baking to ensure it matches your desired flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of wine?

Yes, any dry red wine works well, but avoid sweet varieties to maintain balance.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and frost it just before serving.

→ Is this cake suitable for children?

The alcohol cooks off during baking, but there may still be trace amounts. Use your discretion based on your preference.