Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Port Wine Chocolate Cake is an indulgent treat that balances the sweetness of chocolate with the slightly fruity, complex flavors of port wine. The cake is dense and moist, with a soft crumb that melts in your mouth. The addition of port wine not only infuses the cake with its deep flavors but also keeps it incredibly moist. Topped with a rich ganache or a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is a perfect dessert for celebrations or a special dinner. If you’re a fan of chocolate and wine, this is the ultimate pairing in cake form!

Ingredients

For the cake:

1 cup port wine (preferably ruby port)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

For the ganache:

6 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp port wine

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Cake:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Heat the port wine: In a small saucepan, bring the port wine to a simmer over medium heat. Let it reduce slightly for about 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add dry ingredients and sour cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Incorporate port wine: Slowly pour in the cooled port wine, mixing until fully incorporated. The batter will be slightly runny, but that’s okay.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Ganache:

Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not boil).
Melt the chocolate: Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes to melt. Stir until smooth.
Add port wine: Stir in the port wine until well combined and smooth. Let the ganache cool for 5-10 minutes before using.

Assembling the Cake:

Frost the cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the ganache over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let the ganache drip down the sides of the cake for an elegant look.
Optional garnish: For an extra touch, garnish with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Serve: Allow the ganache to set for 30 minutes before slicing. Serve at room temperature and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour (including ganache setting)
Total Time: 2 hours

Variations

Chocolate-Cherry Version: Add a handful of dried cherries to the cake batter for a fruity twist that complements the port wine flavor.
Port Wine Whipped Cream: Top the cake with whipped cream flavored with a touch of port wine for an extra layer of richness.
Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the cake batter to bring a warm, spiced flavor that complements the chocolate and port wine.
Different Wines: Experiment with different wines, such as a tawny port or red wine, to give the cake a slightly different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store the Port Wine Chocolate Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The cake will stay moist due to the port wine. If you’d like to store it longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 1 week or freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of wine?

While port wine is the star of this cake, you can experiment with other types of wine, such as red wine or a fruit-infused wine, for a different flavor. However, port wine provides a rich depth of flavor that’s hard to replace.

Can I make this cake without the ganache?

Yes, you can skip the ganache and dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a simpler presentation. The cake is rich enough on its own without the ganache.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Just keep it covered in an airtight container.

How do I make this cake gluten-free?

You can make this cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to also use certified gluten-free baking powder.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

For the ganache, you can use any type of chocolate you prefer. Dark chocolate gives a rich, bittersweet flavor that balances the sweetness of the cake, but milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate will also work well.

How can I prevent the cake from sinking in the middle?

To avoid the cake sinking, make sure the oven is preheated to the right temperature and avoid opening the oven door during baking. Also, check for doneness using a toothpick to ensure the cake is fully cooked.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and then top with the ganache before serving.

Conclusion

Port Wine Chocolate Cake is a luxurious dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and port wine into one indulgent treat. The moist, dense cake paired with the smooth ganache creates a balanced flavor profile that is sophisticated and delicious. Perfect for any special occasion or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Its unique flavor combination and elegant presentation make it a showstopper that will impress everyone at your table!

Port Wine Chocolate Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients