Chocolate Cake with Ganache and Praline Topping

Name: Chocolate Cake with Ganache and Praline Topping
Yield: 8 Servings
Ingredients: Nonstick vegetable oil spray; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, room temperature; 1/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup boiling water; 1 cup all purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt; 1/4 cup buttermilk; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons 1/4 stick) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 3/4 cup (packed) dark brown sugar; 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup pecans, toasted, chopped

By Fred ThompsonPhotographer Elinor Carucci

May 5, 2009

Image may contain Food Dessert Cookie Biscuit and Chocolate

Elinor Carucci

Praline, a southern candy, forms the top of this showstopping cake.

Recipe notes