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    Home / Cake basics / Frosting & filling

    Chocolate Drip Cake

    Last update: Jan 9, 2025 Published: Jan 9, 2025 by Fadela This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

    Drip cake is a simple yet stunning way to elevate your cakes with a glossy, flowing glaze. This easy recipe will help you create a beautiful finish that adds an elegant touch to any celebration or special occasion!

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients You Need
    • How To Make A Drip Cake
    • How to Use This Chocolate Drip Glaze
    • Tips for this recipe
    • Storage instructions
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • Recipe Questions
    • Chocolate Drip Cake

    A drip cake is a layer cake with a deliciously flowing glaze that cascades down the sides, creating a tempting and irresistible effect. It's the perfect way to add a fun and indulgent touch to your desserts!

    Usually, a chocolate ganache glaze is used, whether it's dark, milk, or white chocolate with cream, but I’ll also share other options for you to try in this post.

    It’s such a fun technique to decorate your cakes and bring an extra layer of flavor to birthday cakes or any special occasion!

    Why you'll love this recipe


    • Quick and easy: Just 2 ingredients and ready in 3 minutes!
    • Beautiful and delicious: Adds a stunning and mouthwatering touch to your layer cakes.
    • Customizable: Easy to match with your cake style and perfect for any occasion.

    Ingredients You Need

    Here’s what you’ll need to make a drip cake glaze:

    • Chocolate: Use couverture chocolate for the best results, but regular dark, milk, or white chocolate works too, depending on your preferences.
    • Heavy cream: Choose full-fat heavy cream (at least 30% fat content) for a smooth and creamy texture.

    How To Make A Drip Cake

    Here are some quick visual instructions. Don't forget that the full instructions with the exact ingredients are below in the main recipe card!

    Step 1: Break the chocolate into small pieces or chop it and place it in a heatproof bowl.

    Step 2: Add the heavy cream and heat either in the microwave on low power for 20-second intervals or using a double boiler with a pot of simmering water, until you achieve a smooth ganache.

    How to Use This Chocolate Drip Glaze

    • Let the chocolate glaze cool to room temperature until it reaches about 30-35°C (86-95°F).
    • If needed, test the consistency by dripping a small amount onto a glass or the edge of a cake pan to ensure it's not too runny.
    • Drizzle the chocolate drip over the top of your chilled layer cake, either in small amounts along the edges to create the drip effect or in the center, letting it spill over the sides with an offset spatula.
    • Place the drip cake in the fridge to set the glaze if necessary.

    Tips for this recipe

    • Consistency of the Glaze: The glaze should be slightly runny but not too thin. Test it by dripping a small amount onto a surface like a glass or an upside-down cake pan. It should flow slowly without spreading too much.
    • Ideal Glaze Temperature: The perfect temperature for chocolate drip glaze is between 30-35°C (86-95°F).
    • Cake Temperature: Make sure your cake is fully cooled before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting or mixing into the cake.
    • Refrigeration: After applying the glaze, refrigerate the cake for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the glaze to set and firm up.

    Storage instructions

    Store your drip cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, place it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

    Before serving, allow it to come back to room temperature for the best texture. For leftover chocolate glaze, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently before using.

    Variations & Substitutions

    • Caramel Drip Cake: Use homemade caramel like in this salted caramel cake.
    • White Chocolate Drip Cake: Replace dark chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter, lighter glaze.
    • Fruit Drip Cake: Mix fruit purée into a white chocolate drip, like in this strawberry lemonade cake made with lemon curd.
    • Milk Chocolate Drip Cake: For a milder version than dark chocolate, use milk chocolate.
    • Colored Drip Cake: Start with a white chocolate glaze and add gel food coloring, like in this praline drip cake.
    • Non-Chocolate Drip Cake: Use buttercream, Swiss meringue buttercream, or a powdered sugar glaze instead of chocolate.
    • Cookie butter Drip Cake As in my biscoff cake, simply melt cookie butter spread to create the drip.

    Recipe Questions

    What kind of chocolate is best for a drip cake glaze?
    For the best results, use dark chocolate or milk chocolate with heavy cream for a smooth, shiny drip. You can also try white chocolate for a sweeter drip!

    Can I make the drip glaze in advance?
    Yes! You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it up slightly before using it.

    How do I make sure the glaze drips properly?
    Make sure the glaze is at the right temperature (30-35°C or 86-95°F) and test its consistency before applying. It should flow slowly but not be too runny.

    How long should I chill the cake after applying the glaze?
    Once the glaze is applied, chill the cake in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to let the drip set properly.

    You will also love

    • Fresh Raspberry Buttercream
    • Chocolate Mirror Glaze
    • Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls Frosting
    • Easy Powdered Sugar Icing

    I hope you enjoyed this drip cake glaze recipe! Feel free to rate it and leave a comment to let me know what you think. Happy baking!

    Print
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    Chocolate Drip Cake


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    • Author: Fadela
    • Total Time: 3 minutes
    • Yield: 6 inch cake
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    Description

    How to make a drip cake glaze with a chocolate ganache using just 2 ingredients, ready in under 3 minutes (for a 6-inch layer cake).


    Ingredients

    • 80 g (2.8 oz) chocolate - semi-sweet or dark
    • 80 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream - full-fat

    Instructions

    1. Break the chocolate into pieces or chop it finely and place it in a heatproof bowl.
    2. Add the heavy cream and heat it either in the microwave on low power in 20-second intervals, mixing well after each, or using a double boiler with a small pot of simmering water over medium heat.
    3. Once the chocolate is fully melted, let the glaze cool slightly at room temperature until it reaches an ideal temperature between 86°F and 95°F (30-35°C).
    4. Use a spoon to drip the glaze over the edges of your cake, creating the signature "drip" effect.
    5. You can also pour a generous amount of glaze in the center of the cake and let it spread over the edges.
    6. Then, place the cake in the fridge to let the glaze set.

    Equipment

    Image of Kitchen Thermometer

    Kitchen Thermometer

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    Notes

    Conservation : Conservez le glaçage pour drip cake à température ambiante pendant 2-3 jours et jusqu'à 1 semaine au frigo.

    Chocolate Ratio : 

    • Chocolat noir 1:1 (1 part de chocolat noir pour 1 part de crème)
    • Chocolat au lait 2:1 (2 parts de chocolat au lait pour 1 part de crème)
    • Chocolat blanc 3:1 (3 parts de chocolat blanc pour 1 part de crème)
    • Prep Time: 3 minutes
    • Category: frosting, fillings, cream
    • Cuisine: American

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