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– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
**For the Cream Filling:**
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**For the Chocolate Glaze:**
– 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
### Instructions:
#### 1. **Make the Cake Layers:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and set them aside.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
– In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
– Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in thirds, alternating with the milk and heavy cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
– Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
– Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
– Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
#### 2. **Prepare the Cream Filling:**
– While the cakes are cooling, make the cream filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat it.
– Once the cakes are completely cooled, slice each cake horizontally in half, so you have four layers in total.
#### 3. **Assemble the Cake:**
– Place one layer of cake on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of the whipped cream filling on top of the cake layer, smoothing it out to the edges.
– Add the second layer of cake and repeat the process, layering cake and cream until you have used up all the layers. Ensure the top layer is covered with the remaining cream.
#### 4. **Prepare the Chocolate Glaze:**
– In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
– Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and butter. Stir gently until the chocolate is completely melted and the glaze is smooth and glossy.
– Let the chocolate glaze cool slightly before pouring it over the top of the layered cake.
#### 5. **Glaze the Cake:**
– Slowly pour the chocolate glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful, glossy finish.
– For an added touch, you can use a spatula to gently spread the glaze over the top and sides of the cake for an even coating.
#### 6. **Chill and Serve:**
– Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour to allow the cream to set and the glaze to firm up slightly.
– Once ready, slice the cake into wedges and serve chilled or at room temperature.
### Why You’ll Love This Italian Layered Cake:
1. **Layered Perfection**: The combination of soft, airy cake, light cream filling, and decadent chocolate glaze creates a multi-textured experience that’s pure bliss in every bite.
2. **Elegant and Impressive**: The glossy chocolate glaze and smooth cream filling give this cake an elegant look that’s sure to impress your guests. It’s perfect for any special occasion, from birthdays to holidays or dinner parties.
3. **Rich Yet Balanced**: While this cake is rich, the balance of flavors between the light cream and the bittersweet chocolate glaze keeps it from being overwhelming. It’s the ideal treat for anyone who loves dessert with a touch of sophistication.
4. **Customizable**: Feel free to adjust the cream filling and glaze to suit your preferences. You can add a dash of liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or amaretto, to the cream for a hint of flavor, or you can experiment with different types of chocolate for the glaze.
### Tips for the Perfect Italian Layered Cake:
– **Allow the Cake to Cool Completely**: Be sure to let the cake layers cool completely before assembling the cake. If the layers are too warm, the cream filling may melt, making it difficult to get a clean slice.
– **Use Fresh Heavy Cream**: Fresh, high-quality heavy cream will yield the best results for the filling. If you prefer a richer filling, you can even add mascarpone cheese to the whipped cream for an Italian twist!
– **Decorate with Chocolate Shavings**: For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top of the cake just before serving.
– **Chill the Cake**: Chilling the cake after assembling allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite even more delicious. Plus, it ensures the cream and glaze set nicely.
### Conclusion:
**Italian Layered Cake with Cream and Chocolate Glaze** is a dessert that combines tradition, elegance, and indulgence in every bite. The layers of moist cake, light cream, and smooth chocolate glaze create a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply treating yourself to something special, this cake is sure to be the star of the show.
So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this beautiful, decadent dessert—your taste buds will thank you!
