Layered chocolate cake with creamy filling and ganache

🛒 Ingredients

For the chocolate cake layers:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or boiling water

For the creamy filling:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 8 oz mascarpone or cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the ganache:

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter (for shine)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the cake layers:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Slowly stir in the hot coffee or water. The batter will be thin—that’s what makes the cake moist!
Divide between pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

2. Make the creamy filling:

In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream to soft peaks. In a separate bowl, beat mascarpone or cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream until combined. Chill until ready to use.

3. Make the ganache:

Heat heavy cream in a saucepan just until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Stir in the butter for added gloss. Let cool slightly.

4. Assemble the cake:

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the creamy filling evenly on top. Add the second cake layer. Pour ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a dramatic effect. Use a spatula to gently spread if needed.

🎂 Tips for Success

• Room temperature ingredients ensure smooth batter and filling.
• Use a serrated knife to level your cake layers if they domed.
• Chill before slicing to make clean, picture-perfect cuts.
• Garnish with chocolate curls, berries, or a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant touch.

🍴 Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a dinner party, or a weekend baking project, this Layered Chocolate Cake with Creamy Filling and Ganache is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, but balanced; elegant, but comforting. The kind of dessert people remember long after the last slice is gone.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate cake is timeless, but this version—with its dreamy layers and glossy ganache—is a modern classic. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t just satisfy a sweet tooth, it leaves an impression. So go ahead, grab your whisk and preheat that oven—because this is the chocolate cake you’ve been dreaming of.

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