Creamy Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe | Decadent & Moist Chocolate Cake

Paula

Daily Culinary Pleasures

Creamy Chocolate Layer Cake

If you’re a chocolate lover looking for the ultimate dessert, this Creamy Chocolate Layer Cake is an absolute must-try. With its rich, moist layers, fluffy cream filling, and glossy chocolate ganache, this cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion. This step-by-step guide will help you bake a bakery-quality cake right in your own kitchen.

Whether you are a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe combines classic flavors with a touch of elegance to impress anyone at your table.

Creamy Chocolate Layer Cake
Creamy Chocolate Layer Cake

Why You’ll Love This Cake

There are several reasons why this Chocolate Layer Cake stands out from ordinary desserts:

  • Ultra-moist chocolate cake layers that melt in your mouth.
  • Light and fluffy cream filling for a perfect balance of sweetness.
  • Smooth chocolate ganache that adds a glossy, professional finish.
  • Easy-to-follow recipe with clear instructions for beginners and pros alike.
  • Perfect for special occasions — birthdays, parties, or cozy family gatherings.

This cake combines the deep flavor of chocolate with creamy textures to create a dessert that everyone will love.


Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this decadent dessert:

🍫 Chocolate Cake Layers

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (75 g) cocoa powder
  • 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) hot water or hot coffee
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

🥣 Cream Filling

  • 2 cups (480 ml) cold heavy cream
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

🍫 Chocolate Ganache

  • 200 g dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream

Creamy Chocolate Layer Cake
Creamy Chocolate Layer Cake

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers

  1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease two 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
  4. Gradually add the hot water or coffee; the batter will be runny — this is normal and helps create a moist cake.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
  6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool completely. Once cooled, carefully cut each cake horizontally in half to create 4 layers.

💡 Pro Tip: Using hot coffee instead of water enhances the chocolate flavor without leaving any coffee taste.


2. Prepare the Cream Filling

  1. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  2. Ensure the cream is very cold before whipping for the best texture.

3. Assemble the Cake

  1. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream on top.
  2. Repeat with the remaining layers, alternating cake and cream.
  3. Once all layers are stacked, refrigerate the cake for 20–30 minutes to allow the cream to set.

💡 Tip: For neater layers, trim the cake edges slightly before assembling and chill the layers before adding cream.


4. Make the Chocolate Ganache

  1. Heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling.
  2. Pour the cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes.
  3. Stir until smooth and glossy.
  4. Pour the ganache over the chilled cake, letting it drip naturally down the sides for a professional finish.

💡 Tip: Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring to prevent it from soaking into the cream layers.


5. Serving the Cake

  1. Chill the cake for an additional 15–20 minutes after adding the ganache.
  2. For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and cut carefully.
  3. Serve this creamy, indulgent chocolate cake and enjoy every bite!

Extra Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Layer Cake

  • Use high-quality cocoa and chocolate: This ensures a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
  • Keep cream cold: Cold cream whips better and holds its shape between layers.
  • Coffee enhances chocolate: Hot coffee in the batter intensifies the chocolate flavor naturally.
  • Even layers matter: Use a serrated knife to trim the cake layers if needed for a flat surface.
  • Chill before serving: Slight refrigeration before slicing ensures neat, clean layers.

Why This Cake is a Crowd-Pleaser

  1. The moist chocolate cake melts in your mouth and pairs perfectly with fluffy cream.
  2. Layered design makes it visually stunning for any celebration.
  3. Easy to customize — add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or fresh berries for extra flair.
  4. No complicated techniques required — just follow the steps and enjoy a bakery-style dessert at home.

This Creamy Chocolate Layer Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Its rich, moist layers, smooth cream, and shiny chocolate ganache make it a show-stopping centerpiece for any occasion. With this step-by-step recipe, you can impress your family, friends, and guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Creamy Chocolate Layer Cake

A rich and moist chocolate layer cake with fluffy cream filling and glossy chocolate ganache, perfect for special occasions.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Cake, Dessert
Cuisine American, Baking
Servings 8 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Cake Layers

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Sifted
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup hot water or hot coffee Hot coffee suggested for enhanced flavor
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cream Filling

  • 2 cups cold heavy cream
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache

  • 200 g dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream Heat until hot but not boiling

Instructions
 

Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers

  • Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease two 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Add the eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
  • Gradually add the hot water or coffee; the batter will be runny — this is normal and helps create a moist cake.
  • Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool completely. Once cooled, carefully cut each cake horizontally in half to create 4 layers.

Prepare the Cream Filling

  • In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  • Ensure the cream is very cold before whipping for the best texture.

Assemble the Cake

  • Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream on top.
  • Repeat with the remaining layers, alternating cake and cream.
  • Once all layers are stacked, refrigerate the cake for 20–30 minutes to allow the cream to set.

Make the Chocolate Ganache

  • Heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling.
  • Pour the cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2 minutes.
  • Stir until smooth and glossy.
  • Pour the ganache over the chilled cake, letting it drip naturally down the sides for a professional finish.

Serving the Cake

  • Chill the cake for an additional 15–20 minutes after adding the ganache.
  • For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and cut carefully.
  • Serve this creamy, indulgent chocolate cake and enjoy every bite!

Notes

Use high-quality cocoa and chocolate for better flavor. Keep cream cold for better whipping. Chill before serving for neat layers.
Keyword Bakery Style Cake, Celebration Cake, Chocolate Cake, Dessert Recipe, Layer Cake

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