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.

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

Step-by-Step Preparation
1. 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.
💡 Pro Tip: Using hot coffee instead of water enhances the chocolate flavor without leaving any coffee taste.
2. 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.
3. 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.
💡 Tip: For neater layers, trim the cake edges slightly before assembling and chill the layers before adding cream.
4. 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.
💡 Tip: Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring to prevent it from soaking into the cream layers.
5. 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!
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
- The moist chocolate cake melts in your mouth and pairs perfectly with fluffy cream.
- Layered design makes it visually stunning for any celebration.
- Easy to customize — add chocolate chips, sprinkles, or fresh berries for extra flair.
- 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.
Try Also: Irresistible Dessert Ideas from Paula’s Kitchen
- How to Make the Perfect Tuxedo Cake at Home
- No-Bake Layered Brownie Dessert
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Bars

Creamy Chocolate Layer Cake
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Layers
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Sifted
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1½ 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!





