Chocolate Cheesecake Layer Cake
This indulgent cake combines rich chocolate layers with a creamy cheesecake filling, perfect for celebrations and special occasions.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Ingredients
- 200 g all-purpose flour
- 75 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1.5 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 250 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 240 ml buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 120 ml vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 240 ml hot coffee or hot water
Cheesecake Layer Ingredients
- 450 g cream cheese, room temp
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 120 ml sour cream or plain yogurt
Ganache Ingredients
- 300 g dark chocolate, chopped
- 240 ml heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
Decoration Ingredients
- Chocolate shavings or curls
- Cocoa powder or powdered sugar for dusting
- Berries or gold leaf for decoration
Instructions
Prepare Cheesecake Layer
- Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F). Line and grease an 8-inch (20 cm) springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, flour, and sour cream.
- Pour into the pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let cool at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Make Chocolate Cake Layers
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two or three 8-inch (20 cm) cake pans.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then add hot coffee/water. Mix until smooth.
- Divide into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely.
Make Ganache Frosting
- Heat cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate.
- Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Add butter for extra shine and let cool until thick but spreadable.
Assemble the Cake
- Place one chocolate cake layer on a plate and add a layer of ganache.
- Gently place the chilled cheesecake layer on top, then add the second (or third) chocolate cake layer.
- Frost the top and sides with ganache, smooth or create texture as desired.
Decorate & Chill
- Top with chocolate curls, dust with cocoa or powdered sugar, or decorate with berries.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing for clean layers.
Notes
Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature for a smooth cheesecake batter. Cool each cake layer completely before assembling to avoid melting the cheesecake. Use hot coffee for a stronger chocolate flavor, or hot water for a milder note. Chill the cheesecake layer well; a cold center holds its shape during assembly.