Chocolate Cream Layer Cake

This Chocolate Cream Layer Cake is an indulgent dessert featuring rich, moist chocolate cake layers filled with fluffy cream and topped with a glossy chocolate glaze. It is a bakery-style treat that looks elegant yet is simple enough to prepare at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake combines everything a dessert lover could want—moist chocolate sponge, a light and creamy filling, and a decadent ganache topping. The balance of flavors is perfect, and it makes a stunning centerpiece for birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • All-purpose flour

  • Unsweetened cocoa powder

  • Baking powder

  • Baking soda

  • Salt

  • Granulated sugar

  • Eggs

  • Vegetable oil or melted butter

  • Vanilla extract

  • Buttermilk

  • Heavy cream (for filling)

  • Powdered sugar (for filling)

  • Cream cheese or mascarpone (optional, for added stability in filling)

  • Dark chocolate (for ganache)

  • Heavy cream (for ganache)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven and grease two round cake pans.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat sugar and eggs until light. Add oil, vanilla, and buttermilk.

  4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.

  5. Divide batter between the cake pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

  6. Let cakes cool completely.

  7. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar (and cream cheese if using) until stiff peaks form.

  8. Spread cream filling evenly between the two cake layers.

  9. Prepare ganache by melting chocolate with heavy cream until smooth.

  10. Pour ganache over the cake, letting it drip slightly down the sides.

  11. Chill briefly before serving for clean slices.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 10–12 servings.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Cooling and assembling: 45 minutes
Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes

Variations

  • Add a layer of fresh berries inside the cream filling.

  • Use white chocolate ganache instead of dark for a different flavor.

  • Make it a triple-layer cake for extra height.

  • Add a coffee extract to the filling for a mocha twist.

  • Decorate with shaved chocolate or mint leaves for garnish.

storage/reheating

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap slices tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it will melt the cream filling.

FAQs

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Yes, bake and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for 1 day or freeze up to 2 months.

What type of cream works best for the filling?

Heavy whipping cream is best; add cream cheese for stability.

Can I use milk chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, but reduce the cream slightly for a firmer consistency.

How do I prevent the cake from being dry?

Do not overbake and ensure accurate measurements of flour and liquid.

Can I substitute buttermilk?

Yes, use milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.

How do I get a shiny ganache glaze?

Use good-quality chocolate and stir until smooth and glossy.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I frost the outside with cream instead of ganache?

Yes, but the cream may not hold as well for longer periods.

How long should the cake chill before slicing?

At least 30 minutes to allow the cream and ganache to set.

Can I turn this into cupcakes?

Yes, bake in cupcake tins and fill with cream, then drizzle ganache on top.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cream Layer Cake is a decadent dessert with rich layers, creamy filling, and glossy ganache. Elegant yet easy to prepare, it is ideal for celebrations or as a luxurious weekend treat. Its perfect combination of textures and flavors makes it a recipe worth keeping.

Print

Chocolate Cream Layer Cake

A rich and indulgent layered chocolate cake filled with light chocolate cream and frosted to perfection — ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion.

  • Author: Mariem
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water or brewed coffee
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for filling)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for filling)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
  • Chocolate shavings or curls (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together sugars, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, then stir in hot water or coffee until fully combined. Batter will be thin.
  5. Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  7. To make the chocolate cream filling, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  8. Once cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of chocolate cream over the top.
  9. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides with remaining chocolate cream.
  10. Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls if desired. Chill before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use hot coffee instead of water to deepen the chocolate flavor.
  • Chill the bowl and beaters before whipping cream for best results.
  • The cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored wrapped at room temperature.
  • Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before serving for cleaner slices.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3g
  • Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: chocolate layer cake, cream cake, birthday cake, chocolate dessert, whipped cream filling, chocolate celebration cake

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