Description
A rich, soft chocolate layer cake featuring three fluffy layers filled with a creamy filling and topped with a smooth ganache drip. Perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
- 3 tbsp heavy cream (for filling)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- Chocolate chunks (for topping)
- Blackberries and strawberries (for topping)
- Chocolate fudge or syrup (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Gradually stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth and thin.
- Divide the batter evenly into the three cake pans and bake for 30–35 minutes. Let the cakes cool completely.
- To make the filling, beat the softened butter until creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, then the vanilla and heavy cream. Beat until the mixture is fluffy.
- For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until it is hot (but not boiling). Pour it over the chopped chocolate, let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Layer the cooled cakes with the creamy filling. Pour ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Decorate with swirls of frosting, chocolate chunks, and fresh berries.
Notes
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. Don’t overmix the batter, and feel free to switch up the toppings with your favorite fruits or nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, dessert, layer cake, celebration cake