Chocolate Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Buttercream

Imagine a dessert that represents the pinnacle of chocolate indulgence – a cake so rich and luxurious that it transforms an ordinary moment into a celebration. This Chocolate Layer Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a multi-layered symphony of chocolate flavors and textures.

Each slice promises a perfect balance of moist chocolate cake, silky cream cheese filling, and smooth chocolate buttercream. It's the kind of cake that stops conversations and makes people close their eyes in pure bliss.

Whether you're marking a special occasion or craving the ultimate chocolate experience, this cake is your ultimate chocolate destination.

Chocolate Layer Cake: A Decadent Chocolate Confection Masterpiece

Step into a world of pure chocolate indulgence with a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert. The combination of deep chocolate cake, creamy filling, and rich buttercream creates a dessert that's nothing short of extraordinary.

Imagine cutting into a cake so moist and flavorful that it practically melts on your tongue. The layers of chocolate and cream cheese create a harmonious blend that's both sophisticated and comforting.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve slightly chilled for best texture
• Pair with a cup of strong coffee
• Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Perfect for birthday celebrations
• Ideal for chocolate enthusiasts

Pro Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Layer Cake:

Coffee Boost: Use hot coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor. It intensifies the cake's richness.

Cream Cheese Technique: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smooth mixing.

Buttercream Brilliance: Sift cocoa powder to prevent lumps in the frosting.

Layering Insight: Chill the cake briefly between filling and frosting for cleaner layers.

Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared a day in advance for even more developed flavors.

Chocolate Layer Cake Recipe Details:

• Preparation time: 30 minutes
• Baking time: 30-35 minutes
• Chilling time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12-16
• Equipment: Two 9-inch round cake pans, mixing bowls, electric mixer

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake Base:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 and ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot coffee or hot water

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk (plus more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Carefully grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
3. Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter becomes smooth.
4. Gradually stir in hot coffee or water. The batter will become thin – this is exactly what you want for a moist cake.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, spreading it smoothly with a spatula.
6. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
8. For the cream cheese filling, beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy and well combined.
9. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Chill slightly if the mixture seems too soft.
10. For the chocolate buttercream, beat butter until light and fluffy.
11. Sift in cocoa powder and mix thoroughly. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, alternating with milk.
12. Beat until the buttercream becomes smooth and fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
13. To assemble, spread the cream cheese filling between the cooled cake layers.
14. Frost the top and sides of the cake with chocolate buttercream.

Ready to Indulge!

Chill the cake for 20 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to set. Each bite is a perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy filling.

Storage Solutions:

• Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days
• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Best served slightly chilled
• Can be frozen for up to 1 month
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a moment of chocolate bliss, this Chocolate Layer Cake promises to be the star of any gathering.

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