Chocolate Cream Layer Cake (Print Version)

Moist chocolate cake, smooth cream filling, glossy ganache—an elegant treat that’s simple to make for any occasion.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chocolate Sponge Cake Layers

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 2 cups granulated sugar
07 - 3 large eggs
08 - 3/4 cup vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
09 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
10 - 1 1/4 cups buttermilk

→ Cream Filling

11 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream
12 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
13 - 4 ounces cream cheese or mascarpone, softened (optional)

→ Chocolate Ganache Glaze

14 - 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
15 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper circles.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly blended.
03 - In a large bowl, beat granulated sugar and eggs on medium speed until pale and slightly thickened. Add vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk; mix until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, blending on low speed until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
05 - Evenly divide batter between prepared pans. Bake for 32–36 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
06 - Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes. Turn out onto wire racks and cool completely before assembly.
07 - In a chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar (and cream cheese, if using) until stiff peaks form. Avoid over-beating.
08 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread whipped cream filling evenly over the surface. Top with second cake layer and gently press to adhere.
09 - Place chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat cream in a saucepan until just simmering, then pour over chocolate. Let sit 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
10 - Pour ganache over assembled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for an even coating. Smooth gently for a polished finish.
11 - Refrigerate assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to set ganache and filling before slicing and serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For best texture, use room temperature ingredients when preparing the batter.
02 - Chill metal mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream for maximum volume.
03 - Customize the filling with a spoonful of coffee extract for a mocha variation.