Indulge your chocolate cravings with this decadent Chocolate Layer Cake! Featuring rich chocolate cake layers, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a velvety chocolate buttercream frosting, this cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this cake will not disappoint!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Chocolate Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder in both the cake and frosting provides deep chocolatey richness.
- Creamy Filling: The cream cheese filling adds a perfect balance of tanginess and smoothness to complement the rich chocolate.
- Moist & Fluffy: The cake layers come out soft and moist, thanks to the addition of boiling water and oil.
- Visually Impressive: With its perfect layers, creamy filling, and chocolate buttercream frosting, this cake is sure to wow at any event.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, celebration, or a simple dessert at home, this cake is versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla, then beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Add Boiling Water: Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin). Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well until fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread the cream cheese filling on top, then add the second layer on top of the filling.
- Make the Buttercream Frosting: In a bowl, beat butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate buttercream frosting.
- Serve: Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious chocolate layer cake!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a hot climate, refrigerate it to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.
- Reheating: The cake is best served at room temperature, but if you prefer warm cake, microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use a different frosting for the cake?
Yes, you can use vanilla buttercream or a whipped cream frosting if you prefer a lighter alternative.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time, store them in an airtight container, and frost them the next day.
Can I substitute the cream cheese in the filling?
Yes, you can use mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese if you prefer a different type of filling.
How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cake and frosting slightly, but keep in mind it might affect the texture.
Can I add chocolate chips to the cake batter?
Absolutely! Add about 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and chocolatey goodness.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can substitute with almond milk or another non-dairy milk, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
Can I make the cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, but make sure to adjust for any additional instructions on the blend package.
How do I make sure the cake layers come out evenly?
Make sure to level your cake pans and ensure your oven temperature is accurate. You can also use cake strips for even baking.
Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
Yes, you can adjust the baking time if you use a different pan size. A 9×13-inch pan would require about 30 minutes of baking time.
Can I freeze the frosted cake?
While it’s best to freeze the cake layers without frosting, you can freeze the frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Buttercream is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. With its decadent layers and rich, creamy fillings, this cake is a true showstopper that will satisfy every sweet tooth. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you need an indulgent treat!
Print
Chocolate Layer Cake with Cream Cheese Filling & Chocolate Buttercream
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 slices
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate chocolate lover’s treat with this decadent Chocolate Layer Cake. Rich chocolate cake layers are paired with a smooth cream cheese filling and velvety chocolate buttercream frosting, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
For the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin). Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well until fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread the cream cheese filling on top, then add the second cake layer on top of the filling.
- Make the Buttercream Frosting: In a bowl, beat butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, mixing until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Frost the Cake: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate buttercream frosting.
- Serve: Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute the chocolate buttercream with vanilla buttercream or whipped cream frosting.
- Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and a richer chocolate flavor.
- If you want a non-dairy version, substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta cheese, and use dairy-free butter for the frosting.
- This cake can be made ahead by baking the cake layers in advance and frosting the cake the next day.
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