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.
