Decadent Layered Chocolate Cake with Creamy Filling & Ganache Topping

Before we dive into this recipe, I just want to say—thank you for letting me share a true showstopper with you today. This cake isn’t just dessert; it’s the grand finale of any celebration. Tall, elegant layers, a silky cream cheese filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache cascade—it’s the kind of cake that makes people pause mid-bite and say, “Wow.”

I promised you indulgence, and here it is in all its glory. It’s rich without being heavy, sophisticated but still comfortingly familiar, and absolutely worth every single bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually stunning—a centerpiece dessert for special occasions.

• Layers of flavor—moist chocolate cake, tangy cream filling, and smooth ganache.

• Customizable—add the optional white chocolate drizzle for extra flair.

• Perfect make-ahead dessert—flavors meld beautifully overnight.

What It Tastes Like

Each forkful is a perfect harmony: rich, moist chocolate cake with a subtle coffee depth, balanced by the cool, creamy tang of the filling. Then comes the ganache—velvety, bittersweet, and impossibly smooth. If you add the optional white chocolate drizzle, you get a sweet, creamy counterpoint that makes every bite pop.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Crowd-pleasing—guaranteed to impress.

• Moist texture—coffee and oil keep the cake soft for days.

• Flavor depth—instant coffee enhances chocolate without overpowering it.

• Flexible decoration—simple or dramatic, it’s up to you.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• ¾ tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tsp instant coffee granules

• ½ cup baking soda dissolved in brewed coffee

• 1 cup sweetened brewed coffee

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• ½ tbsp vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp hot water

For the Cream Filling

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ tsp powdered sugar

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache

• 8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped

• ½ cup heavy cream

• Optional: 1 spoonful buttercream for glossy finish

Optional White Chocolate or Vanilla Drizzle

• ½ tbsp unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream

• 4 oz melted and cooled white chocolate (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Two 9-inch round cake pans

• Mixing bowls

• Electric mixer

• Wire cooling rack

• Offset spatula

• Heatproof bowl for ganache

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

• Use dark roast coffee for bolder flavor or decaf if preferred.

• Swap mascarpone for cream cheese in the filling for a milder tang.

• Add a pinch of sea salt flakes on top of the ganache for a gourmet touch.

• Layer in fresh raspberries with the cream filling for a fruity contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Please Head On keep  on Reading  (>)