Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Make the Chocolate Cake
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line cake pans.
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In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, coffee granules, and baking soda mixture.
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Add brewed coffee, butter, oil, eggs, vanilla, and hot water. Mix until smooth—don’t overmix.
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Divide batter evenly between pans.
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Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool in pans 10 min, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2 – Prepare the Cream Filling
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Beat cream cheese until smooth.
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Add vanilla, powdered sugar, and heavy cream; whip until light and fluffy.
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Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3 – Make the Ganache
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Heat heavy cream until simmering.
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Pour over chopped chocolate, let sit 2 min.
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Stir until smooth; add buttercream if using. Cool slightly.
Step 4 – Optional Drizzle
Whisk melted white chocolate with butter, sugar, vanilla, and cream until smooth and pourable.
Step 5 – Assemble
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Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread cream filling evenly.
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Top with second cake layer.
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Pour ganache over top, letting it drip down sides.
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Add white chocolate drizzle if desired.
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Chill 15–20 min before slicing.
What to Serve With This Cake
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Fresh berries or berry coulis
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Espresso or cappuccino
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A glass of dessert wine or port
Tips for the Best Results
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Room temperature ingredients help batter and filling blend smoothly.
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Don’t skip the coffee—it deepens the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
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Cool completely before filling to prevent melting the cream.
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For clean slices, run your knife under hot water, wipe, then cut.
Storage
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Store covered in the fridge up to 4 days.
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Bring to room temp before serving for best texture.
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Freeze unfilled cake layers for up to 2 months.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this without coffee?
A: Yes—replace with hot water or milk, though the flavor depth will be slightly less intense.
Q: Can I use milk chocolate for the ganache?
A: Yes, but reduce added sugar elsewhere to avoid over-sweetness.
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Absolutely—assemble up to 1 day ahead; flavors will meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Layered Chocolate Cake with Creamy Filling & Ganache Topping is the dessert equivalent of a standing ovation. Rich, indulgent, and elegant—it’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just those “I need chocolate now” days.
