
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Make the Chocolate Cake
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line cake pans.
-
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, coffee granules, and baking soda mixture.
-
Add brewed coffee, butter, oil, eggs, vanilla, and hot water. Mix until smooth—don’t overmix.
-
Divide batter evenly between pans.
-
Bake 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
-
Cool in pans 10 min, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2 – Prepare the Cream Filling
-
Beat cream cheese until smooth.
-
Add vanilla, powdered sugar, and heavy cream; whip until light and fluffy.
-
Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3 – Make the Ganache
-
Heat heavy cream until simmering.
-
Pour over chopped chocolate, let sit 2 min.
-
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
-
Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread cream filling evenly.
-
Top with second cake layer.
-
Pour ganache over top, letting it drip down sides.
-
Add white chocolate drizzle if desired.
-
Chill 15–20 min before slicing.
What to Serve With This Cake
-
Fresh berries or berry coulis
-
Espresso or cappuccino
-
A glass of dessert wine or port
Tips for the Best Results
-
Room temperature ingredients help batter and filling blend smoothly.
-
Don’t skip the coffee—it deepens the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
-
Cool completely before filling to prevent melting the cream.
-
For clean slices, run your knife under hot water, wipe, then cut.
Storage
-
Store covered in the fridge up to 4 days.
-
Bring to room temp before serving for best texture.
-
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.