Decadent Chocolate and Vanilla Layer Cake

Indulge in the luxurious delight of this decadent chocolate and vanilla layer cake, a perfect blend of rich, moist chocolate layers and creamy fillings of vanilla and chocolate. Ideal for special occasions or a sweet indulgence, this cake promises to impress. The cake’s presentation, featuring generous layers of chocolate ganache and vanilla cream, makes it an unforgettable dessert. Here’s how you can recreate this exquisite cake at home.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
For the Vanilla Cream Filling:
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter
For the Chocolate Ganache:
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

Making the Chocolate Cake:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
Add Boiling Water: Reduce the mixer speed to low and carefully add the boiling water to the batter. Mix until the batter is smooth and thin.
Bake the Cakes: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Vanilla Cream Filling:
Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and cornstarch. Add the milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until melted and smooth. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming and let it cool to room temperature.