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Layered Chocolate Delight Cake

Layered Chocolate Delight Cake

This Layered Chocolate Delight Cake features moist chocolate sponge layers paired with rich, creamy chocolate frosting. Perfect for any special occasion or a weekend treat, this cake delivers a decadent chocolate experience with a tender crumb and luscious frosting that melts in your mouth. Simple pantry ingredients come together to create an impressive, customizable dessert loved by chocolate enthusiasts.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Layers

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup buttermilk or milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Chocolate Frosting

  • 8 ounces high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two or three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure easy release and even baking for flawless layers.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents to prevent lumps and promote uniform rising.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, contributing to a soft cake texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract to enrich the batter with moisture and flavor.
  5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry mixture alternately with buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined to keep the batter tender and moist.
  6. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to maintain softness.
  7. Prepare Chocolate Frosting: While the cakes cool, melt the chocolate and mix with heavy cream and softened butter until glossy and spreadable. This rich frosting is perfect for layering.
  8. Assemble the Layered Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, level if needed. Spread an even layer of frosting between each layer, then cover the entire cake with a smooth coat of frosting. Chill briefly to set before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients (eggs, butter, milk) to ensure a smooth batter and avoid lumps.
  • Mix the batter only until ingredients are combined to keep the crumb light and tender.
  • Measure batter equally for each pan to achieve even layer height.
  • Let cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • Invest in good quality chocolate for a luscious, smooth frosting.
  • You can substitute buttermilk with milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar per cup.
  • Gluten-free version possible by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cake, layered cake, chocolate frosting, birthday cake, dessert, chocolate dessert, easy chocolate cake