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.
- Author: Lilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 cake)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, layered cake, chocolate frosting, birthday cake, dessert, chocolate dessert, easy chocolate cake