Indulgent Chocolate Cake Layered with Velvety Cream Cheese Filling and Covered in a Smooth, Glossy Ganache – A Chocolate Lover’s Dream Dessert

This chocolate cake is a true showstopper, combining rich, moist layers of chocolate cake with a luscious cream cheese filling and a decadent ganache coating. The cake is made with high-quality cocoa powder and Nutella, adding depth and richness to every bite. The cream cheese filling offers a delightful contrast to the intense chocolate flavor, while the ganache provides a smooth and glossy finish that makes this cake as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this cake is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This:
You’ll love this chocolate cake for its moist, tender crumb and the perfect balance of flavors. The Nutella and cocoa powder give the cake a rich, chocolatey base, while the cream cheese filling adds a creamy, tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the cake. The ganache topping is the ultimate finishing touch, adding a layer of indulgence that makes each slice feel like a true treat. This cake is not only delicious but also versatile, making it suitable for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a luxurious dessert to enjoy at home.

Perfect Occasion:
This chocolate cake is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion where you want to wow your guests with a homemade dessert. Its rich flavors and elegant appearance make it a great choice for a dinner party dessert, and it’s also perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether you’re serving it as the grand finale to a festive meal or as a sweet surprise for someone special, this cake is sure to be a hit. It’s also a wonderful way to satisfy a serious chocolate craving, making any day feel like a celebration.

Decoration Tips:
For a professional-looking finish, pour the ganache over the cake while it’s slightly warm, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a smooth, glossy coating. You can decorate the top with fresh berries, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added visual appeal. If you’re feeling extra creative, try piping rosettes of whipped cream around the edges or using edible flowers to give the cake a beautiful, elegant touch. For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top or add a sprinkle of sea salt to the ganache before it sets.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (50g) cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (85g) Nutella
• 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) hot water

For the Ganache:

• 1 cup (240g) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100g) sugar
• 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup (120g) heavy cream

Instructions:

Prepare the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
4. Add the Nutella, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
6. Pour in the hot water and stir until the batter is smooth and slightly thin.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

Prepare the Ganache:

1. In a small pot, bring the heavy cream and sugar to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves.
2. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter in a large heatproof bowl.
3. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate and butter. Let it sit undisturbed for 5-10 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
4. After the resting time, whisk the mixture until it is smooth and glossy. Place the ganache in the refrigerator to cool and thicken for 30-60 minutes.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and well combined. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream using a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream. Mix until no streaks remain.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Once the cake has completely cooled, slice it in half horizontally to create two even layers.
2. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the bottom layer of the cake.
3. Place the top layer of the cake over the cream cheese filling, pressing down gently.
4. Pour the cooled ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a smooth, elegant finish.
5. Optionally, decorate with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of sea salt.

Enjoy!