Sumptuous Chocolate Layer Cake with Creamy Filling and Ganache

Indulge in a luxurious Chocolate Layer Cake that combines the rich intensity of cocoa with a velvety cream filling and a glossy chocolate ganache, all from scratch.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ⅔ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup hot coffee

For the Cream Filling:

• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 230 grams unsalted butter, at room temperature

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 200 grams dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 200 grams heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Cake Preparation:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
   • Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt in a large bowl.
   • Stir in buttermilk, oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until just combined.
   • Gradually mix in hot coffee to form a smooth batter.
   • Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes.
   • Cool cakes completely before assembling.
2. Cream Filling:
   • Combine flour and sugar in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk.
   • Cook over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat.
   • Transfer to a pan, cover with plastic wrap, and cool completely.
   • Whip butter and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add in the milk mixture until creamy.
3. Chocolate Ganache:
   • Heat the cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour over the chopped chocolate.
   • Let stand for a few minutes, then stir until smooth and shiny.
4. Cake Assembly:
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with an even layer of cream filling.
   • Top with the second cake layer and pour ganache over the cake, spreading it out smoothly.

Notes:

• The hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor of the cake without leaving a coffee taste.
• Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level with a knife to avoid a dense cake.
• If the cake layers dome during baking, level them with a serrated knife before assembling.
• Allow the cake to cool for at least an hour before frosting to ensure it sets properly and doesn’t crumble.

This Chocolate Layer Cake with its dreamy cream filling and luxurious ganache is a perfect centerpiece for any celebration, promising a decadent experience with each slice.