Description
A rich and indulgent chocolate cake layered with creamy caramel filling and topped with a silky ganache. This dreamy dessert is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you crave a decadent chocolate treat. Moist, fudgy, and full of deep cocoa flavor, this cake is a must-try for chocolate lovers!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
For the Caramel Cream Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (or mascarpone), softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 8 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Decoration:
- Chocolate chunks
- Chocolate kisses
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently.
- Pour in hot coffee (or water) and stir until smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Bake the Cakes
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Caramel Cream Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Slowly add heavy cream, whipping until fluffy.
- Fold in caramel sauce and refrigerate until needed.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream until just simmering (do not boil).
- Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth.
- Add butter and mix until glossy. Let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the caramel filling evenly over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and gently press down.
- Decorate with Ganache and Chocolate
- Pour the slightly cooled ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Sprinkle chocolate chunks on top and arrange chocolate kisses for a beautiful finish.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the layers.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes