Chocolate Layer Cake
This Chocolate Layer Cake is a decadent multi-layer dessert, filled with rich chocolate mousse and silky smooth chocolate ganache. The cake is ultra tender and pairs perfectly with the light chocolate mousse and glossy, smooth chocolate ganache. This cake is a chocolate lover’s dream!
Typically I choose vanilla cake over chocolate cake, but this cake right here would make me pick chocolate over vanilla any day! The layers of soft, fluffy chocolate cake combined with the light mousse and silky smooth chocolate ganache is just divine!
The cake honestly is overall easy to make. There are just a few components involved, so make sure you read through the instructions completely before beginning!
Here’s what you will love about this Chocolate Layer Cake
- This cake has a few components, but each individual component is easy to make. The cake comes together easily and only takes a few minutes to mix together, then roughly 20 minutes to bake. The chocolate mousse and chocolate ganache both need some time to fully cool and set up, so just make sure you plan accordingly. You can even make the chocolate cake the day before, then assemble the cake the next day.
- Soft, fluffy cake. This chocolate cake is ultra soft and fluffy, thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt. It stays moist for days, too!
- Elegant – this cake truly looks elegant! The contrasting layers of chocolate cake, chocolate mousse and chocolate ganache make this cake a showstopper.
Here are a few other Christmas recipes you may enjoy
- Jumbo Cinnamon Rolls (like Cinnabon)
- Chocolate Yule Log Cake
- Soft 1-hour cinnamon rolls
- Nutella Star Bread
- Easy Pear Tarte Tatin
Let me know what you thought!
If you make this Chocolate Layer Cake, let me know what you thought in the ratings and comments below. I absolutely love reading all of your comments! Also, make sure to snap a picture and tag me @simplebakingwithjolene on instagram. It truly makes my day to see all of your wonderful creations.
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Chocolate Layer Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 6-layer 8-inch cake 1x
Description
This Chocolate Layer Cake is a decadent multi-layer dessert, filled with rich chocolate mousse and silky smooth chocolate ganache. The cake is ultra tender and pairs perfectly with the light chocolate mousse and glossy, smooth chocolate ganache. This cake is a chocolate lover’s dream!
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup hot water, or hot coffee
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Mousse
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream, divided
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
Chocolate Ganache
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- 2 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 2/3 cups heavy cream
Instructions
1. Make the chocolate cake. Preheat oven to 350F. Line the bottom of 2 8-inch cake pans with a round circle of parchment paper. Spray the bottom and sides with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, add sugars, eggs, oil, yogurt and milk. Whisk to combine. Add in the hot water (or coffee). Whisk to combine. Add in sifted flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. Evenly divide batter between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Set on a wire cooling rack and allow to completely cool, then place in freezer for 30 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, make the chocolate mousse. In a heat proof bowl, add semi-sweet chocolate and 1/3 cup heavy cream. Place the heat proof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir until the chocolate has melted. Remove from heat and place in refrigerator to cool for 30 minutes.
Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, add remaining 2/3 cup heavy cream and powdered sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat the mixture on high speed until stiff peaks are formed.
Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture. Place in refrigerator until ready to use.
6. Make the chocolate ganache. Add semi-sweet chocolate and chocolate chips to a large bowl, along with the butter.
In a medium saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium-low heat just until it simmers. Pour the warm cream over the chocolate mixture and stir until chocolate is melted. Place in refrigerator and stir every 20 minutes, until mixture has thickened into a spreadable consistency. You can place in freezer for a short time (15-30 minutes) to speed things up. Just keep an eye on it. You don’t want it to get too firm, and leaving in the freezer too long can cause the mixture to develop ice crystals.
7. Assemble the cake. Cut the cake layers into 1/3’s. The layers will be thin. Place the bottom layer on your serving plate, then spread ganache on top of the bottom layer. Place a second layer on top. Spread the mousse on top. Place a third layer on top, and top with ganache. Place the fourth layer on top, and spread with mousse. Place the fifth layer on top and spread with ganache. Finally place the sixth layer on top, and spread the top and sides with the remaining ganache. Place some mini chocolate chips along the outer rim of the cake and along the bottom sides of the cake.
Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 40
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
