There are few desserts that embody pure indulgence as perfectly as a rich, moist chocolate cake filled with creamy vanilla filling and topped with a glossy chocolate ganache. This Chocolate Cake with Creamy Filling and Ganache is not just another chocolate cake—it’s a masterpiece of layers, textures, and flavors. Imagine soft, dark, melt-in-your-mouth cake paired with a smooth, fluffy cream center, all wrapped in a luscious ganache that glistens like velvet. It’s a showstopper dessert ideal for birthdays, dinner parties, or when you simply want to bake something special for yourself.
Why This Cake Stands Out
What makes this recipe unique is its balance. The cake itself is moist and chocolatey but not overly sweet. The creamy filling lightens each bite with its cloud-like texture, and the ganache ties everything together with its rich, glossy finish. The three components come together in perfect harmony—bitterness, sweetness, and creaminess in every forkful.
Unlike many traditional layered cakes, this one is designed for ease. You can bake it as a two-layer round cake or in a single rectangular pan and slice it into elegant squares. Either way, you’ll get the same sensational experience. The filling, made with whipped cream and cream cheese, adds a luscious contrast to the deep chocolate notes of the cake and the smooth sheen of the ganache.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
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1¾ cups all-purpose flour
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¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1½ tsp baking powder
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1½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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2 cups granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
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½ cup vegetable oil
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2 tsp pure vanilla extract
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1 cup hot coffee or hot water
For the Creamy Filling:
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
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1½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
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¾ cup heavy cream
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1 tbsp unsalted butter (for shine and smoothness)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans (or line them with parchment paper for easy release).
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another mixing bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until well combined.
Now, pour in the hot coffee (or hot water). The batter will be thin—this is what makes the cake moist and tender. Mix gently until smooth and glossy. Divide the batter evenly into your prepared pans.
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully blended.
This filling is light, silky, and just sweet enough—it’s like a hybrid between whipped cream and cheesecake. Chill it in the refrigerator while your cakes cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer (do not boil). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes. Then, whisk until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in the butter for that extra sheen and velvety texture. Let it cool for about 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened but still pourable.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Once your cake layers are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread the creamy filling evenly across the surface, leaving about ½ inch from the edges. Place the second cake layer on top and gently press it down.
Now, pour the ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip naturally down the sides. Use an offset spatula to smooth the top if you prefer a sleek look. For an extra flourish, swirl the ganache lightly for a textured finish or let it drip freely for a rustic aesthetic.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set slightly before slicing.
Optional Garnishes
To make your cake even more spectacular, consider adding:
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Chocolate curls or shavings on top of the ganache
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Fresh berries for a pop of color and acidity
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Crushed nuts (like hazelnuts or almonds) for texture
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A light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chocolate Cake with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Each combination offers its own delicious twist. A strong cup of coffee or espresso pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness and enhancing the deep cocoa notes.
For a more indulgent experience, slightly warm your slice before serving—this softens the ganache and brings out the cake’s aroma even more.
Storage Tips
This cake keeps beautifully. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain its moisture, wrap the cake tightly or place it in an airtight container. The flavors meld together even better after a day, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
If you wish to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Baking Tips for Perfection
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Use room-temperature ingredients. This ensures the batter mixes evenly and bakes uniformly.
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Don’t overmix. Stir just until combined to keep the cake soft and tender.
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Measure accurately. Too much flour or cocoa can make the cake dense—use the spoon-and-level method.
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Check your oven temperature. An oven thermometer helps guarantee even baking.
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Chill before slicing. This helps the filling and ganache firm up, giving clean, picture-perfect slices.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cake with Creamy Filling and Ganache isn’t just dessert—it’s an experience. Each layer tells its own story: the cocoa-rich cake that melts in your mouth, the cool and airy filling that lightens every bite, and the silky ganache that crowns the entire creation with indulgence. It’s the kind of cake that makes guests pause after their first bite, savoring the harmony of flavors before diving in for another.
Whether baked for a celebration or a quiet weekend treat, this cake transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The combination of textures—the sponge, the cream, and the ganache—creates a balance that feels both luxurious and comforting. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your most requested recipes, a classic that earns its place at every special occasion.
