She Strengthens

Decadent Chocolate Layer Cake with Whipped Fudge Filling and Chocolate Drizzle

Are you ready to indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate experience? This show-stopping layer cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. With its dense, mocha-flavored cake layers, whipped fudge filling, and smooth milk chocolate buttercream, every bite is a delight.

The Perfect Cake for Special Occasions

This cake is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any other special occasion that calls for a decadent dessert. The best part? You can prepare the cake layers, fudge filling, and buttercream ahead of time, making it easy to assemble and serve when the time comes.

Cake Layers: A Perfect Balance of Texture and Flavor

The cake layers are made with Dutch-process cocoa powder, which gives them a deep, rich flavor. The addition of boiling water and whole milk creates a moist and tender crumb, while the unsalted butter and granulated sugar add a touch of sweetness.

Whipped Fudge Filling: A Light and Airy Delight

The whipped fudge filling is made with bittersweet chocolate, heavy cream, and light corn syrup. The combination of these ingredients creates a light and airy texture that’s perfect for spreading between the cake layers.

Milk Chocolate Buttercream: Smooth and Creamy

The milk chocolate buttercream is made with melted milk chocolate, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar. The result is a smooth and creamy frosting that’s perfect for topping the cake.

Decorative Chocolate Drizzle: The Finishing Touch

The decorative chocolate drizzle is made by melting bittersweet chocolate and pouring it onto a sheet of parchment paper in a random pattern. Once set, the chocolate is peeled off and applied to the sides of the cake, creating a beautiful and elegant finish.

Tips and Variations

• To ensure that your cake layers are even, bake them side by side and rotate them halfway through the baking time.
• If you’re not comfortable making the decorative chocolate drizzle, simply drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cake instead.
• You can also customize the cake by adding nuts, dried fruit, or other mix-ins to the batter.

Recipe

For the Chocolate Cake:

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
• 2/3 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 2/3 cup boiling water
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the cake pans and bake the cake layers for 15-20 minutes.
3. Let the cake layers cool completely before assembling the cake.

For the Whipped Fudge Filling:

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water.
2. Whisk in the heavy cream and corn syrup until smooth.
3. Refrigerate until cooled to room temperature.

For the Milk Chocolate Buttercream:

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces milk chocolate
• 3 sticks unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water.
2. Beat in the butter until smooth.
3. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until combined.

To Assemble the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread the whipped fudge filling evenly over the top of the layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top, top-side down.
4. Spread the milk chocolate buttercream evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
5. Apply the decorative chocolate drizzle to the sides of the cake.

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the cake immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 days. Let the cake sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.