Best Chocolate Layered Cake Recipes

LAYERED CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE

Steps:

• For the brownie: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder and sugar in a medium bowl. Whisk in the milk, butter, vanilla and egg until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
• Unclasp the pan, remove the outer ring and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Line the ring with a 2 1/2-inch-wide parchment strip, making sure that it sits tightly and smoothly along the sides. Re-clasp the ring to the bottom of the pan with the cake in it.
• For the mousse: Roughly chop 4 tablespoons of the butter and put in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until melted, about 1 minute. Stir in 1/4 cup of the cocoa powder until smooth; set aside. Chop the remaining 8 tablespoons butter and put in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until melted, about 1 minute. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup cocoa powder until smooth; set aside.
• Add 1/4 cup of the heavy cream to a small microwave-safe bowl and stir in the gelatin. Let sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each, until the gelatin is dissolved, about 1 minute. Cool to room temperature, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer the gelatin to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and add the sugar, vanilla and remaining 3 3/4 cups heavy cream. Whisk on medium speed until stiff peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes. Divide the whipped cream mixture between 2 large bowls. Fold one bowl of the cocoa powder-butter mixture into each batch of whipped cream mixture and stir until no streaks remain (one bowl will contain dark chocolate mousse and the other will contain light chocolate mousse).
• Spread the dark chocolate mousse on top of the brownie in the springform pan. Use an offset spatula to even out and smooth the top. Spread the light chocolate mousse on top of the dark chocolate mousse and use an offset spatula to even out and smooth the top. Refrigerate until the mousse is set, 3 hours and up to overnight.
• For the ganache: Bring the heavy cream and butter to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Put the semisweet chocolate in a large heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over top. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and shiny.
• Unclasp the springform pan and remove the parchment paper from the sides of the cake. Use a hot, dry offset spatula to smooth out the sides. Set a rack in a rimmed baking sheet and put the cake on top of the rack. Pour the ganache over the cake and let it drip down over the sides so the entire cake is covered. Swipe once across the top with a clean, large offset spatula to create a smooth top. Refrigerate until set, about 30 minutes.
• Hold a stencil or other tool with holes (such as a doily or a cooling rack) over the cake (do not lay it on the ganache; it will stick) and dust with more cocoa powder to create a decorative pattern. Serve immediately.

LAYERED YELLOW CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour two 9-in. round baking pans. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. , For buttercream, in a large bowl, beat butter until creamy. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar and cocoa until smooth. Add vanilla and salt. Add milk; beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes., Spread buttercream between layers and over top and sides of cake.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE LAYERED BIRTHDAY CAKE

Steps:

• Position an oven rack in the center of the oven, and preheat to 350 degrees F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan with a parchment circle. Butter the parchment and the sides of the pan.
• For the cookie layer: Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt in a large bowl; set aside. Beat the butter and both sugars with an electric mixer on medium-high speed in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add the egg, and beat until incorporated. Beat in the vanilla. Scrape down the bowl as needed. Reduce the speed to medium, add the flour mixture and beat until just incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips.
• Press the cookie dough into an even layer in the prepared cake pan, and bake until golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let the layer cool for about 10 minutes. It will collapse slightly as it cools. To make the layer even, press the bottom and sides down with the bottom of a measuring cup.
• For the cake layer: Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl; set aside. Beat the granulated sugar and oil with an electric mixer on medium-high speed in a large bowl until light in color and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Beat in the vanilla. Alternate folding the flour mixture and the milk into the batter with a spatula, adding the flour in three additions and the milk in two, starting and ending with the flour, until just smooth. Stir in the sprinkles. (The cake batter will be on the thin side, like a thick pancake batter.)
• Pour the cake batter over the cookie layer, and bake until the middle of the cake springs back when pressed and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the cake, and let cool completely in the pan on a rack. Transfer the cake from the pan to a serving plate, with the cookie layer on the bottom.
• For the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed in a large bowl until smooth and all the sugar has dissolved (rub some between your fingers; if it's gritty, keep beating). Add the cream and vanilla, and continue to beat until medium peaks form. Frost the cake, and decorate with more sprinkles.

CHOCOLATE LAYERED CAKE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. , Pour into a greased and floured 9-in. round baking pan. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely., For frosting, in a small bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar, cocoa, vanilla and enough water to achieve spreading consistency., Cut cake horizontally into two layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Top with remaining layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake.

CHOCOLATE LAYERED ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Steps:

• Prepare and bake cake according to package directions, using an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cool., For filling, in a small saucepan, combine the marshmallows, candy bars and milk. Cook and stir over low heat until marshmallows are melted. Transfer to a small bowl; cool to room temperature. Fold in 3/4 cup whipped topping. , Cut cake horizontally into three layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; spread with a third of the filling. Repeat layers twice. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. , Frost top and sides of cake with remaining whipped topping.

CHOCOLATE, VANILLA AND FIG LAYERED ICE CREAM CAKE

Steps:

• Let the chocolate ice cream soften slightly at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Evenly spread it on the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan. Freeze until hardened, about 30 minutes. Arrange 18 of the fig cookies in an even layer over the ice cream (don't press them into it) so they fit snugly together, cutting to fit if necessary.
• Meanwhile, let the vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Evenly spread it over the cookies. Cover the top of the cake with plastic wrap, and freeze until solid, at least 4 hours up to overnight.
• When ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and let the cake sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cut the 2 remaining fig cookies into thin slices. Whip the cream with an electric mixer on medium speed in a small bowl until firm peaks form; stir in the sugar.
• Run a knife around the cake edge, and remove the springform collar. Top the cake with the whipped cream, and sprinkle with the cookie slices. Cut into slices with a sharp, heavy knife.

LAYERED CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter 2 (8-inch) cake pans and line with parchment. Butter the parchment. Sift together the cocoa, baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt into a medium bowl. Into a separate bowl, sift the cake flour.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the brown sugar and butter until very light and fluffy, 5 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together eggs and vanilla in a small bowl. With mixer on medium speed, add the eggs in two batches, scraping bowl occasionally, until incorporated. Beat the batter on high speed 1 minute.
• Lower the mixer speed to low; add the sifted cocoa mixture and mix until just combined. Alternately, add flour in three parts with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour. With motor running, gradually add the hot water; beat until just combined. Scrape the bowl thoroughly and beat on low speed for 30 seconds.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake until the cake pulls away from sides of pan, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer the cakes to wire racks to cool in pans 30 minutes; remove from pans to cool completely. Meanwhile, make the filling.
• To make the filling: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 1/2 cups water, sugar, corn syrup and cocoa. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring often. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and the remaining 1/2 cup water; stir into cocoa mixture. Return to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly, boil 4 minutes or until the mixture is very thick and cornstarch is cooked. Remove from heat; stir in the butter and vanilla. Pour into a bowl and cover the surface directly with plastic wrap; cool completely. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour, before using.
• To make the frosting: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chocolates; microwave until melted. Stir thoroughly to combine, then set aside. In a medium saucepan, whisk the eggs, sugar, and salt until combined; whisk in water. Cook the egg mixture over medium to medium-high heat until it registers 160 degrees on a candy thermometer, stirring constantly with a whisk (create as little foam as possible). Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl; whisk in the reserved chocolate mixture. Cool completely; refrigerate until stiff enough to spread, about 2 hours and up to overnight.
• To assemble: Cut the tops off the cake layers to make them flat and even on top. Place the bottom layer with trimmed-side facing up on a serving platter; spread blackout filling on top. Place the top layer with trimmed-side facing down on top of the filling. Coat the cake with the frosting.

THE ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE LAYERED REESES PEANUT BUTTER CUP CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a stand or electric mixer add the cake mix, eggs, oil, water, sour cream, pudding mix, and chocolate chips. Beat until well combined, about 1 1/2 minutes. It will be thick. Pour evenly into 2 well greased 9 inch cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until toothpick comes out cleanly. Let cool completely. To prepare cream cheese frosting place softened cream cheese and butter in mixing bowl, beat on med-high speed until creamy smooth. Slowly beat in powdered sugar until a good spreading consistency forms. I used almost the entire bag of powdered sugar. Refrigerate for a good hour before frosting. Turn cake onto wax paper with a large serrated knife cut each cake in half width wise to form four layers. Place one layer onto a cake stand and drizzle melted peanut butter over the top. Next spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over that. Place another cake layer on top and repeat peanut butter and frosting until top layer is placed. Spread remaining frosting over entire cake then top with halved peanut butter cups. Freeze the cake until serving.

LAYERED CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• In large bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Pour into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 23-25 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. , In a large saucepan, combine the dry pudding mix, gelatin and milk; cook according to package directions for pudding. Cool. , Cut cake into three 10x5-in. rectangles. Place one on a serving platter. Spread with half of the pudding mixture; repeat layers. Top with third layer. , In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Beat in the sugar and cocoa and vanilla until smooth. Frost top and sides of cake. Refrigerate until serving.

DEATH-BY-CHOCOLATE LAYERED CAKE

Steps:

• 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9" cake pans and set aside.
• 2. In the large bowl, stir together the cake flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Mix in the eggs, whole milk, canola oil, and vanilla until throughly combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl using a spatula. Carefully mix in the boiling water until the consistency is even. The batter will be thin, this is what you want!
• 3. Pour the batter evenly into the two prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then turn over onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
• 4. Once the cakes are almost finished cooling, make the ganache. In a microwavable-safe bowl, heat the whole milk and unsalted butter in the microwave until the butter is melted (about 1 1/2 minutes.) Put in the chopped-up chocolate, and let sit for 1 minute. Stir mixture until smooth and creamy.
• 5. Once the cakes are completely cooled, poke the tops of both cakes all around with toothpicks. Using a pastry brush, glaze on a thin layer of the ganache, then let soak for 10 minutes. Apply another thin layer and let sit again for another 10 minutes. In the mean time, make the frosting.
• 6. In a medium bowl stir together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder until well combined. Set aside.
• 7. Using an electric mixer, whip together the softened butter on medium speed until creamy (about 2 minutes.) Turn the mixer down to the lowest speed and one at a time, scoop in the powdered sugar/cocoa powder mixture until the consistency resembles course sand. Slowly pour in the whole milk, then turn the speed up to medium-high and whip for about 2 minutes, or until frosting is light and fluffy.
• 8. Place one cake layer (bottom side up) onto a cake plate. Spread on a layer of the frosting, then place the second layer (top side up) on top. Spread the remaining frosting on the top and sides of the cake.
• 9. Decorated the top edge with chocolate chips all around, if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight containers in the refrigerator. Let come to room temperature again before serving. Enjoy!

LAYERED CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, then grease a 15"x10" baking pan.
• In a large bowl, stir together cake mix, water, eggs & oil until well combined.
• Pour into the prepared pan & bake 23-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
• Cool in the pan on a wire rack.
• In a large saucepan, combine pudding mix, gelatin & milk, cooking according to the package directions for pudding. Cool.
• When cake has cooled, cut it into three 10"x5" rectangles, placing one on a serving platter & spreading half of the pudding mixture over the top of it. Repeat this layering, then top that off with the 3rd layer of cake.
• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese & butter until fluffy, then beat in the sugar & cocoa & then the vanilla until smooth.
• Frost top & sides of the cake. Store in the refrigerator.