Chocolate Layer Cake with Cream Filling
A rich chocolate layer cake filled with cloud-like cream filling, perfect for any celebration and a nostalgic treat that brings comfort.
Servings 12 servings
Calories 400kcal
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour for that sturdy, tender crumb
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar classic sweetness
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder choose Dutch-process for a deeper chocolate flavor
- 2 tsp baking powder lift and fluff!
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda lift and fluff!
- 1 tsp salt essential—never skip for balance!
- 2 large eggs room temp, if possible, for an easier mix
- 1 cup whole milk brings irresistible moisture
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil keeps it ultra-moist even after chilling
- 2 tsp vanilla extract real vanilla makes all the difference
- 1 cup boiling water makes the batter silky-smooth—trust me here
For the Cream Filling
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream for filling
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar adds gentle sweetness
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for flavor
For the Whipped Cream Frosting
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decorating
- Chocolate chips, chocolate shavings or chunks the more chocolate, the merrier!
Instructions
Prep Your Pans and Preheat
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour two 8-inch round pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients
- Crack in your eggs, pour in milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until just combined.
Incorporate Boiling Water
- Slowly stir in the boiling water. The batter will look thin—this is KEY for a moist chocolate cake!
Bake
- Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean.
Cool Completely
- Rest cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks. Let them cool fully.
Whip Up Cream Filling & Frosting
- In a chilled bowl, whip cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks for both filling and frosting.
Assemble
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread cream filling generously, then top with the second cake.
- Frost everything with fluffy whipped cream frosting.
Decorate!
- Press chocolate chips on the sides, pipe swirls on top, and sprinkle with more chocolate chips and shavings or chunks.
Chill & Slice
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour—this makes for clean, beautiful slices.
Notes
Use room-temperature eggs and milk for better blending. Chill your bowl and whisk for thicker cream. A crumb coat helps the frosting look neat. Pinch of flaky sea salt can enhance flavors. Don't overmix the batter.
