Chocolate Cake with Cream Filling

There are some desserts that are so decadent and irresistible, you can’t help but sneak a piece (or five) before anyone else gets to it. Chocolate Cake with Cream Filling is one of those desserts that, once it’s made, disappears in a flash. From the rich, moist chocolate cake to the luscious, creamy filling, and the smooth chocolate glaze on top, every element of this cake is designed to leave you craving more.

This particular recipe has been a family favorite of mine for years, and it’s one that I make every Christmas. The only catch? It disappears so quickly, I have to bake it in the dead of the night and hide it from my family if I want to have any left to enjoy. Yes, self-control just doesn’t exist when it comes to this cake! It’s that good.

In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make this indulgent Chocolate Cake with Cream Filling step by step, explain what makes it so delicious, and share a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cake with Cream Filling

This Chocolate Cake with Cream Filling is simply irresistible for many reasons:

Rich, Moist Chocolate Cake: The cake itself is moist, soft, and rich with chocolate flavor. It’s not too heavy, but it has the perfect texture that makes it feel indulgent without being overwhelming.

Luscious Cream Filling: The cream filling inside is the star of this cake. It’s smooth, sweet, and slightly tangy, balancing the richness of the chocolate perfectly. It adds a luscious layer that makes every bite feel like a treat.

Decadent Chocolate Glaze: The smooth, glossy chocolate glaze on top brings everything together, giving the cake an elegant finish while intensifying the chocolate flavor.

Perfect for Holidays and Special Occasions: This cake is a showstopper for holiday meals, birthdays, or any special occasion. It’s impressive and festive, sure to be the centerpiece of any dessert table.

Easy to Make: Despite how luxurious it looks and tastes, this cake is relatively simple to make. With basic ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, anyone can master it.

Ingredients for Chocolate Cake with Cream Filling

Let’s dive into the ingredients needed for this delicious cake. These simple ingredients combine to create an indulgent dessert that will have your guests coming back for more.

For the Chocolate Cake:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (this creates the base of the cake, giving it structure)

1 cup granulated sugar (adds sweetness to the cake)

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (provides rich chocolate flavor)

1 teaspoon baking powder (helps the cake rise)

1 teaspoon baking soda (gives the cake lightness and lift)

½ teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor)

2 large eggs (binds the ingredients together and adds moisture)

1 cup whole milk (adds moisture to the cake, creating a tender texture)

½ cup vegetable oil (helps keep the cake moist and soft)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the overall flavor of the cake)

1 cup boiling water (this will make the batter very thin, but it results in a super moist cake)

For the Cream Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened (creates a smooth and creamy filling)

1 cup heavy cream (adds richness and smoothness)

½ cup powdered sugar (for sweetness)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds flavor and enhances the creaminess)

For the Chocolate Glaze:

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for a rich, chocolatey flavor)

1 cup powdered sugar (for sweetness)

½ cup heavy cream (to create a smooth, glossy glaze)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the flavor)

1 tablespoon unsalted butter (adds richness to the glaze)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chocolate Cake with Cream Filling

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get started on this delicious Chocolate Cake with Cream Filling. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a cake that will wow your family and friends.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with butter or non-stick spray and lining them with parchment paper. This will help the cakes come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures there are no lumps, especially from the cocoa powder, and gives the cake a smooth texture.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step, mixing the ingredients on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. The batter will be thin at this point, but don’t worry—that’s exactly how it should be!

Once everything is mixed together, add the boiling water to the batter, mixing until smooth. The batter will be very runny, but that’s okay—it helps create a moist, tender cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Filling

While the cakes are cooling, make the cream filling. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the mixture is thick and creamy. This will be your rich, indulgent filling.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, carefully slice each cake in half horizontally, creating four layers in total. This will give you a beautiful, layered effect when you cut into the cake.

Place the first layer of cake on a serving platter, then spread a generous amount of the cream filling over it. Repeat this process with the remaining layers, spreading the cream filling between each layer of cake.

Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

For the glaze, combine the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, heavy cream, butter, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly until the glaze is smooth and glossy. Once the glaze is ready, pour it over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Once the glaze is set, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together, and the cream filling to firm up. When you’re ready to serve, slice the cake and enjoy!

Why This Cake is So Irresistible

This Chocolate Cake with Cream Filling is a dessert that hits all the right notes. Here’s why it’s so hard to resist:

Moist, Rich Chocolate Cake: The chocolate cake is soft, moist, and incredibly flavorful. Thanks to the boiling water and oil, it’s exceptionally tender, making every bite melt in your mouth.

Creamy Filling: The cream cheese filling is rich and velvety, offering the perfect contrast to the dark, dense chocolate cake. It’s smooth and indulgent without being too heavy.

Decadent Chocolate Glaze: The glossy chocolate glaze adds a beautiful finishing touch to the cake, intensifying the chocolate flavor and giving the cake an elegant, professional appearance.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a special occasion like Christmas or a simple family dinner, this cake is sure to impress. It’s a showstopper that everyone will rave about.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Cake with Cream Filling

Don’t Overmix the Batter: While it’s important to thoroughly combine the ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Stir just until combined.

Let the Cake Cool Completely: Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before you assemble them. If the cakes are too warm, the cream filling can melt and cause the layers to slide.

Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating the cake for at least two hours helps it set and makes it easier to slice. It also enhances the flavors, allowing everything to meld together beautifully.

Use Good Quality Cocoa Powder: For the best flavor, use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. This will ensure a rich, deep chocolate flavor in both the cake and the glaze.

Conclusion: A Slice of Heaven

This Chocolate Cake with Cream Filling is a dessert that will leave you and your guests in awe. From the rich chocolate cake to the creamy filling and decadent glaze, it’s the ultimate indulgence for any occasion. The layers of cake, cream, and chocolate come together in perfect harmony, making it a treat that’s impossible to resist.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone. Give it a try, and soon enough, it will be a favorite in your household, too!

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