Indulge in the delightful fusion of rich chocolate and delicate vanilla with this layered cake. Each slice offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake brings together the best of both worlds: the deep, robust taste of chocolate and the light, fragrant essence of vanilla. The contrasting layers not only create a visual masterpiece but also provide a balanced flavor profile that caters to diverse palates. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Vanilla Cake Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
- Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Level the tops of the cooled cakes if necessary.
- Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Place a vanilla cake layer on top of the frosted chocolate layer. Repeat the frosting and layering process, alternating between chocolate and vanilla layers.
- Once all layers are stacked, apply a thin coat of frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set.
- Apply the remaining frosting evenly over the cake. Decorate as desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12-16 slices, depending on how generously the cake is cut.
- Preparation Time: 45 minutes
- Baking Time: 30-35 minutes per set of layers
- Assembly Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 2 hours, plus cooling time
Variations
- Marble Effect: To create a marble cake, prepare a single vanilla batter and mix a portion with cocoa powder. Alternate spoonfuls of vanilla and chocolate batter in the pans and swirl with a knife before baking.
- Filling Options: Enhance the flavor by adding
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This irresistible layered chocolate and vanilla cake is a decadent dessert that combines fluffy vanilla sponge with rich chocolate ganache and creamy frosting. Perfect for birthdays or any celebration!
Ingredients
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2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 1/2 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, room temp
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1 3/4 cups sugar
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4 eggs
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1 tbsp vanilla extract
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1 cup whole milk
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1 1/2 cups chocolate ganache
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2 cups vanilla buttercream frosting
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour 3 cake pans.
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In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
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Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, mixing until smooth.
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Divide batter into pans and bake 25-30 mins. Cool completely.
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Layer cakes with alternating chocolate ganache and buttercream.
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Frost the top and sides, and decorate with ganache swirls or chips.
Notes
For extra moisture, brush each cake layer with simple syrup before assembling.
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