Chocolate Layer Cake with Chocolate Filling and Ganache

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Filling:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped

Instructions:

Cake Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
4. Stir in the boiling water until the batter is smooth (it will be thin).
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Chocolate Filling Preparation:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
2. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
3. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Chocolate Ganache Preparation:

1. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for 2–3 minutes.
3. Stir until smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool slightly before using.

Assembly:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top.
3. Pour the ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a smooth finish.
4. Let the ganache set before slicing and serving.

Note:
Prep Time: 25 min | Bake Time: 35 min | Total Time: ~1 hour | Servings: 10–12

Midjourney Prompt for Realistic Image:
A hyper-realistic food photography of a layered chocolate cake with rich chocolate filling and glossy chocolate ganache, beautifully sliced to show the layers. Captured in natural lighting on a rustic wooden table, with fresh ingredients around. Warm and inviting, styled like a professional food magazine.

Would you like me to also give you a frosting variation (like buttercream instead of whipped cream filling) for extra richness?