Alright — that’s a gorgeous, decadent slice of chocolate cake with both creamy chocolate and vanilla fillings.
Let’s turn this into a big, detailed recipe with everything you asked for.
🍫 Chocolate & Vanilla Layer Dream Cake
Introduction
This Chocolate & Vanilla Layer Dream Cake is the ultimate harmony between rich cocoa indulgence and velvety vanilla sweetness. Featuring moist chocolate sponge layers filled with luscious milk chocolate ganache and creamy vanilla custard, this cake is perfect for special occasions or simply when your sweet tooth demands something extraordinary. The smoothness of the fillings contrasts perfectly with the light, fluffy cake, making every bite a luxurious experience.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Sponge Cake
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (65 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) boiling water
For the Milk Chocolate Ganache
- 200 g milk chocolate (chopped)
- 200 ml heavy cream
For the Vanilla Cream Filling
- 2 cups (500 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (100 g) sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For Decoration
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Chocolate sprinkles or curls
Instructions & Methods
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Sponge Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two loaf pans or one rectangular pan.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Carefully stir in boiling water — the batter will be thin, but this is normal.
- Pour into prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool completely before slicing into layers.
Step 2: Make the Milk Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering (do not boil).
- Pour over chopped milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
- Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Allow to cool until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
Step 3: Prepare the Vanilla Cream Filling
- In a saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Add the egg yolk and whisk again.
- Place over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
- Cover with cling film (touching the surface) and let cool.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Slice cooled chocolate sponge into three equal layers.
- Place the first layer on your serving plate. Spread with chocolate ganache.
- Place the second layer and spread with vanilla cream filling.
- Top with the third cake layer and cover sides with whipped cream if desired.
- Pipe extra whipped cream on the edges and sprinkle with chocolate curls.
History
Layer cakes gained popularity in the 19th century when home baking became more common thanks to reliable ovens and baking powders. Chocolate cake became especially beloved in the early 20th century, with milk chocolate and custard fillings becoming a popular pairing in European bakeries.
Benefits
- Mood booster: Cocoa contains compounds that may improve mood.
- Energy-rich: Perfect for celebrations and indulgence.
- Calcium source: Vanilla custard provides calcium from milk.
Formation
- This cake forms a three-layer structure: two chocolate sponge layers sandwiching both a chocolate ganache layer and a vanilla custard layer, topped with cream decoration for visual and textural appeal.
Nutrition (per slice, approx. 1/10 cake)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sugars: 35 g
Conclusion
This Chocolate & Vanilla Layer Dream Cake is not just a dessert — it’s a celebration on a plate. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a showstopper for birthdays, family gatherings, or a personal treat.
Lovers
This cake is adored by:
- Chocolate lovers for its rich cocoa sponge.
- Custard enthusiasts for its smooth vanilla layer.
- Celebration seekers who enjoy beautiful, indulgent desserts.
If you like, I can also give you a no-bake version of this same cake so you can make it without turning on the oven. That way you can enjoy it even faster. Would you like me to prepare that next?