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–+ servings
Melany

Chocolate Dream Layered Delight: Your Ultimate Guide to a Decadent Dessert

Dive into a chocolate lover's paradise with this Chocolate Dream Layered Delight. Featuring moist cake layers, creamy buttercream frosting, and bursts of chocolate chips, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or satisfying your sweetest cravings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the Syrup:
  • 1/2 cup 120g water
  • 1/2 cup 100g granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon 6g dark cocoa powder
For the Cake Layers:
  • 2 cups 260g all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups 400g granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup 75g dark cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons 8g baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons 9g baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon 6g fine salt
  • 1 cup 240g warm water
  • 1 cup 255g sour cream, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup 110g vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs 112g, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons 8g vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso optional
For the Buttercream Frosting:
  • 2 cups 434g unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup 100g dark cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon 4g vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon 3g fine salt
  • 5 cups 625g powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup 180g heavy cream
  • 1 1/3 cups 230g melted dark chocolate chips
  • 2 cups 360g mini chocolate chips

Method
 

 Make the Syrup:
  1. Combine water and granulated sugar in a small saucepan.
  2. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then whisk in dark cocoa powder.
  3. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
2. Prepare the Cake Layers:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, dark cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix warm water, sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and instant espresso (if using).
  4. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
  6. Bake for 23-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool in pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Trim tops of cakes to level the layers.
3. Make the Buttercream Frosting:
  1. Beat unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add dark cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing well.
  3. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until frosting reaches desired consistency.
  4. Mix in melted dark chocolate chips for a rich, silky finish.
4. Assemble the Cake:
  1. Brush each cake layer with cooled syrup to enhance moisture and chocolate flavor.
  2. Spread a generous layer of buttercream between each cake layer.
  3. Cover the entire cake with buttercream, smoothing with an offset spatula.
5. Decorate the Cake:
  1. Press mini chocolate chips around the sides of the cake for added texture.
  2. Pipe decorative swirls or rosettes on top using remaining buttercream.
  3. Garnish with additional chocolate chips or shavings for a stunning presentation.

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