If you love rich chocolate desserts with a creamy center, this Chocolate Layer Cake with Vanilla Cream Filling is the kind of treat that looks fancy but is totally doable at home. It has soft, moist chocolate cake layers, a thick vanilla cream filling that slices clean and smooth, and a glossy chocolate fudge frosting that brings everything together. The contrast of dark chocolate and pale vanilla cream makes every slice look stunning—perfect for birthdays, holidays, gatherings, or whenever you want a “wow” dessert.
This cake is moist, tender, and deeply chocolatey, but the vanilla layer keeps it balanced so it doesn’t feel too heavy. It also holds its shape well, which makes it ideal for slicing, serving, and even packing for special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cream Layer Cake
- Moist chocolate cake with rich cocoa flavor
- Thick vanilla cream filling like a bakery cake
- Fudge-style frosting that spreads smoothly
- Perfect celebration cake for any event
- Great make-ahead dessert that tastes even better chilled
Ingredients
Chocolate cake (two 8-inch layers)
- 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (70 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) hot coffee or hot water (boosts chocolate flavor)
Vanilla cream filling
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115 g) butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream (as needed for texture)
Chocolate fudge frosting
- 1/2 cup (115 g) butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups (300 g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (50 g) cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream (plus more if needed)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 3 oz melted chocolate for extra richness
Optional topping:
- chocolate sprinkles or shavings
How to Make Chocolate Layer Cake with Vanilla Cream Filling
- Bake the chocolate cake layers
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch pans. In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Stir in hot coffee/water (batter will be thin). Divide between pans and bake 28–35 minutes. Cool completely. - Prepare the vanilla cream filling
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then beat until thick. Add a little heavy cream if needed for a spreadable texture. - Make the chocolate fudge frosting
Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar and cocoa gradually, then add heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth. Mix in melted chocolate if using. - Assemble the cake
Level cake layers if needed. Place first layer on a plate. Spread vanilla cream filling evenly (you can pipe a frosting border to keep it neat). Add second layer. Frost the top and sides with chocolate fudge frosting. Decorate with sprinkles. - Chill for clean slices
Refrigerate 30–60 minutes before slicing for the best layers and texture.
Tips for Perfect Layers
- Let cakes cool fully before filling or frosting.
- Use hot coffee instead of water for deeper chocolate flavor.
- Chill the filled cake so the vanilla layer sets cleanly.
- If your frosting is too thick, add a splash of cream; if too soft, add more powdered sugar.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let slices sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor and softness.
Keywords: chocolate layer cake, vanilla cream filling cake, chocolate fudge frosting, bakery style chocolate cake, chocolate and vanilla cake, birthday chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake recipe, layered dessert cake.