Indulgent chocolate cake topped with a velvety cream cheese filling and covered in a smooth, glossy ganache – A chocolate lover's dream dessert

This chocolate cake is a real showstopper, combining rich, moist layers of chocolate cake with a luscious cream cheese filling and a decadent ganache coating. The cake is made with high-quality cocoa powder and Nutella, adding depth and richness to every bite. The cream cheese filling provides a delicious contrast to the intense chocolate flavor, while the ganache provides a smooth, glossy finish that makes this cake as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this cake is sure to impress.

Why you'll love this:
You’ll love this chocolate cake for its moist, tender crumb and the perfect balance of flavors. Nutella and cocoa powder give the cake a rich, chocolatey base, while the cream cheese filling adds a creamy, tangy contrast that complements the cake’s sweetness. The ganache filling is the ultimate finishing touch, adding a layer of indulgence that makes every slice feel like a real treat. This cake is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for birthdays, parties, or just as a luxurious dessert to enjoy at home.

Perfect opportunity:
This chocolate cake is perfect for birthdays, holiday parties, or any special occasion where you want to wow your guests with a homemade dessert. Its rich flavors and elegant appearance make it a great choice for a dinner party dessert, and it’s also perfect for holiday gatherings. Whether you serve it as the grand finale to a festive meal or as a sweet surprise for someone special, this cake is sure to be a hit. It’s also a wonderful way to satisfy a serious chocolate craving, making every day a celebration.

Decorating tips:
For a professional finish, pour the ganache over the cake while it is still warm, letting it run down the sides to create a smooth, glossy coating. You can decorate the top with fresh berries, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a little icing sugar for added visual appeal. If you are feeling particularly creative, try piping whipped cream rosettes around the edges or using edible flowers to give the cake a beautiful, elegant touch. For an even more indulgent touch, drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top or add a pinch of sea salt to the ganache before it sets.

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (50 g) cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (85 g) Nutella
• 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) hot water

For the ganache:

• 1 cup (240 g) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 g) sugar
• 8 oz (225 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter

For the cream cheese filling:

• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup (120 g) heavy cream

Instructions:

Prepare the cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt until well combined.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the melted butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
4. Add the Nutella, crème fraîche, eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until well combined.
6. Pour in the hot water and stir until the dough is smooth and slightly thin.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Prepare the ganache:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream and sugar to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves.
2. Place semisweet chocolate chips and butter in a large heatproof bowl.
3. Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate and butter. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes without stirring to allow the chocolate to melt.
4. After the resting time, whisk the mixture until smooth and glossy. Place the ganache in the refrigerator to chill and thicken for 30 to 60 minutes.

Prepare the cream cheese filling:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and well blended. Adjust sweetness to your preference.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream using a hand mixer until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to collapse the cream. Mix until no streaks remain.

Assemble the cake:

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, cut it in half horizontally to create two even layers.
2. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the bottom layer of the cake.
3. Place the top layer of cake on top of the cream cheese filling, pressing gently.
4. Pour the cooled ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides for a smooth, elegant finish.
5. Optionally decorate with fresh berries, chocolate shavings or a pinch of sea salt.

Appreciate!