Decadent Chocolate and Vanilla Layer Cake

Here’s a showstopping Decadent Chocolate and Vanilla Layer Cake recipe that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just when you want to treat yourself. It features moist chocolate and vanilla layers, sandwiched and frosted with luscious buttercream or ganache — your choice!

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🎂 Decadent Chocolate and Vanilla Layer Cake

🍰 Yield: Two 9-inch layers (1 chocolate, 1 vanilla)

⏰ Total Time: ~2 hours (including cooling and frosting)

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✨ Ingredients:

For the Vanilla Cake Layer:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + ½ tsp vinegar)

For the Chocolate Cake Layer:

• 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk

• ½ cup (120ml) hot coffee or boiling water (intensifies chocolate flavor)

For the Frosting (Choose One):

Option 1: Chocolate Ganache Frosting

• 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Option 2: Vanilla-Chocolate Swirl Buttercream

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3–4 cups (360–480g) powdered sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2–4 tbsp milk or cream

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for half the batch)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans or line with parchment paper.

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Step 1: Make the Vanilla Cake Layer

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 mins).

3. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.

4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk. Mix until just combined.

5. Pour into one of the prepared pans and smooth the top.

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Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Layer

1. In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

2. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.

3. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk.

4. Stir in hot coffee or water until smooth.

5. Pour into second cake pan.

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Step 3: Bake

• Bake both cakes side-by-side for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn onto wire racks to cool completely.

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Step 4: Make the Frosting

Option 1: Ganache

1. Heat cream until just simmering.

2. Pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 2–3 mins, then stir until smooth.

3. Let cool until spreadable (can chill slightly to thicken).

Option 2: Swirl Buttercream

1. Beat butter until fluffy.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

3. Divide in half and mix cocoa into one half to make chocolate.

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Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Place the chocolate layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting/ganache on top.

2. Add the vanilla layer. Frost the top and sides.

3. Optional: Use both vanilla and chocolate frostings to swirl decoratively.

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🍫 Optional Garnishes:

• Chocolate curls or shavings

• Fresh berries

• Sprinkles or edible gold dust

• Piped rosettes or ganache drips

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Let me know if you’d like a version that’s gluten-free, eggless, or uses cream cheese frosting!