The seven layer chocolate cake recipe is a decadent dessert that is sure to impress anyone who loves rich, indulgent flavors.
This recipe layers moist chocolate cake with creamy frosting or ganache between each tier, making every bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
The beauty of this cake lies in its balance: the fluffy cake layers are complemented by the smooth, velvety texture of the frosting.
With each layer adding depth to both the flavor and the presentation, this cake is perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
While it may seem intimidating at first, the step-by-step process ensures that you’ll achieve a stunning and delicious result.
An experienced baker or a beginner, this seven layer chocolate cake recipe will definitely be a showstopper.
How To Prepare Seven Layer Chocolate Cake Recipe?
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus cooling time)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Equipment Needed
- 3 8-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling racks
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Offset spatula for frosting
- Serrated knife for leveling cakes
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Layers
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate Boiling Water:
Carefully stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).
5. Bake:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool:
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks.
Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
1. Beat Butter:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Cocoa:
Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until well combined.
3. Incorporate Cream and Vanilla:
Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
1. Level the Cake Layers:
Once the cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops if needed.
2. Frost Between Layers:
Place the first layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Repeat with the second and third layers.
3. Frost the Outside:
Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.
4. Decorate:
Feel free to get creative! You can add chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries for extra flair.
Special Note
When making a seven-layer chocolate cake recipe precision is crucial. I recommend chilling the layers before assembly to simplify stacking and frosting.
Using high-quality chocolate elevates the flavor, while patience ensures clean, distinct layers for a stunning, decadent result every time.
Nutrition Facts Seven Layer Chocolate Cake Recipe
Calories: 490
Total Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 210mg
Total Carbohydrates: 64g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 38g
Protein: 4g
Serving Suggestions For Seven Layer Chocolate Cake Recipe
This seven layer chocolate cake recipe pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
For an extra touch, serve it alongside fresh raspberries or strawberries to balance the rich chocolate flavor.
Tips and Variations
Tips
1. Room Temperature Ingredients:
Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature for better mixing.
2. Store Properly:
If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Variations
1. Flavored Layers:
Experiment with different flavors by adding a layer of raspberry or coffee to the frosting.
2. Gluten-Free Option:
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
What To Put Between Chocolate Cake Layers?
Between chocolate cake layers, you can add rich fillings like chocolate ganache, buttercream, whipped cream, or cream cheese frosting.
For extra flavor, try raspberry jam, salted caramel, or peanut butter frosting. These fillings enhance the taste and create a deliciously indulgent cake.
How to bake a cake in 7 steps?
To bake a cake in 7 steps:
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients.
3. Cream butter and sugar together.
4. Add eggs, then mix in wet ingredients.
5. Gradually combine dry and wet mixtures.
6. Pour batter into the pan.
7. Bake until done, then cool before serving.
Conclusion
The seven layer chocolate cake recipe is a dessert that combines elegance with indulgence. Its rich, moist layers of chocolate cake paired with creamy frosting or ganache make it a memorable treat for any occasion.
While the recipe requires some patience and precision, the result is undoubtedly worth the effort. Each layer adds to the cake’s visual and flavor appeal, making it not just a dessert, but a centerpiece for celebrations.
Making it for a birthday, anniversary, or simply to satisfy a chocolate craving, this seven-layer cake is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to taste it.