Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsTaste of PortugalMidnight Chocolate Layer Recipe

Midnight Chocolate Layer Recipe

Inspired by Taste of Portugal
Time1h 30m
Serves10

Make Midnight Chocolate Layer Recipe in just 1h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Cake Layers

Chocolate Ganache

Whipped Cream Topping

Method

Cake Layers

  1. 1

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

  2. 2

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

  3. 3

    Add Wet Ingredients

    Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.

  4. 4

    Incorporate Boiling Water

    Gradually stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined. The batter will be thin.

  5. 5

    Bake the Layers

    Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  6. 6

    Cool the Layers

    Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Chocolate Ganache

  1. 7

    Heat the Cream

    In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.

  2. 8

    Combine with Chocolate

    Remove the saucepan from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.

  3. 9

    Cool the Ganache

    Allow the ganache to cool at room temperature until it thickens slightly.

Whipped Cream Topping

  1. 10

    Whip the Cream

    In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.

  2. 11

    Beat Until Stiff Peaks

    Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.

Assembly

  1. 12

    Layer the Cakes

    Once the cake layers have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a layer of ganache over the top.

  2. 13

    Add Second Layer

    Place the second cake layer on top and pour the remaining ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

  3. 14

    Top with Whipped Cream

    Finally, spread the whipped cream topping over the ganache. Decorate as desired with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.

  4. 15

    Serve

    Slice and serve the Midnight Chocolate Layer cake. Enjoy!

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