Triple Layer Chocolate Cake Recipes

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream the butter, shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Fold in coconut and pecans., Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the confectioners' sugar, cocoa, vanilla and salt; beat until smooth. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Store in the refrigerator.

Steps:

• Line three 9-inch cake pans with foil, leaving about a 2-inch overhang on all sides. (See Cook's Note.)
• Add the cookies and sugar to the bowl of a food processor and pulse to fine crumbs. Drizzle in the butter and pulse until the crumbs are completely coated and moistened with the butter. Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of one of the prepared pans; set aside.
• Add the dark chocolate pudding mix to a large bowl and whisk in 2 cups of the heavy cream. Continue whisking until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. (It's fine if there are still a few granules in the mix; they will dissolve once set.) Pour the pudding mixture on top of the crumb crust and spread until even. Freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, clean out the bowl, add the chocolate pudding mix and whisk in 2 cups heavy cream. Continue whisking until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Pour into another prepared pan and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
• Clean out the bowl again, then add the white chocolate pudding mix and whisk in the remaining 2 cups heavy cream. Continue whisking until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Pour into the third prepared pan and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
• When all 3 layers are completely frozen, use the foil to lift out the cakes from the pans. Place the dark chocolate layer crumb-side down on a cake stand or large plate. Top with the chocolate layer and then with the white chocolate layer. Refrigerate until the layers are thawed and the cake is set, about 8 hours and up to overnight.
• Before serving, run a hot knife around the outside of the cake to smooth it and sprinkle the top with the chocolate shavings.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Oil and line the base of three 19cm sandwich tins. Mix the flour, cocoa, bicarb and sugar in a bowl. Make a well in the centre and beat in the syrup, eggs, oil and milk with an electric whisk until smooth.
• Divide the mix between the tins, and bake for 25-30 mins until the cakes are risen and firm to the touch. Cool in the tins for 10 mins before turning out onto a cooling rack and cooling completely. At this stage, they can be frozen, well wrapped, for up to eight weeks.
• Make the bark while the cake is cooling. Melt the chocolate in short bursts in the microwave, stirring every 20 secs, until smooth. Spoon onto a parchment-lined baking tray and smooth over with a spatula to make a thinnish layer, around 35 x 20cm. Sprinkle over the chocolate chips along with the pieces of pretzel and honeycomb, then chill until solid. Remove the bark from the fridge and leave for a minute to come to room temperature before using a sharp knife to cut it into shards (if it's fridge cold, the chocolate will snap rather than cut). Chill again until you're ready to decorate the cake.
• To make the icing, melt the chocolate in the microwave, stirring between short blasts, then leave to cool a little. Meanwhile, beat the butter, icing sugar and 1 tbsp boiling water with an electric whisk or stand mixer, slowly at first, then turn up the speed and beat until you get a pale, fluffy icing. Spoon out a third of the mix into a separate bowl and stir in the peanut butter. Whisk the melted chocolate into the remainder of the icing, then beat in the cocoa if you want a darker, more chocolatey-coloured icing.
• Sandwich the three cakes together with the peanut butter icing. Use half the chocolate icing to coat the sides and top of the cake and fill in the edges between the layers, scraping off any excess. Chill for 20 mins. This is called a crumb coating, allowing you to get a really smooth finish when it comes to the final icing.
• Spread the remaining chocolate icing over the lightly chilled cake, smoothing over the sides and top so you get a neat finish. Chill again for 20 mins.
• To make the ganache, heat the cream in a small pan until steaming. Tip the dark chocolate into a bowl, then pour over the cream. Mix well until smooth and shiny. Transfer to a piping bag and leave to cool for a few mins at room temperature.
• Pipe the ganache on top of the cake, nudging it over the edge and allowing it to drip down neatly. Do this all the way round the cake, then fill in the centre with more ganache. Smooth the top with a knife. Chill for 1 hr for the ganache to set.
• Press the bark shards into the cake, sticking up. Add lots of chocolate eggs, popcorn and pretzels in and around the shards. Cut into slices to serve. Will keep for up to three days kept in a cool place in an airtight container.

Steps:

• Prepare cake batter and bake as directed on package for 2 (9-inch) round cakes, blending dry pudding mix and coffee into batter before pouring into prepared pans. Cool cakes in pans 10 min. Invert cakes onto wire racks; gently remove pans. Cool cakes completely.
• Meanwhile, melt white and dark chocolates (separately) as directed on packages. Drop spoonfuls of chocolates alternately onto parchment-covered rimmed baking sheet; swirl gently with knife. Freeze 15 min. or until firm.
• Beat cream cheese, milk and vanilla in medium bowl with mixer until blended. Gradually beat in sugar. Gently stir in COOL WHIP.
• Cut each cake horizontally in half to form 2 layers. Stack layers on plate, spreading 1 cup COOL WHIP mixture onto each of the first 3 layers to 1 inch of edge. Spread top with remaining COOL WHIP mixture.
• Break chocolate into 1- to 2-inch pieces; stand in COOL WHIP mixture on top of cake.

Steps:

• Make cake: Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Butter three 8-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides.
• Line bottoms with parchment paper.
• Stir buttermilk, espresso power and vanilla in small bowl until powder dissolves.
• Sift sugar and next 5 ingredients into large bowl.
• Add eggs and butter; beat until mixture is thick and smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes.
• Add buttermilk mixture; beat until light and fluffy,about 1 1/2 minutes longer.
• Divide batter among pans.
• Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 20 minutes.
• Cool cakes in pans on racks 5 minutes.
• Turn cakes out onto racks.
• Peel off parchment; cool completely.
• Make fillings and frosting: Place white chocolate and milk chocolate in separate medium bowls.
• Bring 1 cup cream to boil in heavy medium saucepan.
• Pour 3 tablespoons hot cream into white chocolate and 3 tablespoons hot cream into milk chocolate.
• Add bittersweet chocolate to remaining cream in saucepan; stir until smooth.
• Stir white chocolate and milk chocolate fillings until smooth; chill until cold but not firm, about 15 minutes.
• Set aside bittersweet chocolate frosting.
• Assemble: Place 1 cake layer on platter.
• Using handheld mixer, beat white chocolate filling until slightly stiff.
• Spread over cake layer.
• Top with second cake layer.
• Add remaining 1 tablespoon cream to milk chocolate filling and beat until smooth.
• Spread over second cake layer.
• Top with third cake layer.
• Chill cake until bittersweet chocolate frosting is firm enough to spread, about 30 minutes.
• Stir frosting until smooth.
• Spread very thin layer over top and sides of cake to smooth surface and anchor crumbs.
• Chill 30 minutes.
• Spread remaining frosting decoratively over cake.
• (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome and chill.) Garnish cake with chocolate shavings, if desired,and serve.

Steps:

• Mix 1 T. cocoa with 3 T sugar in small bowl. Line bottoms of three 8-inch layer pans with wax paper, spray with non-cooking spray and dust sides of pan with cocoa/sugar mixture.
• In a saucepan over medium low heat, combine 3/4 cup cocoa, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 egg yolk, and 1/2 cup milk. Cook, stirring constantly to prevent sticking, until thickened. Cool.
• Cream butter until light and fluffy; add remaining 1 cup of sugar, beating until well blended. Add 1 egg and 2 egg yolks; mix well. Stir in sifted dry ingredients alternately with sour cream and mayonaise. Add vanilla and cooled cocoa mixture. Beat remaining (3) egg whites until stiff; fold into cake batter. Pour batter evenly into the three pans.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a cake tester or wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for about 20 minutes. Invert onto wire racks, carefully peel off the paper liners, and let cool completelybefore frosting. I found them a lot easier to work with after firming them up in the freezer for 30 minutes. They'll defrost quickly once assembled. You'll be glad you did this, trust me.).
• Chocolate Frosting:.
• Melt chocolate with butter in Microwavable bowl for 1 minute, stir to combine; stir in sour Cream, vanilla and salt. I pour this mixture into my stand mixer then slowly beat in powdered sugar Until desired spreading consistency.
• Cake Assembly:.
• To frost the cake, place one layer, flat side up, on a cake stand or large serving plate. Spread 2/3 cup frosting evenly over the top. Repeat with the next layer. Place the last layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
• TIPS:.
• Making a crumb coat of frosting-a thin layer that binds the dark crumbs to the cake so they don't show up in the final outer frosting layer-is a great idea for this cake, or any with a dark cake and lighter-colored frosting. Once you "mask" your cake, let it chill for 15 to 30 minutes until firm, then use the remainder of the frosting to create a smooth final coating. Once the cake is fully frosted, it helps to chill it again about 30 minutes to let it firm up.

Steps:

• Make the chocolate mousse: Put the chocolate in a food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade.
• Process for 20 to 30 seconds, until finely ground.
• In a small saucepan, combine the milk, sugar and salt.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the sugar dissolves and the milk comes to a boil.
• Remove the pan from the heat.
• With the motor of the food processor running, pour the hot milk through the feed tube.
• Process for 10 to 20 seconds, until the chocolate is completely melted.
• Using a spatula, scrape down the side of the work bowl.
• Add the oil and vanilla extract; process for 5 to 10 seconds, until the mixture is creamy.
• Scrape the chocolate mixture into a large bowl and cool for about 5 minutes, until tepid.
• In a chilled 4-1/2 quart bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer fitted with the wire whisk attachment, whip the cream until soft mounds barely start to form and the cream is still pourable.
• Do not overwhip the cream.
• Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the tepid chocolate mixture to lighten it.
• Fold in the remaining whipped cream.
• Do not overfold the mousse or the texture will be grainy.
• Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 6 to 8 hours or overnight, until firm.
• Make the cake: Grease three 10-inch round cake pans.
• Cut three 10-inch circles of waxed paer and place in the bottom of each pan.
• Grease the pan well and then flour, tapping out the excess.
• Set aside.
• Place the oven racks two shelves apart.
• Preheat the over to 350 degrees F.
• Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt.
• Set aside.
• Place the coarsely chopped chocolate and the water on top of a double boiler and turn heat to medium-high, whisking occasionally until smooth.
• Remove from the top of the double boiler and cool slightly.
• Meanwhile, in a 4-1/2 quart bowl of a heavy-duty electric mixer using the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and the sugars.
• Add the vanilla.
• Add the eggs one by one, mixing on medium speed until blended.
• Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl.
• With the mixer at its lowest speed, add half of the dry ingredients and the half of the buttermilk.
• When blended, add the remaining buttermilk and the chocolate mixture.
• Mix until blended then add the remaining dry ingredients.
• Mix on medium speed just until blended and the flour lumps disappear.
• Divide evenly among the three prepared pans and smooth the tops with an offset metal spatula.
• Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Remove the pans from the oven and place on wire cooling racks.
• Cool for 15 minutes and invert.
• Peel off the waxed paper and cool completely.
• Begin to assemble the cake: Place a dab of chocolate mousse and then a layer of the cooled cake on a 10-inch cardboard cake circle or the circular insert of a tart pan.
• Using a large rubber spatula, place about one-quarter of the chilled chocolate mousse on top of the first cake layer.
• Using a metal cake spatula, spread the mousse evenly not quite to the sides of the cake.
• There should be slightly less than one-half inch of mousse on top of the cake.
• Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the mousse layer.
• Place the third cake layer on top, then spread the remaining chocolate mousse over the top and sides of the cake, coating smoothly and evenly.
• Place the cake in the freezer for a minimum of four hours.
• Make the ganache glaze: Place the coarsely chopped chocolate in a food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade.
• Process for 20 to 30 seconds, until finely ground.
• Place in a large bowl.
• In a medium pan, scald the heavy cream and pour over the chocolate.
• Using a metal whisk, gently stir until smooth and melted.
• Continue stirring until the ganache is room temperature or just slightly warmer.
• Glaze and garnish the cake: Place the Oreos in a food processor fitted with the metal chopping blade.
• Process for 20 to 30 seconds, until finely ground.
• Remove the cake from the freezer and place on a wire rack that has been set over aluminum foil or a sheet pan.
• Slowly pour the ganache over the top of the cake, smoothing with a large metal cake spatula.
• When the top has been coated, slowly pour the ganache around the sides of the cake so it drips down and coats the sides.
• Use the spatula to spread the ganache evenly over the sides of the cake.
• When completely coated with the ganache, scoop the Oreo crumbs with your hand and press them onto the sides of the cake, coating its entirety.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Steps:

• Combine the wafer crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar and butter. Press onto the bottom and 2 in. up the sides of 9-in. springform pan; set aside. , In a small bowl, beat one 8-oz. package cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar and 1/3 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Lightly beat 1 egg; add to cream cheese mixture and beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in melted chocolate and 1/3 cup sour cream. Spoon over crust. , In another bowl, beat second 8-oz. package of cream cheese, brown sugar, flour and 1/3 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Lightly beat 1 egg; add to cream cheese mixture and beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in pecans. Carefully spoon over chocolate layer. Place pan on a baking sheet., Beat 3-oz. package of cream cheese, almond extract, and remaining sugar, sour cream and vanilla until smooth. Lightly beat remaining egg; add to cream cheese mixture and beat on low speed just until combined. Carefully spoon over pecan layer. , Bake at 325° for 55-60 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight., For glaze, chop 3 oz. semisweet chocolate and place in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth. Remove sides of springform pan; spread glaze over top of cheesecake to within 1/2 in. of edges. Refrigerate until serving., For chocolate curls, melt remaining semisweet chocolate; spread with a spatula into a very thin layer on a baking sheet. Chill for 2 minutes or until set., Microwave white chips and oil at 70% power for 1 minute; stir. If necessary, microwave at additional 10-15 second intervals, stirring until melted. Spread with a spatula into a very thin layer on a second baking sheet. Chill for 2 minutes or until set., To make curls, push a metal spatula firmly along the baking sheet, under the chocolate, so the chocolate curls as it is pushed. (If chocolate is too firm to curl, let stand a few minutes at room temperature; refrigerate again if it becomes too soft.) Use a toothpick to carefully place each chocolate curl on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until ready to use., Arrange chocolate curls on top of cheesecake just before serving. Garnish with raspberries and mint if desired.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees; coat 3 (9-inch) round pans with cooking spray.
• Stir coffee granules into 1 cup water.
• At low speed, beat cake mix, eggs, sour cream and coffee mixture until combined.
• Increase speed to medium-high; beat 2 minutes.
• Stir in mini chips.
• Divide batter between pans.
• Bake 20-22 minutes or until pick inserted into centers comes out clean.
• Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to racks; cool.
• At medium-high speed, beat butter and melted chips until fluffy.
• Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar, then milk; beat 2 minutes.
• Place 1 cup frosting in pastry bag with large rosette tip.
• Place 1 cake layer on serving plate; spread with 3/4 cup frosting.
• Top with second cake layer; spread with 3/4 cup frosting.
• Top with remaining layer; spread top and sides of cake with remaining frosting.
• Pipe rosettes around edge of cake.
• If desired, sprinkle with chocolate sprinkles.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350ºF.
• Line 3 (9-inch) round pans with waxed paper; spray with cooking spray. Prepare cake batter as directed on package. Blend in dry pudding mix. Pour into prepared pans. Bake 22 to 25 min. or until toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 min. Invert cakes onto wire racks; gently remove pans. Cool cakes completely. Meanwhile, make curls from 1 oz. chocolate.
• Microwave remaining chocolate in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stir until completely melted. Add to butter in medium bowl; beat with mixer until blended. Add sugar, milk and vanilla; mix well.
• Fill and frost cake layers with chocolate mixture; garnish with chocolate curls.

Steps:

• Make cake:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter three 8-inch-diameter cake pans with 1 1/2-inch-high sides. Line bottom of and with parchment paper. Stir buttermilk, espresso power and vanilla in small bowl until powder dissolves.
• Sift sugar and next 5 ingredients into large bowl. Add eggs and butter; beat until mixture is thick and smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes. Add buttermilk mixture; beat until light and fluffy,about 1 1/2 minutes linger. Divide batter among pans.
• Bake cakes until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Cool cakes in pans on racks 5 minutes. Turn cake out onto racks. Peel off parchment; cool completely.
• Make fillings and frosting:
• Place white chocolate and milk chocolate in separate medium bowls. Bring 1 cup cream to boil in heavy medium saucepan. Pour 3 tablespoons hot cream into white chocolate and 3 tablespoons hot cream into milk chocolate. Add bittersweet chocolate to remaining cream in saucepan; stir until smooth. Stir white chocolate and milk chocolate fillings until smooth; chill until cold but not firm, about 15 minutes. Set aside bittersweet chocolate frosting.
• Place 1 cake layer on platter. Using handheld mixer, beat white chocolate filling until slightly stiff. Spread over cake layer. Top with second cake layer. Add remaining 1 tablespoon cream to milk chocolate filling and beat until smooth. Spread over second cake layer. Top with third cake layer. Chill cake until bittersweet chocolate frosting is firm enough to spread, about 30 minutes.
• Stir frosting until smooth. Spread very thin layer over top and sides of cake to smooth surface and anchor crumbs. Chill 30 minutes. Spread remaining frosting decoratively over cake. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome and chill.)
• Garnish cake with chocolate shavings, if desired,and serve.

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine cookie crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and butter; stir to blend well.
• Press mixture onto bottom and 2 inches up sides of a 9-inch springform pan; set aside.
• In another bowl, combine 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar; using an electric mixture, beat at medium speed until fluffy.
• Add 1 egg and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla; beat well.
• Stir in melted chocolate and 1/3 cup sour cream.
• Spoon mixture over chocolate crust.
• In another bowl, combine remaining 8 ounce package cream cheese, brown sugar and flour; beat until fluffy.
• Add in 1 egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; beat well.
• Stir in pecans; spoon mixture over chocolate layer.
• In another bowl, combine 5 ounces cream cheese and remaining 1/4 cup sugar; beat until fluffy.
• Add in remaining egg; beat well.
• Stir in remaining 1 cup sour cream, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla and almond extract.
• Spoon over pecan layer.
• Bake in a 325° oven for 1 hour.
• Turn oven off and leave cheesecake in oven 30 minutes.
• Open oven door and leave cheesecake in oven for another 30 minutes.
• Cool; then cover and chill at least 8 hours.
• Remove from pan; spread warm glaze on top.
• To make Chocolate Glaze: Add chocolate and butter to the top of a double boiler; bring water to a boil.
• Lower heat; cook until chocolate is melted and smooth, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat; stir in remaining ingredients until smooth.
• Spread warm glaze over cheesecake.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 3 greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease paper. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa and baking soda. Beat in mayonnaise, coffee and vanilla. Transfer batter to prepared pans. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely., For filling, in a small heavy saucepan, mix sugar and cornstarch. Whisk in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Cool completely. In a large bowl, cream butter. Gradually beat in cooled mixture. Stir in chocolate chips., For ganache, place chocolate in a large bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; let stand 5 minutes. Stir with a whisk until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally. Refrigerate, covered, until cold. Beat ganache just until soft peaks form, 15-30 seconds (do not overbeat)., Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with half of the filling. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with ganache. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate, cream and butter. Microwave at 50% power for 1-2 minutes or until smooth, stirring twice. Cool slightly, stirring occasionally. Drizzle over cake, allowing some to flow over sides. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.