Ultimate Layer Cake Recipes

ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Place rack in middle of the oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-by-2-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper. Butter the parchment, and dust with cocoa powder; tap out excess. Sift cocoa; whisk in boiling coffee and milk. Let cool. Sift together cake flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Using a rubber spatula, mix the butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add sugar and vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Pour in the cooled cocoa mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
• Add the sifted dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pans (about 4 cups in each pan). Bake for 20 minutes, rotate the pans, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center.
• Remove the cakes from the oven, and allow to cool in pans for 15 minutes on a cooling rack. Carefully run a small offset spatula around the edge of the cakes to loosen them from the pan. Remove cakes from pans, and invert onto a wire rack. Let cool completely, about 1 hour.
• To assemble, using a serrated knife, level the top surface of each cake layer. Place four strips of parchment paper around the perimeter of the cake stand. Spread with 3/4 cup of frosting. Top with the remaining layer, bottom side up. Using a swirling motion, cover the outside of cake with the remaining frosting. Remove parchment-paper strips.

ULTIMATE COCONUT CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread coconut flakes in an even layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake until golden, 5 to 7 minutes; set aside to cool.
• Using a serrated knife, trim tops of cakes to make level; discard trimmings. Cut each cake into 3 even layers. Place four strips of parchment paper around perimeter of a serving plate or lazy Susan.
• Place one layer on the cake plate. Brush with about one-fifth of the simple syrup. Spread over 2 cups of filling. Place a second layer on top. Repeat process with the next four layers and top with last remaining layer.
• Spread top and sides of cake with frosting, keeping in mind you may not need to use all of it. Press toasted coconut into sides of cake; remove parchment paper strips. Chill cake at least 5 hours and up to 5 days. Slice immediately; bring to room temperature before serving.

ULTIMATE 6-LAYER CHOCOLATE FUDGE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350° F (177°C). Grease the bottom and sides of 1 or 2 ( 8-inch) round cake pans with non-stick spray. Place parchment rounds on the bottom. Set aside. If you only have 1 or 2 8-inch pans, take out 4-5 bowls to divide your batter in later.
• In a large bowl, sift flour, cocoa, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Whisk to combine, set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using a hand mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, 4-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
• Lower the speed to medium-low and add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until just combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
• In a small bowl, combine the vanilla and instant coffee granules. Add the sour cream to the batter along with the vanilla/coffee mixture and beat on medium speed until combined. Batter will be curdled.
• Alternately add dry ingredients in thirds and buttermilk in 2 additions to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat each addition just until combined.
• Divide batter equally in 6 portions. I added a scoop of batter to 2 cake pans, then a scoop to 4 bowls and repeated until all the batter was done. Cover the other bowls of batter and set aside.
• Bake two layers at a time for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and cake springs back when lightly touched.
• Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool in pans for about 10 minutes, then turn onto cooling racks to cool completely before frosting.
• Bake another 2 layers and repeat. Once those are cooled, bake the final 2 layers. Wrap all the cooled layers and store them in the refrigerator to chill and set up to make it easier to handle. See post above for tips on how to handle the layers without breaking.
• Place chopped chocolate in a medium bowl. Set aside.
• Heat 1/4 cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan, stirring constantly until it just begins to simmer.
• Remove hot cream from the heat then pour it over the chocolate, and slowly stir until smooth. Cover the bowl and transfer to the refrigerator to cool down, stirring every 5-10 minutes for about 20-30 minutes or until ganache is completely cooled. Alternatively, you can let it cool at room temperature.
• Once ganache has cooled, whip 1/2 cup of heavy cream with the powdered sugar in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, or in a medium stainless steel mixing bowl using a hand mixer, on high speed until it reaches stiff peaks, about 2-3 minutes.
• Remove the ganache from the refrigerator and stir to loosen. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the whipped cream into the ganache, about 1/3 at a time until fully incorporated and no white streaks remain.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, placing the wrap directly onto the mousse surface. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.
• Place the chopped chocolate and butter pieces into a large bowl. Set aside.
• Heat the heavy cream in a medium saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
• Remove hot cream from heat then pour it over the chocolate and butter. Cover the bowl and allow it to sit for 5 minutes.
• Remove cover and gently stir mixture until it forms a smooth ganache.
• Place bowl in the refrigerator and stir every 20 minutes until the ganache is a thick, spreadable consistency. This took me around an hour, but it really depends on the coldness of your refrigerator.
• Use an offset spatula to place a dollop of ganache onto a cake board or serving platter that's on a turntable. Place one cake layer on top and spread about 1/2 cup of the ganache on top.
• Add a second layer on top and spread on half of the mousse.
• Repeat with all layers, alternating between ganache and mousse. You should have 3 layers of ganache and 2 layers of mousse. Place the final layer upside down.
• Chill the cake for 30 minutes so the layers can set back up. Stir remaining ganache occasionally to keep it loose.
• Once chilled, remove the cake from the refrigerator and frost the top and sides with the remaining ganache.
• Pour mini chocolate chips into a bowl and grab large handfuls to press up the sides of the cake. You may want to have a large pan or container under the cake to catch any spills. 7. Go around the cake once with the chocolate chips, then go back to fill any gaps.
• Carefully cut your chocolate squares in half and place on top of the cake. Slice and serve!

ULTIMATE LAYERED COOKIE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place a circle of parchment paper into the bottom of a 9 inch cake pan and grease the sides. You could also use a 9 inch springform pan.
• Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
• Mix in egg and vanilla extract.
• Add flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt and mix until well combined.
• Stir in chocolate chips. Dough will be thick.
• Press the dough into an even layer in the bottom of the cake pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool mostly in the cake pan, then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.
• Place a circle of parchment paper into the bottom of a 9 inch cake pan and grease the sides. You could also use a 9 inch springform pan.
• Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
• Mix in egg and vanilla extract.
• Add flour, cornstarch, baking soda and salt and mix until well combined.
• Stir in chocolate chips. Dough will be thick.
• Press the dough into an even layer in the bottom of the cake pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool mostly in the cake pan, then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.
• Place a circle of parchment paper into the bottom of a 9 inch cake pan and grease the sides. You could also use a 9 inch springform pan.
• Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
• Mix in egg and vanilla extract.
• Add flour, cake mix and salt and mix until well combined.
• Stir in sprinkles and chocolate chips. Dough will be thick.
• Press the dough into an even layer in the bottom of the cake pan. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool mostly in the cake pan, then transfer to cooling rack to cool completely.
• Beat the shortening and butter until smooth.
• Slowly add 3 cups of powdered sugar. Mix until combined.
• Mix in the vanilla extract and 1 tbsp water.
• Add the rest of the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add more water to get the right consistency.
• Use a large serrated knife to remove the edges of the middle and bottom cookie layers, if needed. Sometimes the centers of the cookies fall a bit and it can be good to cut off the edges, so that the layers are even.
• Place bottom cookie on your cake plate.
• Top cookie with icing. I used my Ateco 844 icing tip to pipe a nice, thick layer.
• Top icing with next cookie, then add another layer of icing.
• Add last layer of cookie, then finish off by piping icing around the edges and adding sprinkles.

ULTIMATE DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• 1. Chocolate Cake Preheat the oven to 180°C/160 Fan/Gas 4. Grease and line 3 x 23cm/9 -inch round loose-bottomed sandwich tins with greaseproof paper. 2. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160 Fan/Gas 4. Grease and line 3 x 23cm/9 -inch round loose-bottomed sandwich tins with greaseproof paper. 3. In a medium bowl, sift the flour with the cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda, baking powder and salt and set aside. 4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the sugars with the butter on medium-high for about 1 minute until light and fluffy (you could do this by hand but it will take a little longer). 5. Reduce the speed to medium-low and pour in the melted chocolate in a slow and steady stream. Mix until combined. 6. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat until just combined. Add the vanilla extract. 7. Add the dry flour mix into butter mixture in 3 parts, alternating with buttermilk in 2 parts, beating well between each addition. 8. Divide the batter evenly between the tins and smooth over the top. 9. Bake in the centre of the oven for 35-40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre of cakes comes out clean. 10. Leave to cool in the tins for 10 minutes before removing from the tins and transferring to wire racks to finish cooling completely. 11. Individually cover each cake with cling film and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. 12. Meanwhile, to make the buttercream In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter with icing sugar for about a minute on medium speed until combined. Reduce the speed to medium-low and stream in melted chocolate until combined. Add the vanilla and increase speed to medium-high and beat for 5 minutes until very light and fluffy (you could do this by hand but it will take much longer). 13. To assemble the cake: Remove the 3 cakes from the fridge and set onto a flat board. Trim (if needed) to ensure they are smooth and flat. 14. Place 1 round on a cake stand and spread with buttercream. Lay another cake round on top. Repeat spreading and layering before frosting the sides and top of the cake. Gently arrange chocolate curls in the centre of the cake and serve.

ULTIMATE LEMON LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Filling: Measure 1 tablespoon lemon juice into a small bowl; sprinkle gelatin over the top.
• Heat remaining lemon juice, sugar, and salt in medium non-reactive sauce pan over medium high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves and mixture is hot, but not boiling.
• Whisk eggs and yolks in a large non-reactive bowl.
• Whisking constantly, slowly pour hot lemon-sugar mixture into eggs, then return mixture to saucepan.
• Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until mixture reaches 170° and is thick enought to leave a trail when a spatula is scraped along the bottom of the pan, about 4-6 minutes.
• Immediately remove pan from heat and stir in gelatin mixture until dissolved. Stir in frozen butter until incorporated.
• Pour filling through a fine-meshed strainer into a bowl.
• Cover surface with plastic wrap; refrigerate until firm enough to spread, about 4 hours.
• Cake: Preheat oven to 350°.
• Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans and line with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together egg milk, egg whites and vanilla.
• In a mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; mix at slow speed.
• Add butter one piece at a time, continue to beat until mixture resembles moist crumbs and no visible butter chunks.
• Add all but 1 cup of milk mixture to crumbs and beat at medium speed until mixture is pale and fluffy, about 1 1/2 minutes.
• With mixer running, add remaining 1/2 cup milk mixture, beat 1 mintute more.
• Divide batter evenly between cake pans.
• Bake 23-25 minutes or until toothpick in center of cakes comes out clean.
• Loosen cakes from side of pan with a small knife, cool in pan 10 minutes then remove from pan onto greased wire rack, remove parchment paper, invert again and cool completely.
• Icing: Combine all ingredients in a mixer bowl or heatproof bowl.
• Set over medium saucepan filled with 1-inch of simmering water.
• Cook stirring constantly until mixture reaches 160°, 5-10 minutes.
• Transfer mixture to mixer bowl (if needed) and beat on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 5 minutes.
• Increase speed to medium-high and continue to beat until mixture has cooled to room temperature and stiff peaks form, about 5 minutes longer.
• Assembly: Cut each layer in half horizontally.
• Spread 1 cup of lemon filling evenly on each cake, (except the top layer) leaving 1/2-inch border around cake.
• Place top layer on cakes, smooth out any filling that may have leaked from the layers.
• Refrigerate while you make the icing.
• Spread icing on cake.

ULTIMATE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• For the cakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease four 12- by 8- by 1-inch baking pans with cooking spray and line with parchment paper.
• Prepare the dark chocolate cake according to package directions, using 1/4 cup canola oil and 3 eggs, and substituting the chocolate milk for the liquid. Bake in 2 of the prepared pans. Cool and remove the cakes from the pans.
• Prepare the milk chocolate cake according to package directions, using the remaining 1/4 cup canola oil and 3 eggs, and substituting the cream soda for the liquid. Bake in the remaining 2 pans. Cool and remove the cakes from the pans.
• While the cakes are baking, make the frostings.
• For the milk chocolate frosting: Using an electric hand mixer, beat together the softened butter, softened cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder and chocolate milk.
• For the dark chocolate frosting: Using an electric hand mixer, beat together the softened butter, confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder and chocolate fudge sundae topping.
• For the chocolate glaze: Place the chocolate chips in a medium microwave-safe bowl and set aside. In a small saucepan, combine the cream and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat just until boiling. Pour over chocolate chips and stir until completely smooth. If not completely smooth, microwave on medium setting (50 percent power) for 2 minutes. Cool about 5 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
• Cut each cake in half horizontally, to make 8 even layers. Place a dark cake layer onto a serving platter and frost the top only with some dark chocolate frosting. Place a milk chocolate cake layer on top and frost the top only with the milk chocolate frosting. Continue until you have 8 layers. Don't frost the top layer. Carefully pour the glaze over the cake, coating the top and letting it drip down the sides.