Description
This classic Neiman Marcus Cake is an indulgent layered chocolate cake with a creamy vanilla filling and a glossy chocolate glaze. Combining a moist chocolate cake base with a rich buttercream filling and a smooth, decadent ganache, this dessert is perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a luxurious sweet treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake, if preferred)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
Chocolate Glaze
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box. This usually involves combining the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. If using homemade cake batter, prepare accordingly.
- Pour Batter into Pans: Evenly divide the cake batter between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops for even baking.
- Bake the Cakes: Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely in the pans. Once cooled, carefully remove the cakes to proceed with assembly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla extract and milk, then continue mixing until the filling is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake Layers: Place one cake layer on your serving plate and generously spread the prepared filling over the top. Then place the second cake layer on top, gently pressing down to sandwich the filling evenly between the layers.
- Make the Chocolate Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter, stirring frequently until completely smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream to create a glossy and pourable chocolate glaze.
- Glaze the Cake: Pour the chocolate glaze over the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for an elegant finish.
- Set and Serve: Let the glaze set at room temperature before slicing and serving the cake to enjoy the perfect combination of moist cake, creamy filling, and rich glaze.
Notes
- Ensure cakes are completely cooled before applying filling to prevent melting.
- For extra moisture, you can brush cake layers with a simple syrup before filling.
- The glaze sets best if allowed to rest at room temperature; refrigerate briefly if needed to speed up setting.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips according to preference.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for best cake texture and smooth filling.
