This recipe elevates a classic layered chocolate cake with a luscious cream cheese center and silky ganache topping, reimagined for health-conscious home bakers. Instead of relying solely on refined ingredients, it blends antioxidant-rich cocoa, olive oil, Greek yogurt, and coconut sugar — giving richness without the sugar crash. The cream cheese filling is gently sweetened and balanced with a touch of rosewater or vanilla. Topped with a ganache made using dark chocolate and coconut milk, it’s indulgent, heart-friendly, and mood-lifting.
It’s a perfect centerpiece for festive dinners, winter evenings, or curated recipe journals that celebrate cultural depth and wellness-inspired baking.
🍽 INGREDIENTS:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups whole wheat flour or spelt flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for warmth)
Wet Ingredients:
- ⅔ cup olive oil or avocado oil
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ⅓ cup raw honey or maple syrup
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 1½ cups unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup brewed coffee or plant milk (boosts cocoa flavor)
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 200g cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla or rosewater
Ganache Topping:
- 150g dark chocolate (70% or more), chopped
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp ghee or coconut oil (for shine and softness)
- Optional: a pinch of saffron or sea salt for depth
👩🍳 INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix oil, coconut sugar, honey, eggs, yogurt, vanilla, and coffee.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until smooth. Do not overmix.
Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add yogurt, sweetener, and vanilla.
- Mix until creamy and lump-free.
Step 3: Layer and Bake
- Pour half the chocolate batter into one pan.
- Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly across the batter (avoid touching the sides).
- Cover with remaining batter and smooth the top.
- Bake both cakes for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
Step 4: Make Ganache
- Heat coconut milk until steaming but not boiling.
- Add chopped chocolate and ghee. Let sit 2–3 minutes.
- Stir until glossy and smooth. Cool slightly until spreadable.
Step 5: Assemble and Decorate
- Place one cake layer on plate. Spread a thin layer of ganache.
- Top with second cake layer and pour ganache over the top, letting it drip down sides.
- Garnish with cacao nibs, crushed pistachios, or edible dried rose petals.
🌿 WELLNESS HIGHLIGHTS:
- Coconut sugar & honey: Lower glycemic index and deeper flavor
- Olive oil: Adds monounsaturated fats for heart and brain health
- Greek yogurt: Protein-rich with probiotics
- Dark chocolate: Rich in flavonoids for mood and skin glow
- Cinnamon: Blood sugar stabilizer and digestive aid
🍵 Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with saffron chai, beetroot latte, or rose-infused almond milk
- Refrigerate leftovers — keeps well for 3–4 days in airtight container
- Can be frozen (uncut) for up to 2 weeks and thawed before serving