Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Core & Ganache Topping Recipe

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

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