A whimsical layered cake that blends the rustic charm of a chocolate “soil” crumble with the vibrant flavors and colors of a tropical “paradise.” Perfect for garden-themed parties or anyone who loves a unique dessert experience.
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate “Soil” Crumble:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
For the “Paradise” Filling & Frosting:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup pureed mango, or passion fruit pulp, or pineapple puree.
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- Optional: Food coloring (yellow, orange, pink, or green)
For Decoration:
- Edible flowers
- Gummy worms (optional, for added whimsy)
- Coconut flakes, toasted (optional)
- Chocolate rocks (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chocolate “Soil” Crumble:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread the crumble mixture onto a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until slightly firm. Let it cool completely. Then break the larger crumbs into smaller pieces.
2. Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Stir in the hot coffee. The batter will be thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the “Paradise” Filling & Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Add in the fruit puree, and lime zest. Mix until combined.
- If desired, divide the frosting and add food coloring to create different vibrant colors.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Level the cake layers by trimming any domed tops.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a layer of the “paradise” filling over the cake.
- Top with the second cake layer.
- Frost the entire cake with the remaining “paradise” frosting.
- Press the chocolate “soil” crumble around the base of the cake, and sprinkle some on the top of the cake.
- Decorate the top of the cake with edible flowers, gummy worms, toasted coconut flakes, or chocolate rocks.
5. Serve:
- Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your “Paradise On Soil” cake!