Description
This decadent Neiman Marcus Cake features moist chocolate cake layers filled with a rich buttery vanilla filling and topped with a luscious chocolate glaze. Perfect for special occasions or indulgent dessert cravings, this classic recipe combines the ease of a boxed cake mix with homemade touches for a delicious and impressive treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake batter)
- 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract as per the package instructions or your homemade recipe. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Fill Cake Pans: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the two greased cake pans to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake Cakes: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cakes are fully cooked.
- Cool Cakes: Remove cakes from oven and let them cool completely in the pans before removing to avoid breaking or crumbling.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a light and fluffy frosting.
- Add Flavor to Filling: Mix in the vanilla extract and milk, continuing to beat until the filling is airy and spreadable.
- Assemble Cake: Once the cake layers are fully cooled, spread a generous layer of the vanilla filling evenly over one cake layer.
- Stack Layers: Place the second cake layer on top of the filling and gently press down to form a sandwich with the filling securely in the middle.
- Prepare Chocolate Glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together the chocolate chips and butter, stirring frequently to achieve a smooth mixture without burning.
- Add Cream to Glaze: Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream until the glaze is glossy and smooth, perfect for pouring.
- Glaze Cake: Pour the warm chocolate glaze evenly over the top of the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for an elegant finish.
- Set Glaze: Allow the glaze to set at room temperature before slicing and serving to ensure clean cuts and a polished presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute the boxed cake mix with your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe for a more personalized flavor.
- Ensure cakes are completely cooled before filling and glazing to prevent melting or sliding.
- The glaze can be slightly warmed if it becomes too thick before pouring.
- Store the cake in a cool place or refrigerator to keep the glaze firm and filling fresh.
- For added texture, consider sprinkling chopped nuts or chocolate shavings over the glaze before it sets.
