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+ servings

Decadent Dark Chocolate Almond Layer Cake

A show-stopping three-layer dark chocolate cake with a toasted almond crunch and creamy almond filling, finished with a glossy ganache drip.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Cakes, Dessert
Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

Dark Chocolate Sponge
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour 250g
  • 1 1/2 cups Dutch-process cocoa powder 135g
  • 2 cups granulated sugar 400g
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed 100g
  • 1 cup buttermilk 240ml
  • 1 cup hot brewed coffee 240ml
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil 120ml
  • 3 large eggs
Almond Crunch Filling
  • 2 cups shredded phyllo dough (kataifi) 150g
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 56g
  • 1 cup almond paste 250g
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips 170g
Dark Chocolate Ganache & Topping
  • 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped 225g
  • 1 cup heavy cream 240ml
  • 1/2 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped 60g
  • 10-12 whole toasted almonds

Method
 

Bake the Sponge
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, and oil. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Slowly pour in the hot coffee, whisking gently until the batter is smooth.
  3. Divide the batter evenly among three 8-inch round cake pans. Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans on a wire rack.
Prepare Crunchy Filling
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the shredded phyllo dough and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Fold in the almond paste until well combined, then stir in the toasted phyllo until the mixture is thick and evenly colored.
Assemble and Decorate
  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the almond crunch filling evenly over the top. Repeat with the second layer and remaining filling, then top with the third cake layer. Chill the assembled cake for 30 minutes.
  2. To make the ganache, place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens to a drippy consistency.
  3. Pour the ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle the chopped almonds over the top and garnish with whole toasted almonds.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 10gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 210mgFiber: 5gSugar: 45g

Notes

Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before adding the almond filling to prevent it from melting. For the best flavor, use high-quality almond paste. You can substitute almond paste with pistachio paste if desired. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To make ahead, bake the cake layers and freeze them, then assemble and decorate the day of serving. If the ganache is too thick, warm it gently in the microwave for a few seconds.

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