Black and White Cake

Black and White cake is a rich, decadent chocolate layer cake with a center of chocolate ganache and creamy white chocolate frosting on top. Perfect for chocolate lovers!

Chocolate cake is one of my favorite desserts of all time. I mean really. On just about any occasion, nothing beats a slice of decadent chocolate cake. Celebrating? Eat cake! Sad your favorite TV show is ending? Eat cake. Craving something out of this world chocolatey just because it’s Friday? Eat this Black and White Cake.

I’m not going to lie and say that this cake is really easy to make. It’s not hard but there are several steps. It is afterall, composed of three layers of deliciousness: Dark Chocolate Cake, Fluffy Chocolate Ganache and White Chocolate Buttercream. 

First let’s talk about the ingredients you need to make it. 

Black and White Cake Ingredients: 

This cake recipe is broken into three separate parts: the chocolate cake, the ganache filling and the frosting. 

For the dark chocolate cake you’ll need the usual suspects: sugar, eggs, oil, vanilla, baking powder, baking soda, buttermilk and salt but you’ll also need: 

• CAKE FLOUR: Cake flour will give the cake a lighter airer crumb. 
• DARK CHOCOLATE COCOA POWDER: Also referred to as dutch process cocoa powder. This is what is going to give the cake the dark chocolate coloring. 
• ESPRESSO POWDER: Espresso powder will intensify the chocolate flavor. 
• BOILING WATER: Like the espresso powder, adding boiling water to chocolate cake will also bring out the chocolate flavor even more.

Chocolate Ganache Ingredients: 

This one is easy, peasy! You only need two ingredients to make the chocolate ganache filling. 

• HEAVY CREAM: Make sure that it is heavy cream. Regular whipping cream doesn’t have the fat content that you need. 
• DARK CHOCOLATE CHIPS: To keep with the dark chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips. 

White Chocolate Buttercream Ingredients: 

• BUTTER: Make sure that it is softened to make it easier to whip. 
• WHITE CHOCOLATE: You’ll want this to be melted and cooled so it will whip into frosting. 
• VANILLA 
• POWDERED SUGAR 

Step by Step Photos and Instructions: 

I know that making a layered cake can be kind of daunting, but don’t let that intimidate you. Follow along with these step by step photos to walk you through the process. You’ll have this gorgeous cake ready in no time! 

STEP #1: You’ll make the cake first. Using a stand mixer (or a handheld mixer) mix the dry ingredients together. Then add in the eggs, canola oil, buttermilk and vanilla and beat just until combined. Turn the mixer down to low and then slowly pour in the boiling water. Continue beating until well combined. 

STEP #2: Butter and flour two 8 inch cake pans. Divide batter evenly between the two pans and bake at 350 degrees for 25 – 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few crumbs on it. Allow to cool slightly before removing it from the pan. Remove it from the pan, transfer to a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely. 

STEP #3: While the cake is cooking, make the ganache. Place the heavy cream and chocolate chips together in a microwave safe boil. Heat for 30 seconds. Allow to set for 2 minutes then stir until smooth. If the chocolate chips don’t seem like they are melting, you can heat them for another 15 seconds. Allow to come to room temperature then use a stand mixer (or hand mixer) to beat until lightened in color and fluffy. 

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STEP #4: Make the buttercream by beating butter until it is light and fluffy. Then beat in the melted white chocolate and vanilla. Finally, slowly add the powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time until a stiff but spreadable mixture forms. This is a very thick frosting, if you want it to be a bit creamier add 1 – 2 tablespoons of milk.

STEP #5: Now it’s time to assemble the cake! First use a serrated knife to cut the rounded tops off the cake so that the cakes are level.

STEP #6: Place one cake on your cake stand (or other serving platter) and spread the chocolate ganache filling on the top. Place the remaining cake on top and using 1/3 of the buttercream frosting, spread a thin layer on the top and sides of the cake to form a crumb coat. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. 

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STEP #7: Once the cake has chilled, spread the remaining frosting all over the cake and sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Slice and serve. 

Storage and Leftovers: 

Because of the chocolate ganache layer, it is safest to keep this cake covered and in the refrigerator. Remove it about 1 hour or so before you want to serve it so that it can come to room temperature. For the best taste, I’d eat within 3 days, it starts to get a little dry after that. 

Recipe FAQ:

You guys, my family LOVED this Black and White Cake. It is pretty enough to make for a special occasion but also sometimes you just need to make a cake. Make this one

Looking for more show stopping dessert recipes? Try these:

Pumpkin Cake with Chocolate Ganache is a must year round, not just in the fall!

Like chocolate? You’re going to LOVE this Triple Chocolate Bundt Cake.

This Cherry Cheesecake is a gorgeous addition to any dessert table!

Note: This post was originally published in 2015. It was updated with a modified recipe, new photos, step by step photos and instructions in 2023.