Chocolate Dream Cake
The first time I tasted a rich, decadent chocolate cake was in Saudi Arabia, courtesy of my mom’s cousin. Whenever she visited, she would whip up the most delicious chocolate cakes, and those moments quickly became the highlight of my days in Saudi Arabia. Later, I moved to Karachi and discovered a bakery called Del Frio that spoiled me with an array of mouthwatering cakes, further deepening my love for this sweet treat.
As I grew older and began experimenting in the kitchen, I set out on a mission to recreate those beloved chocolate cakes from my past. Over time, I perfected the recipe, adjusting it with healthier ingredients without sacrificing the rich, indulgent flavor. Now, every time I make and eat this cake, it’s like a dream come true, and I can’t help but dance with joy.

How to make the chocolate dream cake

Step 1: Prep
Collect all your ingredients.
For the cake: Whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, butter, sour cream, vanilla extract, instant coffee powder, and water.
For the frosting: Fresh cream, sour cream, honey, cocoa powder, fine salt, dark chocolate, vanilla extract.
Step 2: Preheat your oven
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and butter and line 2 8’’ round cake pans
Step 3: Mix your dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, sift in your dry ingredients: Flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cocoa powder. Add sugar. Mix with a whisk till well combined.
If you do this step in a stand mixture, run the padel at a slow speed until well combined.
Step 4: Mix your wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl combine your eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, melted butter, vanilla extract, and coffee powder dissolved in water (optional)
Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients.
Slowly add wet ingredients to your dry ingredients while gently whisking to form a smooth batter. Do not overmix, we do not want the dough to become dense.
Step 6: Add in hot water.
Lastly, add hot water and mix until well combined. Remember do not overmix.
Step 7: Bake
Pour batter evenly into 2 pans and bake for 35 minutes or until the cake tester comes out clean
Let it cool down for at least 30 minutes before taking them out from the cake pans onto the wire rack for further cooking. If disturbed while hot, these moist cakes will crumble.
Step 8: Prep Frosting
In a double boiler, melt your dark chocolate ( I use Lindt Dark 70%) and creams. Then add all the other ingredients (honey, salt, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder.) and mix well until a smooth glossy frosting is formed. It’s a good idea to sift the cocoa powder to avoid getting lumps. Eww, nobody likes tiny balls of bitter cocoa powder bursting in their mouth amidst savoring the yummiest chocolate cake.
Let this frosting cool down to room temperature before putting it on your cake.
Step 9: Assemble your dream cake!
When your cakes and frosting have cooled down to your room’s temperature it is the time to assemble your cake.
If you prefer an extra layer, you should cut the cakes in half to create extra layers filled with frosting.
Place your first cake layer on your serving tray and slather it with the frosting. Then add the second layer on top and repeat till all layers are done.

Recipe Card
Chocolate Dream Cake
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes1
hour20
minutesIngredients
- Cake
Whole Wheat Flour 1 ¾ cups
Cocoa Powder ¾ cup
Baking Powder 1 tsp
Baking Soda 2 tsp
Sugar 1 ½ cups
Salt 1 tsp
Melted Butter ½ cup
Eggs 2 + 1 egg yolk
Creme Fraiche or Sour Cream ½ cup
Instant coffee powder mixed in 2 T hot water (optional)
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon
Boiling water 1.5 cup
- Frosting
Fresh cream ½ cup
Sour cream ½ cup
Dark Chocolate 250 grams
Cocoa powder 2 T
Honey 2 T
Vanilla extract ½ tsp
Fine salt ⅛ tsp
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350 F (180 C) or gas mark 3.
- Line your baking pans with butter paper.
- Cake
- In a large mixing bowl, sift all your dry ingredients: Flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add in the sugar and whisk until everything is well combined.
If you are using a stand mixer then run the padel at a slow speed until everything is well combined. - In another bowl, mix in your wet ingredients: eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, melted butter, vanilla extract, and instant coffee powder dissolved in water (optional). Whisk until everything is well combined. Mix to your heart’s desire because you are not allowed to mix too much once you add this to wet ingredients.
- Next, add wet ingredients to your dry ingredients and carefully mix until just combined.
- Add hot water to the mixture and mix until just combined.
- Pour your batter evenly into your baking pans
- Bake for 27-30 minutes.
- Frosting
- In a double boiler, Melt your creams and dark chocolate together. Then add in the rest of the ingredients: honey, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until a smooth shiny frosting is formed.
- Once your cakes and frosting have cooled down to room temperature, you can assemble the cake!
- Serve in your style and enjoy!
- Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices of Chocolate Dream Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Garnish with fresh berries or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which chocolate powder should i use?
Always use unsweetened cocoa powder in this recipe as the recipe calls for sugar separately. You can use dutch-processed cocoa powder for the deep brown shade. remember, the better quality ingredients will produce a better quality cake.
Can i make a simpler frosting?
Yes absolutely! The simplest frosting is a simple chocolate ganache. It is made with jus fresh cream and dark chocolate. In your double boiler, melt 250 grams dark chocolate and 1.5 cups fresh cream. mix till a smooth ganache has formed. when this cools down, slather it on your cake!
Can I use vegetable oil instead of butter?
Yes, vegetable oil can be used for a different texture. Cakes baked with vegetable oils are more moist. However, I avoid using vegetable oils (which are seed oils) for health reasons.
What alternatives can we use for butter?
You can use coconut oil as a 1:1 replacement for butter.
Why add boiling water to the batter?
Boiling water blooms the cocoa powder to enhance the flavor and moistens the cake.
Can this cake be made in different pan sizes?
Yes, adjust the baking time based on the pan size used. This can be made in 2 9” pans as well.
Can I make the cake layers in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What are some healthier sugar substitutions for a chocolate cake?
- You can use muscovado sugar, jaggery powder or shakkar instead of refined sugar. i love the caramel notes that these unrefined sugars add to the cakes.

Enjoy baking and savoring this Chocolate Dream Cake, a perfect blend of nostalgia and homemade goodness, just like a warm embrace on a special occasion or any day you crave a delightful treat!
If you bake this cake and enjoy it please let me know in the comments! 😀
I eat this every week 😎
I attest to its heavenly flavour 😋
I am glad to serve you 🙂
I love your recipes
It looks sooo yummy…
Thank you my dear sister <3 Your words mean a lot to me <3
Lovely recipes.
Cant wait to try them.