Chocolate Nut Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Glaze

This Chocolate Nut Cake is a rich and decadent dessert featuring layers of moist cake made with kefir and cocoa powder. Filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese and boiled condensed milk, and topped with a smooth, glossy chocolate glaze, this cake is perfect for special occasions or whenever you’re craving an indulgent treat. The combination of dark chocolate, almonds, and hazelnuts adds texture and flavor to every bite. The cake is easy to prepare, and the kefir adds a slight tang to the batter, keeping the cake moist and flavorful.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

For the Chocolate Glaze:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Oil:
   • Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, slowly pour in the vegetable oil while continuing to mix until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add Dry Ingredients and Kefir:
   • Alternately add the flour mixture and kefir to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined, making sure not to overmix.
6. Add the Nuts:
   • Fold in the roughly chopped almonds and hazelnuts, distributing them evenly through the batter.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Divide and Bake:
   • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
2. Cool the Cakes:
   • Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Mix the Cream Cheese and Condensed Milk:
   • In a medium bowl, beat the soft cream cheese with boiled condensed milk until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Melted Chocolate:
   • Fold in the melted dark chocolate, mixing until fully combined. Set the filling aside to firm up slightly while the cakes continue to cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the Cakes:
   • Once the cakes have cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread half of the cream cheese filling evenly over the top.
2. Add the Second Layer:
   • Place the second cake layer on top of the filling and gently press down. Spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the top layer, smoothing it evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

1. Melt the Chocolate:
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval to avoid burning.
2. Add Vegetable Oil:
   • Once the chocolate is fully melted, stir in the vegetable oil to create a smooth, glossy glaze.

Step 6: Glaze the Cake

1. Pour the Glaze:
   • Once the cake is assembled and the filling is set, pour the melted chocolate glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
2. Let the Glaze Set:
   • Let the glaze set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or place the cake in the refrigerator for a quicker setting time.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish:
   • Optionally, sprinkle extra chopped nuts or grated chocolate on top of the cake for added texture and decoration.
2. Serve:
   • Slice the cake and serve it on its own, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra chocolate sauce.