The black and white cake is a masterpiece that delights the eyes as much as the taste buds. Imagine layers of rich chocolate and decadent vanilla, each vying for your attention, with a silky ganache draping it all like a warm hug on a chilly day. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising sweet indulgence and maybe even a little bit of nostalgia.
I can’t help but smile every time I think about this cake. It takes me back to my childhood birthdays, where candles flickered atop this magnificent treat. Everyone gathered around, eagerly waiting for their slice, which always led to delightful debates about which half was better: chocolate or vanilla. Spoiler alert: they were both equally delicious!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This black and white cake is surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
- The flavor balance between chocolate and vanilla creates an explosion of taste in every bite
- Its stunning visual appeal makes it the star of any celebration or gathering
- This versatile cake suits birthdays, anniversaries, or just a random Tuesday when you need something sweet
I remember the first time I baked this cake for my family get-together; you would have thought I had won an Oscar with their enthusiastic reactions.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sifted flour helps achieve a lighter texture.
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Cocoa Powder: Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder for that rich chocolate flavor without added sweetness.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter beautifully; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
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Baking Powder: This is your secret leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for a fluffy cake.
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Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it!
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Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for better creaming with sugar.
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Eggs: They provide moisture and richness; large eggs are usually best.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavor profile; avoid imitation if possible.
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Milk: Whole milk adds moisture and richness; you can substitute with non-dairy milk if needed.
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Heavy Cream (for ganache): The key ingredient for that luscious topping; make sure it’s cold before whipping.
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Chocolate Chips (for ganache): Choose semi-sweet for a balanced sweetness in the ganache.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepping Your Kitchen: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray. Dust them lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your sifted flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well blended. The aroma will start to tease your senses.
Creaming Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer—trust me, it’s worth it!
Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Next, beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Take a moment to appreciate how blissfully creamy this mixture looks.
Merging Wet and Dry Mixes: Gradually add the dry ingredients into your butter mixture while alternating with milk. Mix until just combined—you don’t want tough cake!
Bake! Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Prepare Ganache: While your cakes cool down, heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit before stirring into creamy goodness.
It’s truly rewarding making this black and white cake from scratch! You’ll feel accomplished as you layer those beautiful contrasting cakes together!
Now that you’ve followed these steps with love (and maybe some dance moves), you’re ready to dive into slicing into this beauty when adequately cooled! Give it some time—if you can resist that long—to set up nicely in the fridge before serving to allow those flavors to meld perfectly together.
Enjoy every last crumb of this delightful creation!
You Must Know
- The black and white cake is a delightful balance of rich chocolate and creamy vanilla, creating a visual treat
- This cake can elevate any celebration, from birthdays to anniversaries
- The contrasting colors make it a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the ultimate black and white cake, start by baking the chocolate layers first. While they cool, prepare the vanilla layers for an efficient workflow that guarantees perfect results.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this cake with different fillings such as raspberry jam or lemon curd. You can also experiment with flavorings in the frosting, like almond or orange extract, for unique twists.
Storing & Reheating
Store the black and white cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always measure flour accurately; too much will make your cake dense
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to avoid melting your hard work
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer chocolate flavor that elevates this classic dessert experience
Creating this black and white cake takes me back to my sister’s birthday last year when we surprised her with it. The joy on her face was priceless as she dug into a slice!

FAQ
Can I use different types of flour for the black and white cake?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for lighter texture.
How do I prevent the layers from sticking together?
Always grease and flour your pans well; parchment paper also helps prevent sticking.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake and frost the cake a day in advance; just store it properly.
Black and White Cake
Indulge in the delightful harmony of a black and white cake, featuring luscious layers of rich chocolate and creamy vanilla. Topped with a silky ganache, this visually stunning dessert brings joy to any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration or simply a sweet treat after dinner. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, this cake will transport you back to cherished memories while satisfying your cravings for something truly special.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for ganache)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk until just combined.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- For the ganache, heat heavy cream until simmering, pour over chocolate chips in a bowl, let sit before stirring until smooth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg


