This luxurious Mississippi Mud Cake takes indulgence to a whole new level with layers of rich chocolate cake, Kahlua whipped cream, Oreo cookie crumbles, and velvety chocolate ganache. Perfect for adult gatherings, this cake has a boozy twist with Kahlua and Bailey’s Irish Cream-infused whipped cream. For a non-alcoholic version, simply swap out the liqueurs for a classic whipped cream recipe.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Kahlua Whipped Cream: If you’d prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the Kahlua and Bailey’s with regular whipped cream.
Instant Coffee in Cake: Adding instant coffee enhances the depth of the chocolate flavor, but feel free to omit it if desired.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a homemade version by combining sour cream with a bit of milk.
How to Build a Layer Cake with Whipped Cream
- Use a Dowel or Straw: Insert a straw into the cake to stabilize the layers.
- Add Meringue Powder to Whipped Cream: This will create a firmer texture for stacking.
- Chill Between Layers: Place the cake in the freezer for about 15 minutes between layers for easier assembly.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup hot water
- ½ cup (60 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup (250 g) buttermilk, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Kahlua Whipped Cream
- 2 cups (480 g) heavy cream, cold
- ½ cup (60 g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur
- 2 tablespoons Kahlua liqueur
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
Ganache
- 6 ounces (¾ cup) dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup (120 g) heavy cream, room temperature
Garnish
- 1 cup chopped Oreo cookies or other chocolate sandwich cookies
Instructions
Chocolate Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans by spraying with nonstick spray or lining with parchment paper.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the granulated sugar and eggs on high for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, combine the hot water, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and salt.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the cocoa mixture to the sugar mixture.
- Gradually add the sifted flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix until incorporated.
- Add vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Evenly divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
Kahlua Whipped Cream
- Place the stand mixer bowl with the whisk attachment in the fridge for 15 minutes to chill.
- Once chilled, add the heavy cream and whip on high until soft peaks form.
- Reduce the speed to low and gradually add confectioners’ sugar, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Kahlua, and cornstarch.
- Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate the whipped cream until ready to use.
Ganache
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth (about 45 seconds).
- Let the ganache cool in the fridge for 15 minutes before using.
Assembly Instructions
- First Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread 1/3 of the Kahlua whipped cream over the top.
- Optional: Pipe the whipped cream using a large pastry bag fitted with a 2C tip for a decorative effect.
- Add Ganache: Drizzle 1/3 of the cooled ganache over the whipped cream, followed by 1/3 of the chopped Oreo cookies.
- Repeat Layers: Add the next cake layer and repeat the whipped cream, ganache, and Oreo cookie steps.
- Top Layer: Finish with the final layer of cake and spread the remaining whipped cream, ganache, and Oreos on top.
- Chill: Store the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
This jazzed-up Mississippi Mud Cake is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s craving! The rich chocolate cake combined with boozy whipped cream, ganache, and Oreo cookies is a decadent dessert experience perfect for special occasions or whenever you want a treat. Enjoy!