There's nothing quite like the indulgence of a Chocolate Overload Explosion Cake to satisfy your deepest dessert cravings. This rich, moist cake is packed with layers of chocolate goodness, from a fudgy base to a silky ganache topping, and plenty of mix-ins for texture and flavor. If you're a chocoholic, this is the ultimate treat for you.
I first made this cake when I wanted to create the most over-the-top chocolate dessert for a family birthday. The combination of different chocolate textures—gooey, creamy, crunchy, and smooth—makes every bite a dream come true. Now, it's my go-to showstopper for special occasions, and I guarantee it'll be yours too.
Why You'll Love This Ice Crime Chocolate Overload Explosion Cake
Get ready for a dessert experience like no other. This cake is the epitome of chocolate decadence, and here’s why you’ll be obsessed with it:
First, it's loaded with multiple layers of chocolate—we're talking chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, chocolate chunks, and even chocolate drizzle. Each bite is packed with deep, rich flavors.
It’s a texture lover’s dream. You’ll get a combination of moist cake, gooey ganache, crunchy chocolate bits, and soft chocolate mousse, making every bite unique and exciting.
This recipe is perfect for celebrations. Whether it's a birthday, holiday, or just a special weekend treat, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone talking.
Best of all, it's customizable. Add nuts, caramel, or even a touch of espresso for a unique twist on this already incredible dessert.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this cake lies in the quality and balance of its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make it absolutely perfect:
The chocolate cake base is made with a mix of cocoa powder and melted dark chocolate, ensuring an intensely rich flavor. Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best results, and don’t skimp on the chocolate—at least 70% cocoa content is best.
A key component is the chocolate ganache, which adds a silky, glossy layer of pure indulgence. It’s a simple mix of heavy cream and chocolate, melted together to create a luxurious topping that seeps into the cake, making it extra moist.
For texture, we’re incorporating chocolate chunks and shavings. These give the cake delightful pockets of melted chocolate and a bit of crunch in every bite.
To amplify the richness, we add a chocolate mousse layer, made from whipped heavy cream, melted chocolate, and a hint of vanilla. This creamy addition takes the cake from delicious to unforgettable.
You'll also need butter, eggs, sugar, and flour to create the perfect cake structure, along with a pinch of salt to balance all the sweetness.
How To Make This Ice Crime Chocolate Overload Explosion Cake

Creating this masterpiece takes a few steps, but I promise it’s worth every minute.
Start by preparing the chocolate cake batter. Melt the dark chocolate with butter until smooth, then mix in cocoa powder and sugar. Once slightly cooled, whisk in the eggs one at a time to create a silky texture. Fold in the flour and a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes. The cake should be slightly underbaked in the center—this ensures a fudgy, moist texture once it cools.
While the cake cools, prepare the chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream until just simmering, then pouring it over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth, then let it cool slightly before pouring over the cake.
For the mousse layer, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then fold in melted chocolate and vanilla. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the mousse evenly over the top.
Now, it's time for the final explosion of chocolate! Drizzle melted chocolate over the cake, sprinkle chocolate shavings, and add extra chocolate chunks for a dramatic finish.
Let the cake set in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to let all the layers meld together perfectly.
Storage Options
This cake stores beautifully, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time.
For short-term storage, keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The mousse will stay creamy, and the ganache will keep its glossy finish.
For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey experience.
Variations and Substitutions
This cake is already indulgent, but you can tweak it to suit your taste preferences.
If you want a nutty crunch, add chopped hazelnuts or pecans between the layers.
For a salted caramel twist, drizzle caramel sauce between the ganache and mousse layers and sprinkle sea salt over the top.
Coffee lovers can add espresso powder to the cake batter and ganache for an even deeper chocolate flavor.
To make it gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Experiment with white or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a different kind of chocolate overload.
No matter how you customize it, this Ice Crime Chocolate Overload Explosion Cake is guaranteed to be a decadent showstopper. Enjoy!
PrintIce Crime Chocolate Overload Explosion Cake Recipe
This Ice Crime Chocolate Overload Explosion Cake is the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers! With layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy ganache, and crunchy toppings, this dessert is an explosion of flavor and texture. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you crave a chocolate overload!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 cup chocolate chips
For the Ganache & Toppings:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup crushed chocolate cookies
- ½ cup chocolate shavings
- ¼ cup chocolate syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add hot water and mix until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Divide batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- For ganache, heat heavy cream until hot (not boiling), then pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Assemble cake by layering ganache between cake layers and covering the entire cake.
- Top with crushed cookies, chocolate shavings, and drizzle chocolate syrup for an explosive finish.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
- For extra crunch, add chocolate-covered nuts on top.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 320mg
madison finchem
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