This decadent Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake with a luscious cream cheese filling and rich chocolate cream cheese buttercream is a showstopper dessert. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to indulge in something truly delicious, this cake is both moist and flavorful. The combination of creamy layers and smooth, chocolaty frosting will make this cake the star of any celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of rich, chocolate desserts with a creamy twist, this cake is for you. The fluffy, moist chocolate cake layers are complemented by a tangy and smooth cream cheese filling, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The chocolate cream cheese buttercream adds an extra layer of indulgence, making this cake irresistible. It’s a bit of a project to make, but the result is worth every minute. Whether you’re serving it for a birthday, holiday, or special gathering, this cake will leave a lasting impression.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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2 cups sugar
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1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup Hershey’s Cocoa
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1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
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1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 eggs
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1 cup milk
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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1 cup boiling water
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
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1 cup cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream:
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1/2 cup butter, softened
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1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
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3/4 cup Hershey’s Cocoa
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4 cups powdered sugar
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2-4 tablespoons milk (as needed)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans to prepare for the cake batter.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
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In a large bowl, stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
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Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, which is perfectly normal.
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Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
3. Bake the Cake
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
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Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them from the pans. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
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While the cakes are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
5. Prepare the Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream
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Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together in a bowl until light and fluffy.
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Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
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Stir in the vanilla extract and add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
6. Assemble the Cake
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Once the cakes are fully cooled, carefully cut each cake layer horizontally to create four layers.
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Place one layer of cake on your serving plate and spread one-third of the cream cheese filling evenly over the layer.
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Continue layering the cake and filling until you’ve used up all the layers.
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Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate cream cheese buttercream.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12 servings
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
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Cooking Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Variations
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Flavored Filling: Add a bit of lemon zest or orange zest to the cream cheese filling for a citrus twist.
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Add Berries: Garnish with fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for an extra burst of flavor.
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Chocolate Ganache: For an even richer topping, drizzle the cake with homemade chocolate ganache before serving.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze the cake layers individually by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw them in the fridge before assembling and frosting.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can use any unsweetened cocoa powder you prefer, but Hershey’s Cocoa gives a nice, balanced chocolate flavor.
2. How can I make the cake layers even?
To make sure your cake layers are even, you can use a cake leveler or simply slice the layers carefully with a serrated knife.
3. Can I make this cake without the cream cheese filling?
Yes, you can make this cake with just the chocolate cream cheese buttercream if you prefer a simpler version.
4. How can I make this cake less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling and frosting. You could also use a less sweetened cocoa powder.
5. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but it may slightly affect the texture and richness of the filling and frosting.
6. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.
7. How can I make the buttercream thicker?
If your buttercream is too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.
8. How should I store the cake if I need to keep it for several days?
Keep the cake refrigerated in an airtight container, as it contains cream cheese and butter, which require refrigeration.
9. Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, you can use traditional chocolate buttercream or whipped cream if you prefer something less rich than the chocolate cream cheese buttercream.
10. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers individually. However, the cream cheese filling and frosting may not freeze as well, so it’s best to add those once the cake has been thawed.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. With layers of moist, rich cake, creamy filling, and decadent frosting, it’s a dessert that’s guaranteed to wow your guests. The combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet chocolate is irresistible, making this cake perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or whenever you crave something truly delicious.
Print
Chocolate Cream Cheese Cake with Cream Cheese Filling
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and indulgent chocolate cake with a tangy cream cheese filling and a creamy chocolate cream cheese buttercream frosting, perfect for special occasions or satisfying any chocolate craving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 1–3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Hershey’s Cocoa
- 1–1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1–1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup Hershey’s Cocoa
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, which is normal. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: While the cakes are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream: Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are fully cooled, carefully cut each cake layer horizontally to create four layers. Place one layer of cake on your serving plate and spread one-third of the cream cheese filling over it. Continue layering the cake and filling until all layers are used. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate cream cheese buttercream.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cake layers individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the fridge before assembling and frosting.
- Flavored Filling: Add a bit of lemon or orange zest to the cream cheese filling for a citrus twist.
- Add Berries: Garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for added flavor.
- Chocolate Ganache: Drizzle with homemade chocolate ganache for an extra indulgent topping.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
