Oh, let me tell you about the absolute joy of baking a rich chocolate cake that’s not just any chocolate cake, but one that’s filled with smooth cream cheese and dressed in a heavenly chocolate cream cheese buttercream! Trust me, this is the kind of cake that makes your heart sing and your taste buds dance. I remember the first time I made this for my best friend’s birthday; the look on her face when she took that first bite was priceless! It’s like chocolate heaven with a creamy twist, and everyone kept asking for seconds. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a celebration or just because you need a little sweetness in your life. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready for some deliciousness! You won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup cocoa powder (for buttercream)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for buttercream)
- 1/4 cup milk (for buttercream)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare Pans
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them up with some butter or a non-stick spray. Don’t skimp on this step—flour those pans, too! This will ensure your cakes slide right out without any fuss later on.
Mixing the Cake Batter
Now, let’s make that scrumptious cake batter! In a large bowl, combine your flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk to mix everything together. Next, add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat this mixture on medium speed for about 2 minutes. Here’s a pro tip: don’t forget to stir in the boiling water! It might seem a bit odd, but this step makes the cake incredibly moist. Trust me, you’ll love it!
Baking the Cake
Once your batter is beautifully mixed, pour it evenly into the prepared pans. It should fill them about halfway. Pop those pans into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you want to be extra sure, I like to gently press the tops—if they spring back, they’re ready to come out!
Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
While the cakes cool, let’s whip up that luscious cream cheese filling! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s creamy and smooth. Once your cakes have cooled for about 10 minutes in the pans, carefully remove them and let them cool completely on wire racks. This is super important because you don’t want that filling melting away! When they’re cool, spread that cream cheese mixture evenly between the layers of cake—get generous with it!
Making the Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream
Next up, the star of the show: the chocolate cream cheese buttercream! In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter and cocoa powder together until they’re smooth. Then, gradually add in the powdered sugar and milk. Beat this mixture until it’s fluffy and creamy—oh my gosh, it smells divine!
Frosting the Cake
Now, it’s time to frost! Use that heavenly chocolate cream cheese buttercream to cover the top and sides of your cake. Take your time to make it look nice and even; this is where you can really show off! If you’d like, you can even make some pretty swirls or decorations on top. Just remember: every slice will be a little piece of chocolate paradise!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the deliciousness you’re indulging in! Here’s the estimated nutritional information for each slice of this delightful Hershey’s chocolate cake with cream cheese filling and chocolate cream cheese buttercream. Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredients used, so they might vary a bit depending on brands or substitutions you make.
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Sugar: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
So, while this cake is definitely a treat, just remember that it’s all about balance! Enjoy every bite and savor the flavors—you deserve it!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Hershey’s chocolate cake with cream cheese filling and chocolate cream cheese buttercream turns out absolutely perfect! I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that I swear by.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps everything blend together smoothly and creates that dreamy texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Aside from the toothpick test, gently press down on the cake’s surface. If it bounces back, it’s good to go! If it leaves an indent, give it a few more minutes.
- Let It Cool Completely: It’s crucial to let those cakes cool completely before adding the cream cheese filling. If they’re even slightly warm, the filling might melt into a gooey mess. Trust me, you want that filling to stay put!
- Frosting Technique: When frosting, start by applying a thin layer of buttercream all around the cake (this is called a crumb coat) to seal in any loose crumbs. Chill it for about 15 minutes before applying your final layer. This will give you a beautiful, clean finish!
- Decorate with Love: Feel free to get creative with your decorations! You can add chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an unexpected twist. The sky’s the limit!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake a stunning cake that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Variations
Now, let’s have some fun and get creative with your Hershey’s chocolate cake with cream cheese filling and chocolate cream cheese buttercream! There are so many ways to switch things up and make this cake your own. Here are some of my favorite variations that I think you’ll love:
- Fruit-Filled Delight: Swap out the cream cheese filling for a luscious raspberry or strawberry jam. The fruity tang pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate!
- Nutty Surprise: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the cream cheese filling for a delightful crunch. It’s a fantastic textural addition!
- Mint Chocolate: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the buttercream for a refreshing minty twist. It’s like a chocolate mint dream!
- Espresso Infusion: Mix in a tablespoon of instant espresso powder into the cake batter for an extra depth of flavor. Coffee and chocolate are a match made in heaven!
- Spiced Buttercream: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder to the chocolate cream cheese buttercream for a unique warm spice that elevates the chocolate flavor.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the top of the frosted cake for an indulgent touch. It adds a wonderful sweetness and beautiful presentation!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own! The beauty of baking is that you can tailor it to your tastes. So go ahead, get adventurous, and enjoy the delicious journey!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about keeping your delicious Hershey’s chocolate cake with cream cheese filling and chocolate cream cheese buttercream fresh and fabulous! If by some miracle you have leftovers (which is rare, I know!), here’s how to store them properly.
First, make sure the cake is completely cooled before you store it—this is key to keeping that cream cheese filling from getting too gooey. Once it’s cool, you can cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will help keep it moist and prevent it from absorbing any weird fridge odors. It’ll stay good in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. Just remember to slice it as you go, so you can enjoy it fresh each time!
If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze it! Just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can pull out a slice whenever that chocolate craving hits! To enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight or pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up. Just be careful not to overheat, or you’ll lose that creamy filling goodness!
So there you have it! Store it right, and you can savor the deliciousness of this cake for days (or even weeks) to come!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with the texture. Your cake will still be rich and delicious!
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you find yourself out of cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or even Greek yogurt as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly, but it’ll still be tasty!
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead of time! You can bake the cakes a day or two in advance and just store them wrapped in the fridge. Frosting it right before serving will keep it looking fresh and fabulous!
Can I use a different type of chocolate in the cake?
Of course! You can mix it up by using dark chocolate cocoa powder or even white chocolate for a fun twist. Just remember that it will change the flavor profile, but it’s a delicious adventure!
How do I make this cake dairy-free?
To make this cake dairy-free, substitute the milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk, and use a dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternative. It’s still going to be scrumptious!
What’s the best way to store the cake?
Store your cake in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh. If you have leftovers, this will help prevent it from drying out and keep that cream cheese filling intact!
Can I frost the cake a day in advance?
Absolutely! Frosting the cake a day ahead not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just make sure to keep it covered in the fridge to maintain its freshness.
How can I make the buttercream less sweet?
If you’d like a less sweet buttercream, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar and add a bit more cocoa powder for flavor. You could also mix in some heavy cream to balance out the sweetness!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole or Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta.
[tasty-recipe id=”38854″]
