Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling & Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream
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A Delicious Twist on Classic Chocolate Cake
There’s nothing quite like the indulgence of a chocolate cake, especially when it features a delightful cream cheese filling and a rich, velvety buttercream frosting. This Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream is destined to be an irresistible centerpiece for any occasion. What makes this recipe so special is not just its moist texture and decadent flavor, but also how it bridges nostalgia with a taste that appeals to modern palates. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or just wanting to treat yourself after a long week, this cake is your go-to dessert that promises to impress.
Reasons to Try This Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
So why should you whip up this delightful treat? First, it’s straightforward to make, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious cake with friends and family. The combination of sweet cream cheese filling with rich chocolate cake is simply a match made in dessert heaven, ensuring it’s kid-approved too! Plus, it’s an affordable dessert to create, using common pantry items that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner, this cake brings joy and satisfaction with every bite.
"I made this cake for my daughter’s birthday, and it was a hit! The cream cheese filling added a unique twist that had everyone asking for seconds." — Happy Baker
Preparing Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling & Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream
Let’s dive into how this beautiful cake comes together! You’ll find that the process is quite simple, making it accessible even for novice bakers. In essence, you’ll create a luscious chocolate cake, whip up two types of cream cheese frosting, and assemble them all for the ultimate dessert experience.
Here’s a step-by-step overview of what you need to do:
- Bake the chocolate cake layers.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling.
- Make the chocolate cream cheese buttercream.
- Assemble the cake by layering the cake and filling.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients to gather:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder (sweetened)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream:
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¾ cups cocoa powder
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup + 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
You can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter filling without sacrificing taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Baking the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually stir in boiling water (the batter will be thin).
- Pour into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans before transferring to wire racks.
Cream Cheese Filling Instructions
- Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
- Mix in vanilla and gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy.
Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream Instructions
- Beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until desired consistency is achieved.
- Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Assembling Your Cake
- Level the cooled cake layers if needed.
- Place one layer on a serving plate and spread the cream cheese filling evenly on top.
- Top with the second layer and frost the entire cake with chocolate cream cheese buttercream.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To truly elevate your cake experience, consider pairing it with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Add decorative chocolate shavings on top for a finishing touch that’s both stunning and delicious. For a more festive presentation, serve with whipped cream and seasonal fruits. This cake is best served at room temperature, which allows the cream cheese filling to soften beautifully.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Storing your leftover chocolate cake is easy! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It can stay fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, slice the cake and freeze the layers wrapped separately. This way, you can enjoy a slice of heaven any time you crave it—like having a personal dessert stash!
Extra Advice for Perfecting Your Cake
Here are a few pro tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:
- Always measure your flour correctly—spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid a dense cake.
- If you’re short on time, you can make the cake a day in advance; simply frost it the next day for a fresh taste.
- To check if your cake is done, use a toothpick. It’s better to take it out a bit early; the residual heat will finish the cooking.
Creative Twists
Feel free to get playful with this recipe! Here are some ideas to personalize it:
- Flavor Swaps: Add espresso or coffee for a rich mocha flavor.
- Toppings: Top with chocolate ganache, berries, or nuts to add texture.
- Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free flour or a vegan butter substitute for a gluten-free or plant-based version.
Your Questions Answered
What is the prep time for this cake?
Typically, you can expect around 20-30 minutes for preparation and then about 30-35 minutes for baking.
Can I substitute cake ingredients?
Yes, you can use almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Additionally, if you’re looking for less sugar, consider reducing the quantity of sugar in the cake batter.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
With its irresistible flavors and appealing texture, this Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling & Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream is bound to become a favorite in your recipe arsenal. Happy baking!
Hershey's Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually stir in boiling water (the batter will be thin).
- Pour into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans before transferring to wire racks.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.
- Mix in vanilla and gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating with milk, until desired consistency is achieved.
- Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Level the cooled cake layers if needed.
- Place one layer on a serving plate and spread the cream cheese filling evenly on top.
- Top with the second layer and frost the entire cake with chocolate cream cheese buttercream.
