If you’re searching for the ultimate chocolate indulgence, look no further than the Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe. This cake is the perfect marriage of rich, moist chocolate layers and a luscious, tangy cream cheese center that oozes delight in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a decadent dessert that feels like a warm hug, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and that classic homemade charm that makes you want to come back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is the first and most exciting step toward creating this showstopper cake. Each component plays a key role: from Hershey’s cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor, to the cream cheese filling that adds a dreamy contrast, every element brings its own magic to the mix.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and balances the cocoa’s slight bitterness perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake’s soft crumb.
- Hershey’s cocoa powder: The star ingredient, giving the cake that unmistakable, rich chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Together, they help the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the chocolate shine even brighter.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the batter.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and moist, cutting through the cocoa for softness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to both the cake and filling.
- Boiling water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and ensures a wonderfully moist cake.
- Cream cheese (softened): The base for the luscious filling that cuts through the chocolate’s richness with tangy creaminess.
- Egg for filling: Helps give the cream cheese filling a smooth, custard-like texture.
How to Make Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
The foundation for baking success starts with preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them or lining them with parchment paper circles. This ensures your layers release cleanly once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
Beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth and free of lumps. This creamy filling is the surprise center that turns the cake into something truly special.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk the sugar, flour, Hershey’s cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This step ensures even distribution of leavening and flavor, setting your cake up for an even crumb and rich taste.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients to Dry
Next, into your dry mixture go the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together on medium speed for about two minutes until the batter is smooth and luxuriously thick. This step gets the batter perfectly mixed without overworking it.
Step 5: Stir in Boiling Water
Carefully fold in the boiling water. The batter will look thin, but that’s exactly what makes the cake so moist, allowing the cocoa to bloom and intoxicating chocolate flavor to develop.
Step 6: Layer Cake Batter and Filling
Divide half of the chocolate cake batter evenly between your two prepared pans. Then create a little well in the middle and spoon in the cream cheese filling, keeping it away from the edges. Pour the remaining batter over the filling, gently spreading it so the cream cheese stays encased inside.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cakes for 30 to 35 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the chocolate cake layer (not the filling) and look for it to come out clean. This ensures the cake is set while the filling remains creamy inside.
Step 8: Cool and Prepare for Serving
Allow the cakes to cool for about 10 minutes in their pans before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Letting them cool fully prevents your cake from crumbling and makes stacking easier.
How to Serve Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar creates a simple, elegant touch, while drizzling chocolate ganache takes the cake to the next decadent level. For a lighter and airy feel, a dollop of whipped cream on each slice beautifully complements the dense, rich layers.
Side Dishes
This chocolate cake pairs wonderfully with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries that add a bright, tart counterpoint. For an adult twist, consider serving alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a glass of cold milk to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun surprise, slice the cake horizontally and layer it with additional cream cheese frosting or fruity jams. You can also present each slice with a drizzle of caramel sauce or sprinkle chopped nuts on top for extra texture. This cake is versatile enough to suit casual family dinners or special celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any remaining cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain the freshness of the cream cheese filling. Proper storage will keep your slices moist and flavorful for up to 4 days.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them inside a freezer bag or container. Frozen pieces can last up to 2 months without losing their delicious texture or flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw the cake slices overnight in the refrigerator for best results. You can bring the cake back to room temperature or warm gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to revive that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter can be used instead of vegetable oil to add a slightly richer flavor. Just keep in mind that butter may make the texture a bit denser compared to oil’s lightness.
Why does the cake batter get thin after adding boiling water?
The boiling water activates the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and making the batter thin. This results in an incredibly moist and tender cake once baked.
How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking out?
Make sure to keep the cream cheese filling in the center of the batter and avoid spreading it too close to the edges. This helps the filling stay contained during baking for that stunning layered effect.
Can I make this Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe dairy-free?
While the classic recipe uses cream cheese and whole milk, you can try plant-based substitutes like dairy-free cream cheese and almond or oat milk. Expect a slight difference in texture but the chocolate flavor will still shine.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarian diets?
Absolutely! This recipe contains no meat-based ingredients, making it perfect for vegetarians who want to indulge in a rich, chocolatey dessert.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough trying this Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe the next time you want to wow your friends, family, or just treat yourself. It’s that perfect chocolate lover’s delight that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make. Trust me, once you taste the moist chocolate layers combined with that creamy, dreamy filling, you’ll have a new favorite dessert on repeat.
Print
Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a moist, rich chocolate dessert featuring layers of decadent chocolate cake with a smooth, creamy cream cheese center. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat, this easy-to-make cake combines classic cocoa flavor with a tangy, sweet filling that bakes right into the middle, creating a stunning and delicious layered effect.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Hershey’s 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
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate ganache
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper circles to ensure easy release after baking.
- Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set this filling aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, all-purpose flour, Hershey’s cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients (First Part): Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat them together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter becomes smooth and well combined.
- Add Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water into the batter. The batter will be thin, but this step ensures a moist, tender cake.
- Layer Cake Batter: Divide half of the chocolate batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cream Cheese Filling: Spoon the cream cheese filling into the center of each cake pan, keeping it away from the edges to prevent leaking and ensure the filling remains in the middle during baking.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining chocolate batter over the cream cheese filling in both pans, gently spreading it to cover the filling completely.
- Bake the Cakes: Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the chocolate cake portion (avoiding the cream cheese center); it should come out clean when the cakes are done.
- Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully remove them from pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
- Serve: Once cooled, dust the cakes with powdered sugar or top with chocolate ganache or whipped cream as desired before serving for an elegant finish.
Notes
- For enhanced chocolate flavor, substitute boiling water with freshly brewed hot coffee.
- Make sure to keep the cream cheese filling in the center to prevent leakage during baking.
- This cake freezes well; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
