If you’re on the hunt for a chocolate dessert that feels like a warm hug, you’ve just found it with this Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe. Rich, moist layers of perfectly baked chocolate cake pair beautifully with a silky, tangy cream cheese filling that balances sweetness with just the right hint of tang. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a slice of pure comfort, this classic chocolate cake delivers every single time. Trust me when I say, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to recipe for impressive yet easy homemade chocolate desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, coming together to create a harmonious balance of flavor, texture, and richness. From the deep cocoa powder that gives the cake its signature chocolate punch to the cream cheese that adds moistness and a luscious filling, each component is simple but absolutely essential.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: The perfect amount to sweeten the cake without overpowering the cocoa flavor.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for the cake layers.
- 3/4 cup Hershey’s cocoa powder: Key to delivering that classic, intense chocolate taste.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Adds lift and tenderness for a moist cake texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind ingredients and provide richness to the crumb.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Introduces a warm, fragrant aroma.
- 1 cup boiling water: Makes the cocoa bloom and gives the cake a luscious, tender crumb.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: For the tangy, creamy filling that’s simply irresistible.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds smoothness and helps the filling hold its shape.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese filling to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lends a lovely depth to the cream cheese filling’s flavor.
How to Make Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing plus flouring two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures your cakes come out smooth and easy to remove, giving you those perfect layers for your stunning final presentation.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, all-purpose flour, Hershey’s cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these first creates an even base and allows the cocoa and leavening agents to distribute uniformly throughout your batter, which is crucial for a consistent texture and chocolatey flavor.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to your dry mixture. Beat everything until the batter is smooth and homogenous. This step is where the magic begins to emerge—the oil and eggs ensure your cake stays moist and tender, while vanilla adds that unmistakable aroma.
Step 4: Stir in Boiling Water
Then, slowly incorporate the boiling water into the batter. At first, it will seem very thin, but that’s exactly how it should be. The hot water helps to activate the cocoa powder and leads to an incredibly moist, almost fudgy crumb texture once baked.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the thin batter evenly between your prepared pans. Pop them into the oven, baking for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know your cake is perfectly baked when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—no batter clinging, just moist, soft cake layers ready to be filled.
Step 6: Cool the Cakes
Allow your cake layers to cool in the pans for around 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience here is key because you want the layers completely cool before adding your luscious cream cheese filling, or it may melt and shift.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and the vanilla extract, beating until the filling becomes fluffy and spreadable. This filling is the perfect balance of tangy richness that complements the deep chocolate perfectly.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Take one cooled cake layer and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top. Gently place the second layer on top and press lightly to keep everything together. From here, slice, serve, and watch your friends and family light up with every bite.
How to Serve Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Garnishes
To make your cake even more irresistible, consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzling chocolate ganache over the top for a shiny, decadent finish. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add lovely contrast and texture, transforming your cake into a stunning centerpiece.
Side Dishes
This Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe shines on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates the experience to dessert perfection. A cup of rich coffee or a creamy hot chocolate also complements its flavors beautifully, especially for cozy gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cake slices on vintage dessert plates with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or alongside edible flowers for a whimsical touch. For a party, cut the cake into mini squares and serve on decorative toothpicks to create decadent bite-sized treats that your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because this cake has a cream cheese filling, it should always be stored covered in the refrigerator to keep the filling fresh and prevent it from drying out. Airtight containers or cake domes work wonders for maintaining its moistness and flavor for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers before assembly for up to two months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. If you want to freeze a fully assembled cake, note that the texture of the cream cheese filling may change slightly upon thawing, but it will still taste delicious.
Reheating
Since the cake contains cream cheese, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, allow chilled slices to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving; this will make the cake softness and flavors shine just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream cheese filling with buttercream?
Absolutely! While the cream cheese filling adds a tangy richness, a classic chocolate or vanilla buttercream can be a great alternative if you prefer a sweeter, more traditional frosting.
Is Hershey’s cocoa powder the best choice for this recipe?
Hershey’s cocoa powder is the key ingredient here because it delivers that familiar, beloved chocolate flavor that complements this cake perfectly. However, you can swap it out for any high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder if needed.
How do I know when the cakes are done baking?
The best test is the toothpick method—insert a toothpick into the center of each cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done. Overbaking can dry out the cake, so keep a close eye during the last few minutes.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free for best results.
What should I do if my cream cheese filling is too thick?
If the filling feels too stiff to spread, gently beat in 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk until it reaches a creamy, spreadable consistency. This adjustment works wonders for ease of assembly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a chocolate cake recipe that feels like a nostalgic slice of heaven, the Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe is absolutely worth making. It’s straightforward enough for any home baker, yet rich and impressive enough to delight anyone lucky enough to have a slice. So go ahead—bake it, savor it, and share the joy of this deliciously classic chocolate cake with your loved ones.
Print
Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour plus cooling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a rich, moist chocolate layer cake perfect for any celebration. Made with Hershey’s cocoa powder and a luscious cream cheese filling, this American dessert boasts a perfect balance of sweet chocolate and tangy creaminess, coming together in an easy-to-follow recipe ideal for home bakers.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 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
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, Hershey’s cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Incorporate Boiling Water: Slowly stir in the boiling water. The batter will become thin and smooth — this is normal and helps create a moist cake.
- Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the filling is fully incorporated and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Once cakes are completely cooled, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and gently press to set the layers together.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator to keep the cream cheese filling fresh.
Notes
- For a richer, more spreadable filling, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture as needed.
- This cake can be dusted with powdered sugar or topped with a chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.
- Because of the cream cheese filling, store the cake covered in the refrigerator.
