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
Scale
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.
