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If you love chocolate and baking, you understand the importance of having that perfect recipe for a moist, decadent chocolate cake. This Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream is a true showstopper, perfect for any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. The rich, moist cake layers are perfectly complemented by a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling and a luscious chocolate cream cheese buttercream frosting. It’s a dessert that’s as impressive to look at as it is to eat.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 3 round cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowl or stand mixer
- Wire rack
- Cake leveler or serrated knife
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 & 3/4 cups flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 cup boiling water
Whipped Cream Cheese Buttercream
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream
- 3/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 & 3/4 cups Hershey’s cocoa powder
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup + 3 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray three round cake pans with cooking spray and dust lightly with flour. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add in the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is thoroughly incorporated. Stir in the boiling water last; the batter will be very thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into each of the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before removing them from the pans. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Use a cake leveler or serrated knife to ensure even layers.
Whipped Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting
- Whip the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer on high speed for about 30 seconds.
- Add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract and whip for another 30 seconds until fluffy.
Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer.
- Add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition.
- Add the cocoa, milk, and vanilla. Whip until fully incorporated and fluffy.
Assembling the Cake
- Level the cakes with a cake leveler for even stacking.
- Place the bottom layer on a cake plate and spread 3/4 cup of the cream cheese buttercream over it.
- Top with the second layer and repeat the process.
- Add the third layer and frost the top with the remaining whipped cream cheese buttercream. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes.
- Remove from the refrigerator and gently frost the top layer and sides with the chocolate cream cheese buttercream.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips for Success
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Chill the cake between frosting layers for cleaner stacking.
Additional Tips or Variations
For a twist, try adding a layer of raspberry jam between the cake layers. You can also use dark chocolate cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 650 | Fat: 35g | Carbohydrates: 85g | Protein: 6g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have three cake pans? You can bake in batches if needed or use two pans and adjust the baking time.
Can I freeze the cake? Yes, the cake layers can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw completely before frosting.
Conclusion
This Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling and Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream is sure to impress your family and friends. It’s the perfect dessert for any celebration. Give it a try and share your experience with us!
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