Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a beloved dessert that brings joy to any gathering. This delicious cake combines the rich flavor of chocolate with a creamy, sweet filling that creates a perfect balance. Whether it’s for a birthday, an anniversary, or just a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress everyone.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a great way to show off your baking skills. The combination of chocolate and cream cheese is irresistible, and baking this cake fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. It’s also a fun project to do with friends or family, making it a memorable experience. Plus, your loved ones will appreciate the effort when they taste this delightful treat!

How to Make Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

Ingredients:

1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
3⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
1 1⁄2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1⁄2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee (or hot water if preferred)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped
1 tbsp butter (for shine)

Directions:

Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Beat until creamy and well combined. Set aside.
Make the Cake Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Slowly stir in hot coffee until the batter is thin but uniform.
Assemble: Pour a thin layer of chocolate batter into each pan (about 1/3 of the total). Divide the cream cheese filling evenly between the pans, spooning it gently into the center. Do not spread to the edges. Pour remaining chocolate batter on top, covering the filling.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the edge (not the center) comes out clean. The cream cheese center will remain soft. Let cakes cool completely before removing from the pans.
Ganache (Optional): Heat the cream just to a simmer. Pour over chopped chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Stir in butter for extra shine. Pour over the cooled cake and let set for 15–30 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

Once your cake is ready, slice it into pieces and serve it on a nice plate. This cake is wonderful on its own or can be enjoyed with a scoop of ice cream or fresh berries. A dollop of whipped cream on top would also make it extra special!

How to Store Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.

Tips to Make Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps the batter mix evenly.
If you want a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder in your cake batter.
For a stunning presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving.

Variation

You can change the flavor of the filling by adding a little lemon zest or a few drops of almond extract for a twist. You could also layer the cake with fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries for added color and taste.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just frost and assemble them the day you plan to serve.

2. Can I substitute the buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

3. How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the edge (not the center) comes out clean. Keep an eye on the time, but check a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.

Enjoy baking and savoring this delightful Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling!