Description
A delightful chocolate cake layered with a smooth cream cheese filling, perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 (for filling)
- 1 egg (for filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped (for ganache)
- 1 tbsp butter (for shine in ganache)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add 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 them with parchment paper. In a large bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Slowly stir in the 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 the 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 the cakes cool completely before removing from the pans.
- Ganache (Optional): Heat the cream just to a simmer. Pour over the 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.
Notes
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, dessert, cream cheese filling