Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling 🍫🎂
This Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a dessert worth celebrating. Imagine ultra-moist, fudgy layers of cocoa-rich cake sandwiching a sweet, tangy cream cheese center. It’s like the perfect mash-up of chocolate cake and cheesecake in one stunning slice!
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, potluck, holiday, or just a Tuesday chocolate craving, this cake has a way of stealing the spotlight. And while it may look bakery-level, it’s surprisingly simple to pull off with pantry staples and basic mixing bowls.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I adore most is the unexpected contrast. The rich, dark cocoa cake plays off the cool, creamy tang of the cream cheese filling, creating a layered texture that’s every bit as indulgent as it sounds. It’s the kind of dessert people will think came from a fancy patisserie… until they realize you made it from scratch.
Plus, the option to frost (or not) means it’s easy to customize—fancy it up with swirls of chocolate frosting or keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Chocolate Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Swaps and Notes
- No buttermilk? Mix 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar into 1 cup of milk and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—just watch bake times.
- Frosting-free option: A dusting of powdered sugar works great if you want a lighter finish.
- Add-ins: Fold mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese layer for extra indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment circles.
2. Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Then carefully stir in hot water—batter will be thin.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until creamy and lump-free.
4. Assemble the Layers
Pour half the chocolate batter into the prepared pans. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the center of each. Spread gently, keeping it from reaching the very edges. Pour remaining chocolate batter on top.
5. Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
6. Cool
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before frosting or serving.
7. Optional Frosting
Beat softened butter with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until fluffy. Frost the top and sides once cakes are fully cooled, or stack the layers for an extra wow-factor.
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the hot water—it activates the cocoa and keeps the batter beautifully smooth.
- Let the cream cheese filling cool fully to avoid shifting when slicing.
- Use a serrated knife for clean cuts, especially with the cream cheese layer.
- Make ahead: Cake layers can be baked a day in advance and frosted later.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This rich dessert pairs beautifully with:
- A tall glass of milk or cold brew coffee
- Fresh berries to cut the richness
- A spread of sweet treats like these Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs or this Brownie Batter Dip
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Room Temp: Store covered for 2 days if unfrosted.
- Fridge: If frosted or filled, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
More Chocolate Recipes You’ll Love
- The Best Peanut Butter Brownies – rich and nutty with a gooey center
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – tiny but mighty sweet treats
- This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie – creamy, cool, and crowd-approved
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a dream dessert for any occasion—a marriage of chocolate and cheesecake that’s as decadent as it is doable. It’s impressive on the plate and unforgettable on the palate.
If you bake it, be sure to share your twist in the comments—and follow ChefManiac.com for even more dessert inspiration that delivers every time. 🍰✨
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