Indulge in pure chocolate bliss with this Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling! Imagine the rich cocoa-infused layers of a classic chocolate cake, laced with a silky, tangy cream cheese filling that swirls through every bite. This cake is not just a showstopper—it’s a genuinely foolproof recipe that always turns out tender, moist, and lusciously decadent. Whether it’s for a birthday, a holiday feast, or simply a treat after a long week, this dessert guarantees happiness and a flood of requests for seconds (and the recipe!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredient list. Each one plays an essential role in ensuring you get that perfect balance of deep chocolate richness and creamy tang. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and keeps the cake light yet sturdy.
- Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers unmistakable chocolate flavor and a deep, dark color.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cake and cream cheese filling, balancing the cocoa’s intensity.
- Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to give the cake a lovely rise and fluffy crumb.
- Salt: Brings out the natural flavors and heightens the chocolate and filling.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and help with the cake’s texture and richness.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake crumb.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake ultra-moist, even after chilling or freezing.
- Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and brings all the flavors together.
- Boiling water: Enhances the cocoa’s flavor for a more intense chocolate experience and creates an airy batter.
- Cream cheese (softened): Forms the tangy, creamy ribbon that takes this cake over the top.
- Optional frosting/topping (powdered sugar, ganache, or whipped cream): Adds a gorgeous finishing touch and extra indulgence.
How to Make Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Either grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans—whatever your heart desires! Lining with parchment can make lifting out slices a breeze, but a thorough greasing works beautifully too.
Step 2: Mix the Chocolate Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps evenly disperse your leaveners and cocoa, ensuring a uniform, moist crumb. Add your eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes; you’ll notice the mixture start to look glossy and smooth. Finally, gently stir in the boiling water—the batter will be thin, and that’s the secret to a tender, ultra-moist Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until completely smooth and creamy. This simple blend is what gives each slice its signature swirl and delightful tang, perfectly complementing the rich cocoa flavors.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl
For a 9×13 pan, pour half the chocolate batter into the prepared pan, then gently dollop the cream cheese filling over it in an even layer. Pour the rest of your chocolate batter on top, and spread gently, taking care not to disrupt the filling too much. For round pans, evenly divide the batter, spoon the cream cheese filling in the center of each, and use a knife to gently swirl, creating those crave-worthy ribbons throughout.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake. For a 9×13-inch pan, bake for 40–45 minutes; if you’re using round pans, bake for 30–35 minutes. You’re looking for a toothpick inserted near the center to come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (avoid the cream cheese pockets for the cleanest test). Let the cake cool completely—it sets up as it rests, and slicing is so much easier!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once cooled, dust your Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling with powdered sugar, or drizzle with a luscious chocolate ganache or dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra celebratory. Slice, serve, and watch the smiles appear!
How to Serve Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but why not dress things up? Try a glossy chocolate ganache poured over the top, delicate chocolate curls, fresh berries, or even edible flowers. Each option enhances both the looks and the flavor of your Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream, or a handful of raspberries for a little tang. If you’re serving it at a celebration, coffee or espresso makes an excellent companion, cutting through the richness with just the right amount of contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the usual slices—try cutting into elegant squares for a party platter, serving small rounds as individual layer cakes, or even stacking slices with extra whipped cream for a festive cake “trifle.” Presentation adds a touch of magic to every bite of Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling will stay moist and fresh for up to five days—though it rarely lasts that long!
Freezing
This cake is freezer-friendly! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without frosting) in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying again—you’ll never know it wasn’t baked fresh!
Reheating
To revive that just-baked softness, let cold slices come to room temperature, or gently warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If serving with ganache or whipped cream, add toppings after reheating.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cocoa powder with another brand?
Absolutely! While Hershey’s cocoa powder ensures that signature taste and color, you can substitute another high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder in a pinch. Flavor and depth may vary slightly but the cake will still be delicious.
How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from sinking?
Make sure your cream cheese mixture is thick (softened but not melted cream cheese is key), and try not to over-mix it into the cake batter. Gently layering or swirling will give beautiful, even ribbons throughout the Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling.
Can this cake be made gluten free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Be sure the blend contains a binder like xanthan gum for best results, and check other ingredient labels to ensure everything is gluten free.
What’s the best way to slice this cake cleanly?
Allow the cake to cool completely (chilling helps too!), then use a long, sharp knife and wipe it between cuts. This keeps the layers defined and each slice picture-perfect.
Can I add other mix-ins or flavors?
Feel free to get creative! Mini chocolate chips, a bit of orange zest, or even a sprinkle of instant espresso in the dry mix will add new layers of flavor to your Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re celebrating something special or simply craving the ultimate chocolate treat, baking Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling will become your new go-to. There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and creamy filling that always delights. Don’t wait for an occasion—make it soon, share it with loved ones, and create the kinds of memories that always start in the kitchen!
