Indulge your sweet tooth with the ultimate dessert – Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling. This recipe combines the rich, deep flavors of Hershey’s cocoa with the creamy, tangy taste of cream cheese, creating a luxurious treat that’s perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or a delightful end to a cozy dinner. Follow this step-by-step guide to make your own delectable masterpiece that will impress any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Hershey’s Cocoa
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 2/3 cup Hershey’s Cocoa
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
- In a large bowl, stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour it into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until creamy. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Frosting:
- Melt the butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add a small amount of additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Use a long serrated knife to slice each cake layer horizontally into two layers. You will have four layers in total.
- Place one layer on the cake plate. Spread with one-third of the cream cheese filling. Top with another cake layer, and repeat the layering of cream cheese filling and cake layers, ending with a cake layer on top.
- Frost the outside of the cake with the chocolate frosting.
Tips for Success
- Ensure all ingredients, especially eggs and dairy, are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and filling.
- For a moist cake, do not overbake. Check the cake at the minimum baking time.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before filling and frosting to prevent the layers from sliding or the frosting from melting.
Conclusion
Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is more than just a cake; it’s a show-stopping dessert that marries the intensity of cocoa with the soft, silky texture of cream cheese. Each bite is a blend of comforting chocolate and a whisper of tangy creaminess, making it a perfect choice for any occasion that calls for something special. Try this recipe today and see just how irresistible it is!
Serving and Storage Tips for Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling
Whether you’re planning a special celebration or just want to treat your family to a slice of decadence, Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a delightful choice. To make the most out of your baking endeavor, here are essential serving and storage tips to ensure every slice is as perfect as the last.
Serving Tips
- Room Temperature Perfection: For the best flavor and texture, serve the cake at room temperature. If refrigerated, take it out about an hour before serving to let it warm slightly. This enhances the cake’s moistness and brings out the full richness of the chocolate and cream cheese.
- Slice With Care: Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife to cut your cake. For cleaner slices, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut. This method melts through the chocolate and cream cheese layers smoothly, creating beautiful, clean slices.
- Accompaniments: Enhance your serving with simple additions. A dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even fresh berries can complement the deep chocolate flavor. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or chocolate shavings can also add a touch of elegance.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate for Freshness: Due to the cream cheese filling, it’s best to store this cake in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. Properly stored, the cake will last for up to 5 days. Make sure the container is airtight to keep the cake from absorbing other flavors and odors from the fridge.
- Freezing for Longevity: If you have leftovers or want to save the cake for a later date, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual cake slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil over the wrap to protect against freezer burn. Stored this way, the cake can last up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Avoid Heat and Light: Always store the cake away from direct sunlight and any warm spots in your kitchen to prevent melting or spoilage of the cream cheese frosting and filling.
- Refreshing a Refrigerated Cake: If you find the refrigerated cake too firm, you can lightly microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the frosting and filling can melt unevenly.
By following these serving and storage tips, your Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling will maintain its delightful texture and taste, making each serving as enjoyable as the first. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet indulgence, this cake promises satisfaction with every bite.
FAQ 1: Can I make this cake in advance?
Answer: Yes, you can prepare Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling in advance, making it a convenient option for events and gatherings. The fully assembled cake can be made a day or two before serving and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it properly to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors.
FAQ 2: Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?
Answer: While this recipe specifically calls for Hershey’s Cocoa, you can substitute it with any unsweetened cocoa powder. However, using Hershey’s Cocoa is recommended to achieve the rich and distinctive flavor intended in the original recipe. If you opt for a Dutch-processed cocoa powder, keep in mind that it might alter the color and flavor slightly due to its different acid content.
FAQ 3: What if I don’t have two 9-inch cake pans?
Answer: If you don’t have two 9-inch cake pans, you can bake the batter in one deeper pan, such as a 9×13-inch pan, and adjust the baking time accordingly—typically adding 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye to ensure it doesn’t overbake. Once cooled, you can slice the cake in half to create two layers or even make a single-layer cake with cream cheese filling on top.
FAQ 4: How do I know when the cake layers are done baking?
Answer: The best way to check if your cake layers are done is to insert a toothpick or a cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, or with a few moist crumbs attached but no wet batter, the cake is done. Additionally, the cake should pull away slightly from the edges of the pan, and the surface should spring back when lightly pressed.