🍫 Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling: A Decadent Dessert You’ll Fall in Love With
If you’re looking for the ultimate indulgent dessert, this Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is everything you could dream of and more. Imagine a moist, rich chocolate cake wrapped around a sweet, tangy cream cheese center—each bite is the perfect balance of cocoa flavor and velvety richness. It’s the kind of cake that turns an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.
Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday celebration, dinner party, or just a weekend treat, this layered chocolate cake with a surprise cream cheese filling will wow your family, friends, and guests.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling
- Moist and rich: The chocolate cake is tender, soft, and deeply flavorful.
- Creamy center: The sweet cream cheese filling adds the perfect contrast in taste and texture.
- Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better the next day.
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, holidays, or as a decadent everyday dessert.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves the chocolate and cream cheese combo!
🧾 Ingredients
This recipe yields one 9-inch double-layer cake or a 9×13-inch sheet cake with cream cheese filling.
âś… For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water (enhances chocolate flavor)
âś… For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
âś… Optional Chocolate Frosting (for topping):
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
👩‍🍳 How to Make Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, vanilla, and flour. Beat until creamy and set aside.
3. Mix the Chocolate Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until light. Add oil, buttermilk, and vanilla. Slowly add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Stir in hot coffee or water until batter is smooth and thin.
4. Layer the Cake
Pour half of the chocolate batter into the prepared pan. Carefully spoon the cream cheese filling over the top, spreading gently. Pour the remaining cake batter on top to cover the filling.
đź”” Tip: Don’t mix the layers—let them bake into a beautiful swirl!
5. Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (test the chocolate portion). Let cool completely in the pan.
6. Frost (Optional)
To make the frosting, beat butter and cocoa until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Spread over cooled cake.
đź’ˇ Tips for Perfect Results
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
- Don’t overmix the cream cheese layer or it might turn runny.
- Hot coffee or hot water intensifies the chocolate flavor—don’t skip it!
- Chill before slicing for cleaner layers and a firmer filling.
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
🍰 Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Raspberry: Add fresh or frozen raspberries to the cream cheese layer.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Mix in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with the cream cheese.
- Chocolate Chip Filling: Fold mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese filling.
- Red Velvet Version: Use a red velvet cake base instead of chocolate.
- Marble Effect: Gently swirl the cream cheese into the cake for a marbled look.
🧊 Storage & Make Ahead
- Refrigerate: Because of the cream cheese, store the cake in the refrigerator.
- Make ahead: Bake the cake 1–2 days in advance and keep chilled until serving.
- Freeze: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
🎉 Serving Suggestions
Serve this chocolate cake with cream cheese filling:
- With a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream
- With fresh strawberries or raspberries on top
- Drizzled with chocolate ganache or caramel sauce
- With a dusting of powdered sugar and cocoa
âť“ FAQ: Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling
Can I use a boxed cake mix?
Yes! You can use your favorite chocolate cake mix to save time. Just make the cream cheese filling as described and layer it the same way.
Do I need to refrigerate this cake?
Yes, due to the cream cheese filling, it’s best to store the cake in the refrigerator.
Can I use mascarpone instead of cream cheese?
Yes, but mascarpone is richer and softer, so add an extra tablespoon of flour for structure.
Can I make this as cupcakes?
Absolutely! Fill cupcake liners halfway with chocolate batter, spoon in a dollop of cream cheese filling, and top with more batter. Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
đź“Ś Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is an irresistible dessert that blends the richness of chocolate with the creamy tang of cheesecake. It’s easy to make, beautifully layered, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or just a treat for yourself, this cake is the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a family favorite—one bite is all it takes to fall in love!