Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

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Introduction:

Satisfy your chocolate cravings and elevate your dessert game with this irresistible Hershey’s Chocolate Cake filled with creamy cream cheese and topped with decadent chocolate cream cheese buttercream. Perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats, this recipe combines rich flavors and indulgent textures to create a dessert masterpiece that will impress any chocolate lover. Let’s dive into the details and discover how to create this heavenly dessert at home.

Ingredients:

Delve into chocolatey bliss with this lineup of ingredients:

  • 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
  • 1 cup Cream Cheese, softened (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (for filling)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for filling)
  • 1/2 cup Butter, softened (for chocolate cream cheese buttercream)
  • 1/2 cup Cream Cheese, softened (for chocolate cream cheese buttercream)
  • 3/4 cup Hershey’s Cocoa (for chocolate cream cheese buttercream)
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar (for chocolate cream cheese buttercream)
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract (for chocolate cream cheese buttercream)
  • 2-4 tablespoons Milk (as needed, for chocolate cream cheese buttercream)

Instructions:

Follow these steps to embark on a chocolate-filled adventure:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round baking pans by greasing and flouring them.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract, and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth.
  3. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
  4. While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese filling by beating cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. For the chocolate cream cheese buttercream, beat butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add cocoa and powdered sugar, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract and adjust the consistency with milk as needed.
  6. Once the cakes are completely cool, slice each layer horizontally to create four layers. Place one layer on your serving plate and spread with one-third of the cream cheese filling. Repeat with the remaining layers and filling. Frost the entire cake with the chocolate cream cheese buttercream.
  7. Serve and indulge in the decadent delight of Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling!

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serve at Room Temperature: For the best texture and flavor, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving. This allows the cream cheese filling and chocolate cream cheese buttercream to soften slightly, enhancing the overall eating experience.
  2. Slice with a Warm Knife: To ensure clean slices without sticking, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry before slicing the cake. Repeat this process between each slice for perfectly neat servings.
  3. Store in the Refrigerator: Due to the cream cheese filling and buttercream frosting, Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling should be stored in the refrigerator. Place any leftover cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors in the fridge.
  4. Use Within 3-4 Days: Consume the cake within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture. While it will remain safe to eat for a longer period when stored properly, the quality may begin to degrade over time.
  5. Bring to Room Temperature Before Enjoying: When ready to enjoy leftover cake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to soften slightly.
  6. Freeze for Longer Storage: If you have a large amount of leftover cake or want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze individual slices or the entire cake. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  7. Protect the Cake During Storage: To prevent the cake from drying out or absorbing other flavors in the refrigerator, consider placing a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between slices or layers if stacking them.
  8. Refresh with Additional Frosting: If the cake has been stored for a few days and the frosting appears dry or dull, you can freshen it up by spreading a thin layer of additional chocolate cream cheese buttercream on top before serving.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling stays fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.

FAQ’s:

1. Can I make Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling in advance?

  • Yes, you can prepare the cake layers, cream cheese filling, and chocolate cream cheese buttercream in advance and assemble them when ready to serve. Store the components separately in the refrigerator and assemble the cake just before serving for optimal freshness.

2. Can I use a different type of cocoa for this recipe?

  • While Hershey’s Cocoa is recommended for its rich flavor and smooth texture, you can use any unsweetened cocoa powder of your choice. Just ensure it is of good quality to achieve the best results.

3. Can I substitute the cream cheese in the filling and frosting with another ingredient?

  • Cream cheese adds a unique tanginess and richness to the filling and frosting, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese for a slightly different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.

4. How should I store leftover cake?

  • Store leftover Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, you can wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for longer storage.

5. Can I omit the cream cheese filling and just use frosting?

  • While the cream cheese filling adds a delicious layer of flavor and texture to the cake, you can omit it if desired and simply use the chocolate cream cheese buttercream for both filling and frosting.

6. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

  • Yes, you can make Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Ensure all other ingredients used are gluten-free as well.

7. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cake batter?

  • Absolutely! Feel free to customize the cake by adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or other mix-ins to the batter before baking. This adds extra flavor and texture to the cake.

8. How do I prevent the cake layers from sticking to the pan?

  • To prevent the cake layers from sticking to the pan, ensure that you grease and flour the pans thoroughly before pouring in the batter. You can also line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper for extra insurance.

9. Can I make cupcakes instead of a layer cake with this recipe?

  • Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to make cupcakes instead of a layer cake. Simply divide the batter evenly among lined cupcake tins and adjust the baking time accordingly.

10. Can I use this recipe to make a different size or shape of cake?

  • Yes, you can adjust the size and shape of the cake by using different baking pans. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the cakes as they bake to ensure they don’t overcook.

Conclusion:

Elevate your dessert experience with the luxurious combination of Hershey’s chocolate, creamy cream cheese filling, and decadent chocolate cream cheese buttercream. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a sweet treat to indulge in, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and leave a lasting impression on all who indulge in its chocolatey goodness. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of pure indulgence with this heavenly Hershey’s Chocolate Cake recipe.

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