Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

There’s something enchanting about the aroma of freshly baked chocolate cake drifting through the kitchen. It feels like a warm embrace, a soft whisper that promises comfort and indulgence. This Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is a dessert that captures that feeling perfectly—rich, moist layers of deep cocoa sweetness intertwined with velvety cream cheese ribbons that melt delicately on your tongue.

Every bite tells a story of balance—the boldness of chocolate softened by the creamy, slightly tangy filling. It’s an experience that makes you close your eyes for a moment and simply enjoy. Whether you’re baking it for a celebration, a cozy weekend at home, or as a heartfelt gift, this cake never fails to make an impression.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake combines classic flavor with an elegant twist. It’s not just sweet—it’s sophisticated. You’ll love how the cream cheese filling swirls beautifully through the dark chocolate layers, creating a marbled pattern that’s as stunning to look at as it is delicious. What makes it truly special is how effortlessly it comes together, even if you’re not an experienced baker.

• Moist and rich texture: Every forkful is tender and soft, thanks to the combination of milk, oil, and cocoa.
• Perfect contrast: The creamy filling complements the deep chocolate flavor in the most irresistible way.
• Beautiful presentation: When sliced, each piece reveals elegant layers that look bakery-perfect.
• Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples, yet tastes like something from a fine dessert café.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather everything you’ll need for both the cake and the cream cheese filling. Having your ingredients ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

For the Chocolate Cake

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• 1½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee for a deeper flavor)

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation

The beauty of this Hershey’s Chocolate Cake lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity. You don’t need fancy tools or professional techniques—just a little patience, a good whisk, and your love for chocolate. Here’s how you can bring this rich dessert to life.

Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). There’s something cozy about this moment—the soft hum of the oven warming up, the promise of sweetness filling the air. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to make removing the cakes later effortless.

Make the Chocolate Batter

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting ensures a smooth, lump-free texture and helps the cake bake evenly. The cocoa’s dark hue will already make the mixture look rich and inviting.

Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about two minutes, just until everything becomes velvety and uniform. The batter will start to thicken slightly and shine with that irresistible chocolate glow.

Now comes the secret touch that transforms this from good to unforgettable—pour in the cup of boiling water or hot coffee. Don’t be alarmed when the batter becomes thinner; that’s exactly what makes this cake stay moist and soft. The heat deepens the chocolate flavor and gives the crumb its tender texture.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a smaller bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, then continue mixing until the texture turns creamy and glossy. The aroma alone is enough to make you smile—it’s the perfect blend of sweetness and silkiness.

Assemble the Layers

Pour half of the chocolate batter evenly into the two prepared pans. Using a spoon, drop gentle dollops of the cream cheese mixture across the surface of the batter. With a thin knife or skewer, create soft swirls—don’t overmix; you want delicate ribbons of cream cheese running through the cake.

Pour the remaining chocolate batter over the top, spreading it carefully to cover the filling. The contrast between the dark chocolate and pale cream cheese is simply mesmerizing—it already looks like art before even baking.

Bake to Perfection

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs. The kitchen will soon fill with the rich aroma of melted chocolate and baked cocoa—a scent that instantly feels like home.

Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps prevent cracks and keeps the texture soft and tender. Be gentle—these layers are delicate and full of flavor.

Optional: Add a Luxurious Frosting

While this cake is stunning on its own, you can make it even more decadent by adding a light layer of chocolate ganache or whipped cream. A drizzle of ganache made from warm cream and melted chocolate will give the cake a glossy, bakery-style finish. For a softer look, use sweetened whipped cream and sprinkle with cocoa dust.

Why This Cake Steals Hearts

There’s something magical about the texture—the way the moist chocolate layers meet the smooth cream cheese swirls. It’s not just another cake; it’s a comforting experience that feels both indulgent and familiar. The subtle tang from the cream cheese balances the deep chocolate, making each bite perfectly satisfying.

It’s a cake that fits any moment: birthdays, holidays, dinner gatherings, or even a quiet Sunday afternoon with a cup of coffee. Every time you serve it, someone will ask for the recipe, and you’ll smile, knowing you’ve created a small moment of

Serving Suggestions

Serving this Hershey’s Chocolate and Cream Cheese Cake is an experience all on its own. The delicate marbling of dark chocolate and creamy filling looks stunning on any dessert table, whether you choose to serve it plain or with elegant toppings. If you’re feeling a touch festive, a light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder adds a graceful finish without overpowering the flavors.

For an even more luxurious presentation, consider topping each slice with a swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. A few chocolate curls or shavings scattered on the plate will transform a simple dessert into something worthy of a special celebration. And if you’re sharing it during the holidays, a few red berries or a mint leaf make the perfect seasonal accent.

Pair it with your favorite hot drink — a steaming cup of coffee, a frothy cappuccino, or even a glass of cold milk. The balance of sweetness and richness will make each bite feel comforting, indulgent, and unforgettable. If you’re entertaining guests, serve the cake slightly chilled for a firmer cream cheese texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft crumb of the chocolate.

Pro Tips for Perfection

• Use high-quality cocoa: The flavor of your chocolate cake depends greatly on the cocoa powder. Hershey’s cocoa gives a rich, deep chocolate taste that’s both bold and smooth.
• Do not overbake: The key to keeping your cake moist is removing it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out with a few crumbs attached. Overbaking dries it out.
• Let it rest before cutting: Allow your cake to cool completely before slicing. This resting time helps the filling set and makes clean, beautiful slices.
• Try layering: For special occasions, you can slice each baked layer in half and create four thin layers with cream cheese frosting or ganache between them. The result is truly show-stopping.
• Store properly: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to five days — it tastes even better on the second day as the flavors deepen.

Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Cake

This isn’t just another chocolate dessert; it’s a love letter to comfort, warmth, and indulgence. The moment your fork glides through the tender crumb and creamy center, you’ll understand why this recipe has earned its place in so many family kitchens. It’s the kind of dessert that speaks softly — elegant, balanced, and completely irresistible.

There’s a beautiful harmony between the sweetness of chocolate and the slight tang of cream cheese that makes this cake unforgettable. It’s the perfect treat to bring to gatherings, share with loved ones, or simply enjoy quietly on your own. The satisfaction comes not only from its flavor but also from knowing you created something so beautiful and comforting with your own hands.

A Moment to Indulge

Imagine a soft, warm slice served on your favorite plate, the chocolate aroma mingling with the faint sweetness of vanilla. Each bite melts effortlessly, leaving behind a velvety texture that lingers just long enough to make you crave another. That’s the magic of this Hershey’s Chocolate and Cream Cheese Cake — it doesn’t just feed your sweet tooth; it fills your soul with a quiet kind of happiness.

Whether baked for a special occasion or simply to brighten an ordinary day, this cake always delivers. It’s one of those recipes you’ll make once and never forget — a timeless classic that reminds us that the simplest ingredients can create the most luxurious moments.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to bake something that feels both comforting and sophisticated, this is the recipe. It’s easy enough for a cozy weekend project yet elegant enough to impress at dinner parties. The blend of deep chocolate flavor and silky cream cheese filling creates a harmony that’s simply divine.

What makes it truly special is its versatility — it can be served as a casual coffee cake, a romantic dessert for two, or the centerpiece of a holiday feast. The texture is tender, the taste unforgettable, and the preparation surprisingly simple. You’ll find yourself baking it again and again, not just because it’s delicious, but because it brings a little magic to your kitchen every single time.

So go ahead — preheat the oven, tie on your apron, and let the aroma of chocolate fill your home. The joy of baking this cake is just as sweet as that first perfect bite. And when you serve it, watch how faces light up, how laughter fills the room, and how this simple creation turns into a shared memory. Because that’s what baking is all about — love, warmth, and a touch of sweetness that lingers long after the last crumb is gone.