Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

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Sure! Here’s a long-form, rich and detailed recipe for Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling, including history, preparation methods, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, and even a sweet note for chocolate cake lovers. 🍫❤️

🍫 Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

An Irresistible Classic with a Lush Creamy Heart

🕰️ A Slice of History

Chocolate cake, beloved by millions around the world, has a rich heritage dating back to the 18th century when chocolate became more widely available. It was only in the 19th century that chocolate was added to cakes, and recipes began appearing in cookbooks. Cream cheese, on the other hand, dates back to 1872 in the U.S., with the creation of what we now know as Philadelphia cream cheese.

Combining the depth of a rich chocolate cake with the tangy smoothness of cream cheese creates a decadent dessert that satisfies the sweet tooth and the soul. This recipe is a celebration of tradition and indulgence — perfect for birthdays, holidays, or when you simply need a hug in the form of dessert.

🍰 Recipe: Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

📋 Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake Batter:

  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) hot water or hot brewed coffee (for extra richness)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese (room temperature)
  • ⅓ cup (70g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional: ½ cup (90g) mini chocolate chips

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping (Optional but heavenly):

  • 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp butter (for shine)

🛠️ Tools You’ll Need:

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Saucepan (for ganache, optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔸 Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans or line with parchment.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth (about 2 minutes).
  4. Slowly mix in the hot water or coffee. Batter will be thin — that’s normal! It results in a moist, tender cake.

🔸 Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

  1. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Beat until well combined and creamy.
  3. Fold in mini chocolate chips if using.

🔸 Step 3: Assemble the Cake

  • If using two pans: Pour half of the chocolate batter into each pan. Spoon dollops of cream cheese filling into the center of each, avoiding the edges. Top with remaining chocolate batter.
  • If using a 9×13 pan: Pour in half the batter, layer the cream cheese filling, then top with the rest of the batter.

🔸 Step 4: Bake

  • Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

🔸 Step 5: Optional – Make the Ganache

  1. Heat the cream until just simmering.
  2. Pour over the chocolate chips and butter.
  3. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then stir until silky smooth.
  4. Pour over cooled cake and let set.

💡 Tips & Variations

  • Substitute sour cream for milk for a denser texture.
  • Add a layer of raspberry or cherry preserves on top of the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
  • For a more rustic presentation, bake in a Bundt pan and swirl the cream cheese mixture in.

💞 For Chocolate Lovers…

There’s something magical about the combination of deep, dark chocolate and cool, tangy cream cheese. This cake is for all the chocolate lovers who close their eyes with each bite, for the bakers who find joy in layering flavors, and for everyone who believes dessert is a love language.

🧠 Formation & Chemistry

  • Cocoa + Baking Soda = A tender, fluffy crumb from the reaction between alkaline cocoa and baking soda.
  • Hot Water/Coffee = Enhances the cocoa flavor and ensures a moist cake.
  • Cream Cheese Layer = Balances sweetness and adds texture contrast.
  • Oil vs. Butter = Oil keeps it soft and moist longer than butter would.

📝 Conclusion

This Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is more than a dessert — it’s an experience. From its velvety crumb to the luscious surprise inside, it’s designed to impress and satisfy. Whether you’re celebrating or simply indulging in the art of baking, this cake is a go-to recipe that brings joy to the kitchen and the table.

So grab your whisk, turn on your oven, and bake with love. Because the best things in life are sweet — and filled with cream cheese. 🍰❤️

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