HERSHEY’S Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

Introduction

If you’re a chocolate lover who believes dessert should be rich, creamy, and downright irresistible, then you’re in for a real treat today. This HERSHEY’S Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is the kind of dessert that stops conversations mid-sentence and makes people ask for seconds before they’ve even finished their first slice. With its deep chocolate flavor, ultra-moist crumb, and surprise layer of tangy cream cheese filling, this cake is pure comfort wrapped in cocoa goodness 🍫.

I still remember the first time I made this cake for a family gathering. I thought it would be “just another chocolate cake,” but it quickly became the most talked-about dessert at the table. One bite in, and everyone wanted the recipe. Fun fact: chocolate cakes with cream cheese fillings became popular in American home baking because they balance sweetness with a slight tang—making them impossible to overindulge in… or so we tell ourselves!

What makes this cake truly special is how simple and approachable it is. No fancy equipment, no complicated techniques, and no hours spent in the kitchen. It’s family-friendly, beginner-approved, and perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home.

If you’ve loved our classic Old-Fashioned Chocolate Fudge Cake, this recipe takes things up a notch with a creamy surprise inside. Stick around—you’re going to love every step of making (and eating) this cake.

What is HERSHEY’S Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling?

So, what’s really behind the name HERSHEY’S Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling? Is it a cake? Is it cheesecake? Is it a chocolate dream come true? The answer is yes—to all of it! 😄 This cake gets its name from the iconic HERSHEY’S cocoa that gives it that bold, nostalgic chocolate flavor, paired with a smooth cream cheese filling tucked right in the middle.

Think of it as the best of both worlds. Chocolate cake on the outside, creamy goodness on the inside—kind of like a sweet surprise you didn’t know you needed. Legend has it (okay, kitchen legend) that this cake was created by someone who couldn’t choose between chocolate cake and cheesecake. And honestly, we respect that decision.

As the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but let’s be real—this cake wins over everyone. Go ahead, grab your apron, and give this crowd-pleasing dessert a try!

Why You’ll Love This HERSHEY’S Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

1. The Ultimate Chocolate-Cream Combo

The star of this recipe is the contrast: a deeply chocolatey, moist cake wrapped around a rich yet slightly tangy cream cheese filling. Every bite melts in your mouth, balancing sweetness and creaminess perfectly.

2. Budget-Friendly Bakery-Style Dessert

Why spend money on expensive bakery cakes when you can make this showstopper at home? Using simple pantry staples like HERSHEY’S cocoa powder, sugar, and cream cheese, this cake delivers bakery-quality results at a fraction of the cost.

3. Irresistible Flavor and Texture

From the velvety filling to the soft cake crumb, the textures are as impressive as the flavors. If you enjoyed our Chocolate Layer Cake with Vanilla Frosting, this recipe offers a richer, more indulgent twist.

Once you try it, you’ll wonder how this cake hasn’t been on your regular baking rotation already—so preheat that oven and let’s get started!

How to Make HERSHEY’S Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

Quick Overview

This cake is surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not an experienced baker. You’ll prepare a simple chocolate cake batter, whip up a quick cream cheese filling, layer them together, and let the oven do the magic. The result? A moist, rich cake with a creamy center that looks impressive but takes just about 20 minutes of prep time and under an hour to bake.

Key Ingredients for HERSHEY’S Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• ¾ cup HERSHEY’S unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1½ teaspoons baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1 cup whole milk

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup hot water or hot coffee (for deeper chocolate flavor)

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round pans and lightly dust with cocoa powder.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

3. Add Wet Ingredients
   Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat with a mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.

4. Incorporate Hot Liquid
   Slowly pour in the hot water or coffee, mixing gently. The batter will be thin—this is exactly what you want.

5. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
   In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla, mixing until creamy and lump-free.

6. Assemble the Cake
   Pour half of the chocolate batter into the prepared pan. Carefully spread the cream cheese filling over it, then top with the remaining chocolate batter.

7. Bake
   Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean. Let cool completely before slicing.

What to Serve HERSHEY’S Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling With

• A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream

• Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries

• A drizzle of chocolate ganache or caramel sauce

• Hot coffee, cappuccino, or a cold glass of milk

These pairings enhance the cake’s richness and make it perfect for both casual desserts and special occasions.

Top Tips for Perfecting HERSHEY’S Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling

• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and filling.

• Don’t overmix once the flour is added—this keeps the cake tender.

• Swap hot water with hot brewed coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor.

• Avoid overbaking; check the cake early to keep it moist.

• For extra indulgence, frost the top with chocolate cream cheese frosting.

Storing and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese filling.

• Freezing: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, or microwave gently for 10–15 seconds. Frozen slices should thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.

This HERSHEY’S Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling is proof that a homemade dessert can be easy, affordable, and unforgettable. Once you bake it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your most-requested recipe—happy baking! 🍰