Chocolate Cake With Cream Cheese Filling
Rich and moist chocolate cake layered with a creamy cream cheese filling and topped with chocolate chips. Perfect for celebrations or indulgent desserts, this cake offers deep cocoa flavor complemented by the tang of cream cheese. Its luscious texture and sweet-savory balance appeal to chocolate lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa, oil, boiling water, milk, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Cream together the remaining ingredients: cream cheese, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Use half of the chocolate cake batter to spread in the prepared baking pan.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture and half of the chocolate chips on top of this batter.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the filling and sprinkle with the rest of the chocolate chips.
- Bake at 350°F for approximately 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer chocolate flavor, try using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. You can substitute the oil with melted butter for a denser texture. If you need a dairy-free option, use almond milk and a vegan cream cheese alternative. Ensure your cream cheese is softened for easier mixing to achieve a smooth filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chocolate cake at room temperature or slightly warmed, topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh fruit salad on the side for a refreshing contrast. Consider browsing more American recipes for a complete dessert menu.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chocolate cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds, or warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Cake With Cream Cheese Filling contains roughly 669 calories, with 7g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is a good source of calcium (17% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and protein (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 938mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this chocolate cake can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator if you’ve already added the cream cheese filling. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a dairy-free alternative, use a vegan cream cheese or a mixture of silken tofu blended with a bit of vanilla and sugar to mimic the texture and flavor of cream cheese.
How can I ensure the cake is moist?
To keep the cake moist, make sure not to overbake it. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Adding boiling water to the batter also helps create a rich, moist cake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).