Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Layers is the ultimate dessert delight that brings together rich, moist chocolate goodness paired with irresistibly creamy layers of tangy cream cheese frosting. This combination creates a perfect balance of decadent and smooth textures, making it a standout cake that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Moist Texture: Every bite melts effortlessly thanks to Hershey’s quality cocoa powder and perfectly balanced ingredients.
Cream Cheese Layers: The creamy, slightly tangy frosting perfectly complements the deep chocolate flavor for a heavenly contrast.
User-Friendly Approach: Simple steps and straightforward ingredients make this recipe easy enough for bakers at any skill level.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual dessert, it fits beautifully into any celebration setting.
Visually Stunning: Beautifully layered slices look impressive and inviting without requiring advanced decorating skills.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of essential ingredients that work together to create rich flavor, moist crumb, and a creamy frosting texture. Each element plays a unique role, whether building chocolate depth or adding silky smoothness.

Hershey’s Cocoa Powder: Provides the signature rich chocolate flavor that defines this cake.
All-Purpose Flour: The base structure ensuring the cake is tender but sturdy enough to hold its shape.
Sugar: Balances the bitterness of the cocoa and creates that melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness and keeps the cake moist and soft.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture and richness to the batter.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate’s natural flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: Help the cake rise perfectly for a light, fluffy texture.
Cream Cheese: The star ingredient for the frosting, lending a tangy, creamy element.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layers while keeping the frosting smooth and spreadable.
Milk or Cream: Adjusts the frosting consistency for that perfect spreadability.

Variations for Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Layers

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! It’s incredibly easy to customize based on what you have in the pantry, your personal tastes, or dietary needs. Here are some tasty twists and swaps to try out.

Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans between layers for a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
Decadent Chocolate Chips: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for gooey pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make everyone feel included without losing texture.
Fruit Infusion: Add raspberry or cherry preserves between the cream cheese layers to introduce a fruity zing.
Vegan Twist: Use dairy-free cream cheese and substitute eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based version.

Why Hershey's Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Layers Rocks

How to Make Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Layers

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven and greasing your cake pans. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet, alternating with milk to keep the batter smooth and luscious.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cakes should spring back at a gentle press and have a rich chocolate aroma. Let them cool completely to ensure the cream cheese frosting doesn’t melt when applied.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then a splash of milk or cream until the frosting reaches a spreadable, velvety texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting evenly on top, then add the second cake layer. Repeat if you have more layers, and finish by frosting the top and sides smoothly or with rustic swirls for a homemade charm.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least an hour to allow the frosting layers to set perfectly. This step helps with slicing clean pieces and creating a wonderful texture balance when served.

Pro Tips for Making Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Layers

Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese ensures textures blend smoothly and the cake bakes evenly.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep the cake tender and prevent a dense crumb.
Use Quality Cocoa: Hershey’s cocoa powder gives the recipe its signature deep chocolate flavor you won’t want to substitute.
Chill the Frosting: If your cream cheese frosting feels too soft, refrigerate it briefly before spreading for easier application.
Layer Evenly: Level your cake layers with a serrated knife if needed to create neat, uniform layers for a professional presentation.

How to Serve Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Layers

Garnishes

Top your cake with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a light dusting of cocoa powder to add color and texture contrasts, making your dessert as beautiful as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

Pair your cake slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of raspberry sauce, or freshly whipped cream to elevate the indulgence and balance richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving mini versions in mason jars or as layered parfaits for gatherings, or decorate with edible flowers and nuts for an elegant touch that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 4 days. This also helps keep the cream cheese frosting firm and delicious.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze the entire cake (well wrapped) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

For quick enjoyment, slightly warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the frosting without melting it completely; avoid overheating to maintain texture.

FAQs

Can I use substitute cocoa powder for Hershey’s?

While Hershey’s cocoa powder delivers classic flavor, you can substitute with another high-quality natural cocoa powder, but expect slight changes in taste and color.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Layers, but it’s best to freeze it without the frosting and add fresh frosting once thawed for optimal texture.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap regular cream cheese and butter for their dairy-free alternatives and use plant-based milk to make it vegan-friendly.

What’s the best way to get clean cake slices?

Use a sharp, warmed knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This technique reduces sticking and preserves the cake’s neat appearance.

How long does the cream cheese frosting last?

Cream cheese frosting is best enjoyed within 3-4 days when refrigerated; after that, texture and freshness may start to decline.

Final Thoughts

Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Layers is a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and creamy tang that feels like a warm hug with every bite. Its ease, versatility, and crowd-pleasing taste make it a recipe you’ll want to keep returning to. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this cake promises to impress and satisfy all your chocolate cravings. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this truly special dessert!

Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Layers

Author: Lina
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling and chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)

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Description

Hershey’s Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Layers is a rich, moist chocolate cake layered with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting. This dessert offers a perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor with creamy frosting, making it ideal for any occasion, from celebrations to cozy nights. Easy to make and visually stunning, it pleases bakers of all levels and is highly customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for GF option)
3/4 cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup milk (or any preferred milk/cream)

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free alternative)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2–4 tablespoons milk or cream (adjust for spreadability)

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans. In a large bowl, sift and mix together the flour, Hershey’s cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with milk to keep the batter smooth and luscious.
Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should spring back gently when pressed and emit a rich chocolate aroma. Let the cake layers cool completely on wire racks to prevent the frosting from melting.
Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Add milk or cream a tablespoon at a time until the frosting achieves a spreadable, velvety texture.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Add the next cake layer and repeat the frosting process if you have multiple layers. Finish by frosting the top and sides smoothly or with rustic swirls for a charming, homemade look.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least one hour to allow the frosting layers to set. This chilling step helps achieve clean slices and a delightful texture balance when serving.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients: butter, eggs, and cream cheese for smooth blending and even baking.
Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb and prevent dense cake.
Prefer Hershey’s cocoa powder for the signature deep chocolate flavor.
If frosting is too soft, chill briefly before spreading for better control.
Level cake layers with a serrated knife if needed for neat, uniform layers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 32 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: Hershey's chocolate cake, cream cheese frosting, chocolate dessert, moist chocolate cake, layered cake, easy chocolate cake, crowd-pleaser dessert