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