Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 cups sugar
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup Hershey’s Cocoa powder
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk (preferably whole milk)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
1 cup cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream:
½ cup butter, softened
½ cup cream cheese, softened
¾ cup Hershey’s Cocoa powder
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well.
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well combined.
Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin, which is normal).
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and creamy. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Cream Cheese Buttercream:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until creamy and smooth.
Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
Add the vanilla extract and enough milk to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
4. Assemble the Cake:
Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate.
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top of the first cake layer.
Place the second cake layer on top.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the chocolate cream cheese buttercream.
5. Serve:
Slice and serve the cake. Enjoy the rich flavors of chocolate and cream cheese in every bite!