When the craving for something sweet strikes, there’s nothing quite like the allure of a rich, chocolate cake topped with velvety cream cheese frosting. The moment the warm cake emerges from the oven, it fills the kitchen with a heavenly aroma that promises indulgence. I stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a casual Sunday afternoon of baking, and it has become my go-to for gatherings and celebrations alike.
What truly sets this Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting apart is its unforgettable contrast of flavors—the intense richness of dark chocolate perfectly paired with the tangy creaminess of the frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself during a busy week, this cake is not just any dessert; it’s an experience meant to be savored. The best part? It’s incredibly beginner-friendly, ensuring that even novice bakers can impress family and friends with this sweet masterpiece. So, let’s dive into the recipe that guarantees a slice of happiness!
Why is this Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting so special?
Unforgettable flavor combinations: The deep, rich chocolate contrasts beautifully with the tangy cream cheese frosting.
Beginner-friendly recipe: Perfect for new bakers, this cake requires minimal skills and yields impressive results.
Moist and tender texture: Thanks to the careful balance of ingredients, each slice melts in your mouth, creating a delightful experience.
Versatile indulgence: Ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to fancy celebrations, pleasing guests of all ages.
Aromatic baking experience: The heavenly aroma while baking will fill your kitchen with warmth, making it a comforting delight.
If you’re eager for a sweet treat, why not explore more delicious options like other cake variations?
Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
For the Cake
• Granulated Sugar – Provides sweetness and moisture; brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cake; swap with gluten-free flour blend if necessary.
• Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor and dark color; unsweetened cocoa will be milder in taste.
• Baking Powder – Crucial for leavening to achieve fluffiness; do not substitute.
• Baking Soda – Collaborates with baking powder for rise; both should remain in the recipe.
• Salt – Enhances the cake’s flavor; kosher salt or sea salt can be good alternatives.
• Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cake moist; can be replaced with melted coconut oil for a hint of coconut flavor.
• Eggs – Acts as a binder and adds moisture; for a vegan option, consider flax eggs.
• Pure Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavor; almond extract can offer a delightful twist.
• Buttermilk – Adds moisture and a slight tang; mix whole milk with lemon juice or vinegar if you’re out.
• Hot Brewed Coffee – Intensifies the chocolate flavor; it can be omitted, but do not substitute with cold coffee.
For the Frosting
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese – Forms the creamy base for the frosting; vegan cream cheese can be used for a dairy-free version.
• Salted Butter – Provides rich flavor; unsalted butter works too, just add a pinch of salt.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting; adjust the amount for your preferred consistency.
These ingredients come together beautifully to create the perfect Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting—an uplifting treat for any occasion!
How to Make Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Prep Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and lightly spray them with baking spray to ensure easy release.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend will be the foundation of your moist chocolate cake.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the vegetable oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until evenly coated. Then, incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract, followed by buttermilk, mixing until smooth. Slowly stir in the hot brewed coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor.
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Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Place them in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the full-fat cream cheese and salted butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
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Assemble Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over the top of each layer, and finally, cover the top and sides of the cake with frosting.
Optional: For a fun twist, sprinkle crushed Oreo cookies on top for an added crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Fridge: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days to maintain its moist texture and creamy frosting.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months for a delightful treat whenever you crave a sweet indulgence.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, let frozen slices thaw in the fridge overnight. For a warm slice, microwave on medium power for 10-15 seconds.
Airtight Protection: Always ensure your chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting is well wrapped to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge.
What to Serve with Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting?
Indulging in a slice of this delightful chocolate cake opens up a world of delicious pairings to enhance the experience.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream beautifully balances the rich chocolate and tangy frosting. A scoop on the side is pure bliss!
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Fresh Berries: Raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries add a pop of color and a tart contrast, cutting through the cake’s sweetness. Their natural juiciness brings a refreshing bite.
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Coffee: A warm cup of coffee elevates the chocolate flavors while enhancing your dessert experience. The bitter notes in coffee beautifully complement the cake’s richness.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a pleasant texture contrast, enhancing the creaminess of the frosting. A dollop on top creates an inviting presentation.
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Chocolate Shavings: For those who crave extra chocolate, sprinkle chocolate shavings atop the frosting. It adds elegance and a delightful crunch, heightening every bite.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over a slice transforms this cake into a decadent experience. The sweet, buttery flavor pairs wonderfully with the cream cheese frosting.
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Milk: A classic choice, sipping on a cold glass of milk brings comfort and nostalgia, making your cake moment feel like a warm hug.
These delightful pairings allow you to tailor the perfect dessert experience with your Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Enjoy the magic of taste!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
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Measure Precisely: Use a kitchen scale for accurate ingredient measurement, ensuring even cake layers for your chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting.
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Avoid Overmixing: Gently mix the batter to maintain a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
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Cool Completely: Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and sliding off.
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Maximize Flavor: Don’t skip the hot brewed coffee; it enhances the chocolate flavor significantly. Avoid cold coffee as it alters the cake’s texture.
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Check Freshness: Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Expired leavening agents can cause the cake to fall flat.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing this Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in advance is a fantastic way to save time on busy days! You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days ahead of time. Simply cool the layers completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. For the frosting, mix it and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To maintain the cake’s moisture, ensure it’s well-wrapped and avoid exposing it to air. When you’re ready to serve, frost the chilled layers and let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting. You’ll enjoy the same spectacular flavor without the last-minute rush!
Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Variations
Customize this delicious recipe to create your unique masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for an equally delightful treat.
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Vegan Delight: Use flax eggs and vegan cream cheese for a plant-based version that’s just as creamy and rich.
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Mint Twist: Add a few drops of mint extract to the frosting for a refreshing mint-chocolate experience.
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Nutty Flavor: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and flavor, creating a lovely crunch.
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Zesty Frosting: Incorporate a touch of lemon or orange zest into the cream cheese frosting for a bright, citrusy kick.
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Spiced Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the cake batter for a hint of warmth and spice that harmonizes beautifully with chocolate.
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Oreo Surprise: Fold crushed Oreo cookies into the batter for a cookies and cream variation that’s sure to be a hit!
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Caramel Drizzle: Top your frosted cake with a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce for an extra sweet layer of indulgence.
Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right ingredients for this cake?
Absolutely! When selecting ingredients for your chocolate cake, fresh and high-quality products will yield the best flavor. Look for granulated sugar that feels fine and free-flowing, and check that your baking powder and baking soda are not expired for optimal rising. For cocoa powder, choose Dutch-process for a richer flavor, and make sure your eggs are chilled as they mix better.
What’s the best way to store the chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting?
Very straightforward! Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This helps preserve its moistness and the creaminess of the frosting. If you notice it’s starting to dry out, you can even lightly cover the cake with plastic wrap as well.
Can I freeze the chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, let the slices thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer a warm piece, simply microwave a thawed slice on medium power for 10-15 seconds—just don’t overdo it!
What should I do if my cake layers are uneven?
Not a problem! If you find your cake layers are uneven, the best solution is to level them with a serrated knife. Just allow the cakes to cool completely, then use the knife to gently slice off any domed tops. This will give you a more professional-looking finish and help the layers stack nicely when you frost them.
Are there any dietary considerations I should take into account?
Certainly! For those with allergies, you could switch out the wheat flour for a gluten-free blend for a similar structure. If you need a dairy-free version, opt for plant-based cream cheese and butter; flax eggs can also be a great substitute for regular eggs. And if you have pets, keep this specific cake out of their reach, as ingredients like chocolate and certain artificial sweeteners can be harmful to them.
How long will the frosting last once made?
The cream cheese frosting can be stored in the fridge for up to a week when kept in an airtight container. If you plan to use it later, just give it a good mix before you spread it on your cake to bring back its creamy texture.
Moist Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and lightly spray them with baking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-process cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add vegetable oil to dry ingredients, stirring until evenly coated. Then incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth, stirring in hot brewed coffee last.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for about 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach desired frosting consistency.
- Once cake layers are cool, spread frosting over each layer and cover the top and sides of the cake.
