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    Home » Cream Cheese

    Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

    December 19, 2022 by Chenée Lewis

    53 shares
    chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting pin

    This moist, easy chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting settles the question: is chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting good? The verdict is in – this triple layer Philadelphia cream cheese chocolate cake is a winner for any chocolate lover! 

    And if you’re loving the best chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting recipe, you’ve got to try my Chocolate Orange Cake, my Chocolate Olive Oil Cake with Crystallized Ginger, and my Vegan Gingerbread Loaf Cake!

    chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting on a plate
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    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    Moist Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

    I'm so excited to share this easy chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting with you! This recipe is based on my Chocolate Spice Cake, which is another chocolate layer cake with gingerbread spices and molasses! This recipe is perfect for a holiday, a birthday celebration, a special occasion, or any day you want a treat! It's also a good recipe for beginner bakers, because the rich chocolate cake layers can be mixed up by hand!

    easy chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting

    Is Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Good?

    If you're wondering, "can I add cream cheese in chocolate cake?" you should know it's the BEST combo! The rich, dark chocolate flavor of this cake is offset with the creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting so perfectly. Cream cheese frosting is my favorite type of frosting, and it complements this cake so well!

    What is the best combination for chocolate cake?

    This moist, rich cake combines a dark chocolate cake base and my go-to cream cheese frosting -- here's what you'll need:

    moist chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting ingredients
    • granulated sugar - adds the perfect amount of sweetness to this chocolate cake!
    • all-purpose flour - be sure to measure your flour with a kitchen scale for accuracy, or use the spoon-and-level method.
    • Dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder - adding Dutch process cocoa powder adds a rich chocolate flavor to this chocolate cake!
    • baking powder & baking soda - these leavening agents help give our cake a nice lift and fluffy texture.
    • salt - perfect for bringing out all the deep chocolate flavors!
    • vegetable oil - the secret to a moist cake! Using vegetable oil also makes our Philadelphia cream cheese chocolate cake so easy to mix up!
    • eggs - make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing them in.
    • buttermilk - I especially love using buttermilk for a moist, tender cake! If you don't have buttermilk, check below for a substitute!
    • pure vanilla extract - for the best flavor, be sure to use a high-quality pure vanilla extract. Also, check out my post on how to make vanilla extract at home with just 2 ingredients!
    • hot coffee - a substitute for hot water, some piping hot coffee is a secret ingedient that deepens the chocolate flavor of this cake!
    best cream cheese frosting for chocolate cake

    And we'll top it all with the best cream cheese frosting for chocolate cake!

    • cream cheese - make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for your cream cheese frosting -- it shouldn't be so soft as to be mushy or melty, but soft enough to easily be indented with a finger.
    • salted butter - I like to use salted butter, but if you use unsalted butter you can just add in ½ teaspoon of salt.
    • pure vanilla extract - I love the richness of vanilla in this cream cheese frosting!
    • powdered sugar - we'll use sifted powdered sugar to add sweetness and texture to our cream cheese frosting!
    chocolate cake with cream cheese filling on a plate

    Equipment

    To make this recipe for moist chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting, you'll need three 8-inch cake pans -- you can also use 9-inch cake pans, but the cake will bake a bit more quickly. I also recommend a kitchen scale to measure your flour and powdered sugar, and an electric mixer to whip up your cream cheese frosting!

    I also like to use a large mixing bowl, rubber spatula and whisk for mixing the batter, and an offset spatula to spread on your frosting!

    How to Make Triple Layer Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

    Check the recipe card below for detailed instructions, but here are the steps to make this Philadelphia cream cheese chocolate cake!

    chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting step 1

    Whisk together dry ingredients in a large bowl.

    chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting step 2

    Add oil and stir until dry mixture is saturated.

    chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting step 3

    Stir in buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla.

    chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting step 4

    Pour in hot coffee and stir until combined.

    chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting step 5

    Pour batter into prepared cake pans and bake!

    chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting step 6

    Spread cream cheese buttercream over cooled chocolate cake layers.

    Hint: To ensure even cake layers, use a kitchen scale to weigh your cake batter once it's in the cake pans, to make sure that they each contain an equal amount of batter!

    Substitutions

    • Buttermilk Substitute - Measure out 1 cup of whole milk and replace 1 tablespoon of it with lemon juice or vinegar. Then let it sit a few minutes and add it in to your chocolate cake batter!
    • Vegan Option - I haven't tried this cake with vegan substitutes yet, unfortunately. However, if you try it I would recommend trying it out with this egg replacer, and substitute the buttermilk for plant-based milk (create a buttermilk substitute with the tip above!). And you can also make your own vegan cream cheese buttercream with a recipe like this one!
    best chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting recipe

    Variations

    You can easily make your own customizations to this triple layer chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting!

    • Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting - my favorite way to take cream cheese frosting to the next level is to use browned butter instead of regular butter -- just be sure to chill it so that it hardens back up, then bring it to room temperature before adding it in.
    • Oreo chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting - add Oreo chunks to the cake batter and the frosting for a cookies and cream cake!
    • Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting - replace ¾ cup of the powdered sugar in the frosting with cocoa powder for even more rich chocolate flavor!

    And be sure to check out my Mini Chocolate Cake for a small batch cake that you'll love, or my Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake for another decadent treat!

    triple layer chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting cut on a tray

    Storage

    Store this delicious cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Then to serve, cut individual slices and let them come to room temperature.

    Also, this moist chocolate cake freezes very well -- it's best frozen in individual slices to make thawing easier. First, place slices in the freezer until frozen solid, then wrap in plastic wrap and then in heavy duty foil. Then freeze for up to two months and thaw, uncovered, at room temperature.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream?

    Absolutely! The decadent cream cheese frosting recipe below in the recipe card is so versatile! You can frost this easy chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting, or you can use it on vanilla cake or carrot cake!

    Is buttercream or cream cheese frosting better for chocolate cake?

    Personally, I prefer to frost this triple layer chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting because of the added tangy flavor!

    is chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting good

    How can I make my chocolate cake taste better?

    The trick is to do what we did in this recipe -- add hot coffee! The hot liquid "blooms" the cocoa powder, deepening the chocolate flavor. Plus, the coffee flavor is the perfect complement to the chocolate flavor in the cake, making it even richer and more delicious!

    Top tip

    Don't overmix! Mix your cake batter just until everything is combined to ensure a moist, tender cake.

    If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!

    chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting on a plate

    Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    This moist, easy chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting settles the question: is chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting good? The verdict is in – this triple layer Philadelphia cream cheese chocolate cake is a winner! It's the best chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting recipe!
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine :American
    Servings: 18 slices
    Calories: 593kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • 8-inch round cake pans
    • whisk
    • stand mixer
    • hand mixer
    • offset spatula
    • parchment paper
    • mixing bowls
    • cooling rack
    • rubber spatula
    • microplane grater/zester
    • measuring cups and spoons

    Ingredients

    • baking spray
    • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
    • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
    • ¾ cup (65 g) unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
    • 1 ½ teaspoon (6 g) baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking soda
    • ¾ teaspoon (5 g) salt
    • ¾ cup (177 ml) vegetable oil
    • 2 large eggs - room temperature
    • 2 teaspoon (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
    • 1 cup (237 ml) buttermilk - room temperature
    • 1 cup (237 ml) hot brewed coffee

    Cream Cheese Frosting

    • 12 oz (340 g) full-fat cream cheese - room temperature
    • ¾ cup (170 g) salted butter - room temperature
    • 2 teaspoon (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
    • 5-6 cups (600 g) powdered sugar - sifted

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and spray with baking spray.
      baking spray
    • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
      2 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¾ teaspoon salt, 2 cups granulated sugar
    • Stir in vegetable oil until dry ingredients are well coated, followed by eggs and vanilla.
      ¾ cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • Stir in buttermilk until combined, then carefully pour in hot coffee and stir until smooth.
      1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup hot brewed coffee
    • Add batter evenly to prepared cake pans and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick entered into the center of the cakes comes out smooth or with moist crumbs.
    • Cool cake layers slightly in cake pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before adding frosting.

    Cream Cheese Frosting

    • Beat softened butter and softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
      12 oz full-fat cream cheese, ¾ cup salted butter, 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low until combined, starting at 5 cups and adding up to 6 cups total if needed for desired consistency. Turn speed to high and mix another 2 minutes.
      5-6 cups powdered sugar
    • Spread frosting over cooled cake layers.

    Video

    Notes

    Substitutions:
    • Buttermilk Substitute - Measure out 1 cup of whole milk and replace 1 tablespoon of it with lemon juice or vinegar. Then let it sit a few minutes and add it in to your chocolate cake batter!
    • Vegan Option - I haven't tried this cake with vegan substitutes yet, unfortunately. However, if you try it I would recommend trying it out with this egg replacer, and substitute the buttermilk for plant-based milk (create a buttermilk substitute with the tip above!). And you can also make your own vegan cream cheese buttercream with a recipe like this one!
    Storage and Freezing: 
    Store this delicious cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Then to serve, cut individual slices and let them come to room temperature.
    Also, this moist chocolate cake freezes very well -- it's best frozen in individual slices to make thawing easier. First, place slices in the freezer until frozen solid, then wrap in plastic wrap and then in heavy duty foil. Then freeze for up to two months and thaw, uncovered, at room temperature.
    Variations: 
    • Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting - my favorite way to take cream cheese frosting to the next level is to use browned butter instead of regular butter -- just be sure to chill it so that it hardens back up, then bring it to room temperature before adding it in.
    • Oreo chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting - add Oreo chunks to the cake batter and the frosting for a cookies and cream cake!
    • Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting - replace ¾ cup of the powdered sugar in the frosting with cocoa powder for even more rich chocolate flavor!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 slice | Calories: 593 kcal | Carbohydrates: 111 g | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 67 mg | Sodium: 537 mg | Potassium: 452 mg | Fiber: 3 g | Sugar: 90 g | Vitamin A: 466 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 203 mg | Iron: 3 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Tags: best chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting recipe, best cream cheese frosting for chocolate cake, chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting, easy chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting, is chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting good, moist chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting, oreo chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting, philadelphia cream cheese chocolate cake, triple layer chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

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    53 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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    1. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      January 17, 2023 at 6:27 am

      5 stars
      Can't beat a good chocolate cake and I absolutely love the cream cheese frosting!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        January 17, 2023 at 9:36 am

        So glad you liked it!

        Reply
    2. Katherine

      January 17, 2023 at 6:17 am

      5 stars
      This wonderfully moist chocolate cake is perfect with the cream cheese frosting! Yum!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        January 17, 2023 at 9:42 am

        Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    3. Beth

      January 17, 2023 at 6:16 am

      5 stars
      That cream cheese frosting is out of this world good! So creamy and smooth.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        January 17, 2023 at 9:38 am

        Thank you! That's the best part 🙂

        Reply
    4. Jacqueline Debono

      January 17, 2023 at 4:03 am

      5 stars
      My hubby is a big chocolate cake fan and I enjoy trying new recipes for him. This chocolate cake was a real hit and the cream cheese frosting super good!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        January 17, 2023 at 9:36 am

        Yay! I'm glad you both liked it!

        Reply
    5. Ieva

      January 17, 2023 at 2:55 am

      5 stars
      After trying your chocolate olive cake, I simply had to try this one too! And now I cannot decide which one I like better. This recipe was just as good: so moist and fluffy, and the frosting was also delightful (just the right amount of it too!). Great recipe as always!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        January 17, 2023 at 9:39 am

        Great to hear that you liked them both! Thanks!

        Reply
    6. gunjan

      January 11, 2023 at 8:36 am

      5 stars
      The texture and the taste of this cake was so perfect. The cream cheese frosting was love by all of us. Overall a great cake recipe and a must bake.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        January 11, 2023 at 9:45 am

        So glad you all loved it! Thank you!

        Reply
    7. Toni

      January 11, 2023 at 8:19 am

      5 stars
      Oh wow!! This cake is totally irresistible! Everyone loved it!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        January 11, 2023 at 9:46 am

        Yay! Great to hear that!

        Reply
    8. Dannii

      January 11, 2023 at 3:33 am

      5 stars
      This was the perfect chocolate cake. Went down very well at a birthday party.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        January 11, 2023 at 5:59 pm

        I'm so glad to hear it!

        Reply
    9. Katherine

      January 11, 2023 at 3:23 am

      5 stars
      Such a beautifully moist and rich chocolate cake!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        January 17, 2023 at 9:38 am

        Thank you so much! It's my favorite.

        Reply
    10. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      January 11, 2023 at 2:44 am

      5 stars
      This cake was so easy to make and perfect with the cream cheese frosting. It's a real show stopper for a celebration cake too.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        January 11, 2023 at 5:59 pm

        I agree! Glad you liked it!

        Reply

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    About Chenée

    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your baking life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

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