Hershey’s Chocolate Cheesecake Cake Recipe

If you are ready for a dessert that truly dazzles with its rich layers and irresistibly creamy texture, then the Hershey’s Chocolate Cheesecake Cake is exactly what you need. Combining the deep, intense flavor of Hershey’s classic chocolate cake with a luscious, tangy cheesecake center and topped with a silky chocolate ganache, this cake is an absolute showstopper. Every slice delivers a perfect harmony of moist cake, smooth cheesecake, and decadent chocolate glaze, making it a favorite for birthdays, special occasions, or just because you deserve a sweet moment of joy.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing the flavor and texture of the Hershey’s Chocolate Cheesecake Cake. Each component plays an essential role—from the cocoa powder that provides the unmistakable chocolate punch to the cream cheese that turns the middle layer into a velvety delight.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the chocolate cake layers, ensuring they are tender yet sturdy enough to support the cheesecake.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cake and cheesecake layers to balance the rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese flavors.
• Hershey’s cocoa powder: The star ingredient for that authentic chocolate taste and deep color in the cake.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that keep the cake layers light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile by balancing sweetness and accentuating chocolate notes.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture in both the cake and cheesecake layers.
• Whole milk: Adds richness and helps achieve a tender crumb in the chocolate cake.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft, preventing it from drying out.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic undertone complementing the chocolate and cheesecake flavors.
• Boiling water: Helps bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor in the cake batter.
• Cream cheese: The creamy base for the tangy cheesecake layer, providing a luscious texture and taste.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and slight tanginess to the cheesecake layer, enhancing its richness.
• Hershey’s milk chocolate chips: Used in the ganache frosting, they melt smoothly to create a shiny, chocolatey glaze.
• Heavy cream: Combined with chocolate chips to form a rich, velvety ganache for the final finish.
• Unsalted butter: Gives the ganache an extra glossy finish and smooth texture.

How to Make Hershey’s Chocolate Cheesecake Cake

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers

Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, Hershey’s cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then add in your eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat everything until the batter is perfectly smooth, then slowly mix in the boiling water—don’t worry if the batter is thin; the water intensifies the chocolate flavor. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Once baked, allow them to cool completely while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

While the cake layers cool, grease and line a springform pan for the cheesecake. Beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until silky smooth, making sure there are no lumps to ensure a perfectly creamy texture. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth, lush batter. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream last for just the right tangy creaminess. Pour the mixture into your pan and bake at a slightly lower temperature of 160°C (325°F) for 45 to 50 minutes. When the cheesecake is set but still jiggles slightly in the center, remove it from the oven and let it chill completely in the fridge to firm up before assembling.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache Frosting

For the decadent finish, gently heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the Hershey’s milk chocolate chips and let it sit undisturbed for about 2 minutes. Then stir until the chocolate melts fully, creating a luscious, glossy mixture. Stir in the unsalted butter to add extra shine and richness to your ganache. Let it cool slightly so it thickens just enough to spread without dripping.

Step 4: Assemble Your Hershey’s Chocolate Cheesecake Cake

Place one chocolate cake layer on your serving platter and carefully add the cheesecake layer on top. Then crown the stack with the second chocolate cake layer. Now, pour the ganache over the whole cake, using a spatula to smooth it over the top and down the sides for a beautiful, polished look. Chill the entire cake for at least one hour before slicing to let the layers meld and the ganache set to perfection.

How to Serve Hershey’s Chocolate Cheesecake Cake

Garnishes

While the cake is stunning on its own, adding garnishes can elevate the experience and surprise your guests. Fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top of the ganache lend a pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate. You could also add a few chocolate shavings or curls for a touch of elegance that shows the care you put into this dessert.

Side Dishes

Pair your Hershey’s Chocolate Cheesecake Cake with a light side like freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the dense richness of the cake. A drizzle of raspberry coulis or caramel sauce also adds a fruity or buttery note, cutting through the decadent chocolate layers and balancing the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique presentation, serve individual slices with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of mint on the plate. If you’re hosting a party, consider mini versions of this cake in small jars, layering chocolate cake, cheesecake, and ganache for adorable, portable treats. Another fun idea is to add edible gold leaf accents on the ganache top for a luxurious touch that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hershey’s Chocolate Cheesecake Cake should be stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The cool temperature preserves the texture of the cake and the freshness of the cheesecake, keeping all the layers harmonious and delicious for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake for longer storage by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight, giving it plenty of time to come back to its ideal texture without drying out.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer a slightly softer texture, let slices sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving the whole cake, as it may melt the cheesecake layer unevenly or affect the ganache’s glossy finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?

Absolutely! While Hershey’s milk chocolate chips work perfectly for a smooth and creamy ganache, you can substitute semi-sweet or dark chocolate if you prefer a richer or less sweet frosting. Just keep the proportions the same and adjust to your taste.

Is it necessary to use boiling water in the cake batter?

Yes, adding boiling water to the chocolate cake batter helps bloom the cocoa powder, which enhances the chocolate flavor and ensures a moist, tender crumb. The thin batter may seem unusual, but it yields the best results.

Can I make the cheesecake layer without sour cream?

Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the richness of the cream cheese. If you don’t have it, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt or omit it entirely, but the texture might be a bit less smooth and the flavor less tangy.

Do I need special pans to bake the cheesecake layer?

A springform pan is ideal for baking the cheesecake layer because it makes removing the delicate cheesecake easier without breaking it. If you don’t have one, you can use a regular round pan lined with parchment and greased well, though removing the cheesecake can be trickier.

Can I make this cake dairy-free or vegan?

This is a rich, dairy-heavy dessert, so it would require several substitutions to be dairy-free or vegan, such as plant-based cream cheese, milk alternatives, and dairy-free chocolate. With those adjustments, expect some differences in texture and flavor, but it can still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

There is something genuinely magical about the Hershey’s Chocolate Cheesecake Cake that makes it stand out from ordinary desserts. It’s a perfect treat to share with loved ones when you want to impress or simply indulge in layers of creamy cheesecake and moist chocolate cake wrapped in a luscious ganache. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe, because every bite brings pure joy and rich celebration to your table.