Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is an indulgent dessert that perfectly combines the deep flavor of chocolate with the creamy sweetness of cream cheese frosting. This cake is perfect for any celebration, special occasion, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly delightful.
Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Why This Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Is the Best
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: The cake has a deep, rich chocolate flavor that is perfectly complemented by the creamy sweetness of the frosting.
- Moist and Dense Texture: The cake is incredibly moist and dense, offering a satisfying texture with every bite.
- Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting is smooth and creamy, adding a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate cake.
- Beautiful Presentation: The cake is topped with decorative dollops of whipped cream, making it visually stunning and perfect for any occasion.
- Decadent and Indulgent: The combination of rich chocolate and creamy frosting makes this cake an indulgent treat that feels luxurious.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee, Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect choice. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy frosting, and beautiful presentation makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Ingredient Notes
Chocolate Cake:
- Neutral Oil: Adds moisture and keeps the cake tender without affecting the flavor.
- Large Egg (room temperature): Acts as a binder, providing structure and richness to the cake.
- Buttermilk (room temperature): Adds tanginess and helps create a tender crumb, while reacting with the baking soda for a light texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor, adding warmth and depth to the chocolate.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cake while keeping it light and moist.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to its soft texture.
- Cocoa Powder (Dutch-processed or natural): Provides the deep, rich chocolate flavor that defines the cake.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Hot Brewed Coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds moisture to the batter.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese (room temperature): The base of the frosting, giving it a creamy, tangy flavor and smooth texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the sweetness of the frosting.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting while ensuring a silky, spreadable consistency.
Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use high-quality chocolate and cream cheese.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- Generously Frost: Apply a generous amount of cream cheese frosting to each layer of the cake for added richness and visual appeal.
- Decorate Elegantly: Top the cake with decorative dollops of whipped cream and chocolate pieces for a touch of elegance.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Cup of Coffee: Enjoy a slice of Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting with a hot cup of coffee for a perfect afternoon treat.
- With Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries for a burst of flavor and color.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a classic touch.
- With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness and flavor.
A Must Try
Imagine biting into a slice of this Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting—each bite offering a perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy frosting, all topped with decorative dollops of whipped cream. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this cake is sure to bring joy to any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and bake this delightful cake to impress your loved ones and create sweet, memorable moments together!
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Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee, Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect choice. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy frosting, and beautiful presentation makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 100 g neutral oil
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 165 g buttermilk room temperature
- 120 g all purpose flour
- 225 g granulated sugar
- 55 g cocoa powder Dutch-processed or natural
- 140 g hot brewed coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 226 g full-fat cream cheese room temperature
- 360 g powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line two 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and set aside for later.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, egg, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually sift in the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold everything together with a rubber spatula until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Slowly pour in half of the hot coffee, folding the mixture gently until incorporated. Repeat with the remaining coffee. Note: The batter will be thin—this is normal!
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- With the mixer on low, gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, ensuring each addition is well combined. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase to medium speed and mix for 2 minutes until creamy and smooth.
Assembling Your Cake:
- Place the first chocolate cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread ¾ cup of frosting evenly over the top.
- Flip the second layer upside down and place it on top of the frosted layer. Using an offset spatula, spread a thin crumb coat of frosting around the entire cake.
- Chill the cake in the freezer for 20 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Once firm, apply a final layer of frosting, smoothing it out evenly. Slice, serve, and savor every bite of this rich, chocolaty treat!
Notes
- Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. If you don’t have one, use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour to avoid overpacking.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until combined to prevent dense cakes or sunken centers.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake layers cool fully before decorating. Frosting warm cakes can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
- Storage Tips: Store the unsliced cake in a large airtight container or cake carrier for up to 5 days. If sliced, cover the exposed section with extra frosting to keep it moist.
- Freezing Instructions: For longer storage, wrap individual cake slices in cling film and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Freezing an entire unsliced cake is not recommended as it may compromise texture and flavor.
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Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting