Ingredients:
For the cake:
2 cups sugar
1 3 ⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
3 ⁄4 cups Hershey’s cocoa
1 ⁄2 teaspoon baking powder
1 ⁄2 teaspoons baking soda
1 tablespoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1 ⁄2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
For the cream cheese filling:
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 ⁄2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the chocolate cheese filling:
1 ⁄2 cup butter, softened
1 ⁄2 cup cream cheese, softened
3 ⁄4 cups Hershey’s cocoa
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-4 teaspoons milk (if needed)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Make the cake:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the sugar, flour, Hershey’s cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
Carefully stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cakes.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to racks to cool completely.
Make the cream cheese filling:
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Make the Chocolate Cheesecake:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy.
Gradually add the Hershey’s cocoa, mixing until well combined.
Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed. Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Assemble the cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the top.
Top with the second cake layer.
Use the chocolate cheesecake to frost the top and sides of the cake, smoothing or swirling as desired.
Serve:
Slice and enjoy this decadent treat with family and friends!
