Ingredients
- For the cheesecake layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled
- For the Hershey’s chocolate cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- For the ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for shine)
Instructions
- Make the cheesecake: Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then sour cream, vanilla, and melted chocolate. Pour into pan and bake 50–60 minutes until set. Cool completely, then refrigerate 4+ hours.
- Make the chocolate cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Whisk flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; mix until smooth. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Divide into pans and bake 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make ganache: Heat cream until simmering, then pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 1 minute, then stir smooth. Add butter if using. Cool slightly to thicken.
- Assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Top with chilled cheesecake layer, then second cake layer. Spread ganache over top and sides. Chill 30 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use dark or milk chocolate in the cheesecake for variation.
- Add raspberry or cherry jam between layers for fruity contrast.
- Mix mini chocolate chips or Oreos into cheesecake layer for texture.
- Swap ganache for whipped chocolate frosting for a lighter finish.
- Top with chocolate curls, sprinkles, or berries for garnish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
