Short Description
This Copycat Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake Cake is a dream dessert for chocolate lovers. It features rich layers of moist chocolate cake, a creamy chocolate cheesecake center, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping, all infused with the classic taste of Hershey’s chocolate bars. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or whenever a chocolate craving strikes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate chocolate indulgence with multiple layers
- Inspired by the beloved Hershey’s chocolate bar
- Decadent yet easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for celebrations and special occasions
- Can be made ahead for convenience
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Eggs
- Whole milk
- Vegetable oil
- Vanilla extract
- Boiling water
For the Hershey’s Chocolate Cheesecake:
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Granulated sugar
- Hershey’s milk chocolate bars (melted)
- Cocoa powder
- Sour cream
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heavy cream
- Hershey’s milk chocolate bars (chopped)
Directions
Make the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin) and mix until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Prepare the Hershey’s Chocolate Cheesecake:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add melted Hershey’s chocolate, cocoa powder, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated.
- Pour batter into the prepared springform pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the center is set.
- Allow cheesecake to cool completely before assembling the cake.
Assemble the Cheesecake Cake:
- Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate.
- Carefully place the cooled Hershey’s chocolate cheesecake on top.
- Add the second chocolate cake layer over the cheesecake.
Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just simmering.
- Remove from heat and add chopped Hershey’s chocolate bars.
- Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Pour ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-14 slices
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
Variations
- White Chocolate Version: Swap Hershey’s milk chocolate with white chocolate for a different twist.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped Hershey’s bars between layers for added texture.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel over the ganache for a sweet and salty combo.
- Peanut Butter: Add a peanut butter layer between the cake and cheesecake for a Reese’s-inspired treat.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Best served chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warm, microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
Use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing. A water bath can help, but it’s not necessary for this recipe.
Can I use a boxed cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute the homemade cake layers with your favorite chocolate cake mix.
Do I need a springform pan for the cheesecake?
A springform pan makes removal easier, but you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cake a day in advance and store it in the fridge.
What’s the best way to slice the cake?
Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean slices.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, you can substitute dark chocolate.
What’s the difference between chocolate ganache and chocolate frosting?
Ganache is made with chocolate and cream for a glossy, pourable finish, while frosting is thicker and spreadable.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I use another brand of chocolate?
Yes, but Hershey’s gives it that signature flavor!
Conclusion
This Copycat Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake Cake is the ultimate chocolate dessert. With its rich layers of cake, creamy cheesecake, and smooth ganache, it’s a show-stopping treat for any occasion. Try it today and experience the indulgence of Hershey’s chocolate in every bite!
PrintCopycat Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake Cake
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake Cake is the ultimate chocolate lover’s dessert! It features a luscious chocolate cheesecake layer sandwiched between two moist chocolate cake layers, all covered in a rich Hershey’s chocolate frosting. Topped with chocolate ganache and Hershey’s chocolate bars, this cake is pure indulgence!
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cheesecake:
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup melted Hershey’s milk chocolate
For the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup hot water or hot coffee
For the Hershey’s Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For Garnish:
- Hershey’s milk chocolate bars (whole or chopped)
Instructions
Make the Chocolate Cheesecake:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing just until combined.
- Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract, and melted Hershey’s chocolate.
- Pour batter into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set.
- Turn off the oven and let cheesecake cool inside for 30 minutes with the door slightly open.
- Transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Make the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add buttermilk, mixing until combined.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in hot water or coffee until the batter is thin but smooth.
- Divide batter between the two cake pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Hershey’s Chocolate Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing on low speed.
- Pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate.
- Place the chilled cheesecake layer on top, then add the second chocolate cake layer.
- Spread Hershey’s chocolate frosting evenly over the entire cake.
Make the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl until hot (but not boiling).
- Pour over chocolate chips, let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Let ganache cool slightly, then drizzle over the frosted cake, letting it drip down the sides.
Final Touches:
- Garnish with Hershey’s chocolate bars on top.
- Chill for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- For an extra indulgent touch, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup whole milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes.
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