Chocolate Cheesecake–Filled Chocolate Cake with Strawberries
What happens when you combine rich chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberries? A showstopping dessert that’s as decadent as it is beautiful. This Chocolate Cheesecake–Filled Chocolate Cake with Strawberries is the ultimate indulgence for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a well-deserved treat.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder use high-quality for best flavor
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water or hot coffee coffee enhances chocolate flavor
Chocolate Cheesecake Filling
- 400 g cream cheese room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 150 g dark chocolate melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache
- 200 ml heavy cream
- 200 g dark chocolate
Garnish
- Fresh strawberries
- Optional: chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or chocolate chips
Instructions
Chocolate Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually pour in hot water or coffee while stirring. The batter will be thin—this is normal.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool completely before assembling.
Chocolate Cheesecake Filling
- Preheat oven to 320°F (160°C). Line a 20 cm pan with parchment paper.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in heavy cream, vanilla, and melted chocolate until fully combined.
- Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream until just before boiling.
- Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir until smooth and glossy.
Assembling the Cake
- Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate.
- Carefully place the chilled cheesecake layer on top.
- Add the second chocolate cake layer.
- Pour warm ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries and optional chocolate decorations.
Notes
For a richer taste, use Dutch-process cocoa powder. Hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.