Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, one egg, and vanilla. Beat until creamy and well combined. Set aside.
Make the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Slowly stir in the hot coffee until the batter is thin but uniform.
Assemble: Pour a thin layer of chocolate batter into each pan (about 1/3 of the total). Divide the cream cheese filling evenly between the pans, spooning it gently into the center. Do not spread it to the edges. Pour the remaining chocolate batter on top to cover the filling.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean (the center will stay soft). Let the cakes cool completely before removing them from the pans.
Ganache (Optional): Heat the cream just to a simmer and pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Stir in butter for extra shine. Pour over the cooled cake and let it set for 15–30 minutes before serving. For best results, chill slightly for clean slices. Enjoy with fresh raspberries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream!
How to Serve Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese Filling
Slice the cake into pieces and serve it on a nice plate. It goes great with a scoop of ice cream or some fresh berries on the side. This cake is sure to impress your family and friends!