Double Chocolate Cheesecake Cake

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra shine)

Instructions

1. Make the Cheesecake Layer (First):

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
4. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix until fully combined and creamy.
5. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes or until center is set.
6. Let cool completely, then freeze until firm (about 2 hours or overnight for easier layering).

2. Make the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
5. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin).
6. Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes.
7. Let cool completely.

3. Assemble the Cake:

1. Level cake layers if needed.
2. Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate.
3. Add frozen cheesecake layer on top.
4. Place second chocolate cake layer over cheesecake.

4. Make the Ganache:

1. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until just boiling.
2. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
3. Add butter for extra shine if desired. Let ganache cool slightly.

5. Finish and Serve:

1. Pour ganache over the top of the assembled cake, letting it drip down the sides.
2. Refrigerate until set.
3. Slice and enjoy!

Let me know if you’d like a simpler version or ideas for decoration (like chocolate curls or berries)!