Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true! The combination of fluffy chocolate chip cake with a creamy, indulgent cheesecake center makes for a mouthwatering bite every time. The cream cheese frosting ties it all together, adding a tangy sweetness that balances out the richness of the chocolate. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just want to treat yourself, this cake will definitely impress!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cheesecake:

Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature

2/3 cup granulated white sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

1/3 cup sour cream

1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips

Chocolate Chip Cake:

One 15.25-ounce box white cake mix

1 1/4 cups water

1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil

3 large egg whites

1 cup miniature chocolate chips

Cream Cheese Frosting:

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted to remove lumps

Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Additional:

Extra miniature chocolate chips, for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Cheesecake:

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and salt, mixing for about 2 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, blending after each addition. Stir in the sour cream, whipping cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Gently fold in the chocolate chips.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes. The cheesecake should be set to the touch, not jiggly. Let it cool for at least an hour, then place it in the freezer to freeze completely (this may take a few hours or overnight).

Prepare the Cake Layers:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round pans, lining them with parchment paper for easy release.

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, oil, and egg whites using a hand mixer. Stir in the chocolate chips until well combined.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, filling them 3/4 to 1-inch from the top.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 20 minutes before removing them from the pans. Allow them to cool completely on cooling racks.

Prepare the Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. Avoid over-beating.

Assemble the Cake:

Place one cake layer on a cake plate or platter, spreading a thin layer of frosting on top.

Remove the cheesecake from the freezer, take off the sides of the springform pan, and gently peel off the parchment paper. If the cheesecake is slightly larger than the cake layers, shave the edges to make it the same size.

Place the cheesecake layer on top of the first cake layer, then spread a thin layer of frosting over it.

Add the second cake layer on top of the cheesecake.

Frost the Cake:

Use a long, thin spatula to apply a thin, even layer of frosting over the entire cake.

Once the first layer of frosting is applied, add more frosting to cover any bare spots.

Decorate with chocolate chips on the top and sides, and pipe a decorative edge if desired.

Keep the cake refrigerated until ready to serve, and store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Additional Time: 5 hours (for freezing cheesecake)

Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes

Yield: 16 servings

Variations

Fruit Add-ins: Add fruit like strawberries or raspberries to the cheesecake layer for a burst of freshness and color.

Chocolate Ganache: Pour a chocolate ganache over the cake for an extra layer of chocolate decadence.

Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the cake batter or sprinkle on top for a crunchy contrast.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy it chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I make the cheesecake layer in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the cheesecake layer the day before and freeze it overnight. Just let it thaw slightly before assembling the cake.

2. What if I don’t have a springform pan?

If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular 9-inch round pan, but be sure to line it well with parchment paper for easy removal.

3. Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

While white cake mix works best for this recipe, you could substitute it with vanilla or even chocolate cake mix for a different flavor profile.

4. How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To make the frosting less sweet, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly and add more cream cheese or butter to balance it out.

5. Can I use full eggs instead of egg whites for the cake?

Yes, you can use whole eggs in place of egg whites, though this may slightly change the texture of the cake.

6. Can I add more chocolate chips to the cake batter?

Absolutely! Feel free to increase the amount of chocolate chips if you want more of a chocolatey bite.

7. Can I decorate the cake with something other than chocolate chips?

You can use sprinkles, crushed cookies, or other candy pieces to decorate the cake. Get creative with your toppings!

8. Can I make this cake without the frosting?

You can omit the frosting if you prefer, but it adds a creamy texture that complements the richness of the cake and cheesecake layers.

9. How do I know when the cheesecake is fully baked?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center is still slightly jiggly. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

10. Can I freeze the assembled cake?

Yes, you can freeze the entire cake before frosting or after frosting. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cake is a truly indulgent dessert that combines the best of both worlds—rich chocolate chip cake and creamy cheesecake. With its irresistible layers and creamy frosting, it’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping treat.