Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cheesecake Factory Chocolate Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 53 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Description

This Cheesecake Factory-style Chocolate Cake recipe delivers a rich, moist, and decadent chocolate layer cake with smooth chocolate frosting. Perfectly balanced with a deep cocoa flavor, it replicates the iconic dessert known for its indulgent texture and luscious frosting, ideal for any celebration or chocolate craving.


Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup hot water

Frosting & Toppings

  • Chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade with cocoa, butter, sugar, and milk)
  • Optional chocolate chips
  • Optional chocolate shavings or curls


Instructions

  1. Prepare your pans: Grease the cake pans thoroughly and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily without sticking.
  2. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the correct temperature for baking by the time the batter is ready.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until evenly blended.
  4. Add wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
  5. Combine both mixes: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring continuously until the batter is uniform and smooth.
  6. Add hot water: Gently mix in the hot water until the batter becomes thin, smooth, and shiny, which helps produce a moist cake texture.
  7. Fill cake pans: Evenly divide the batter between prepared cake pans, spreading it out to fill each pan levelly.
  8. Bake the cakes: Place the pans into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the cakes are firm to the touch.
  9. Cool the cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and place them on wire racks to cool completely before handling further.
  10. Remove from pans: Once cool, carefully invert the cakes out of the pans to avoid breaking or crumbling.
  11. Prepare frosting: Use store-bought chocolate frosting or make your own by combining cocoa powder, softened butter, powdered sugar, and a little milk to create a spreadable consistency.
  12. Trim the tops: If the cakes domed while baking, level the tops by gently slicing off the rounded edges to create flat surfaces for stacking.
  13. Frost the first layer: Place one cake layer on your serving plate and generously spread chocolate frosting evenly over the top.
  14. Add the second layer: Position the second cake layer on top of the frosted bottom layer, pressing gently to secure it flat.
  15. Frost the whole cake: Cover the entire cake—top and sides—with the remaining chocolate frosting, smoothing it out for a polished finish.
  16. Add toppings: Decorate with optional chocolate chips or chocolate shavings/curls for extra flavor and an attractive presentation.
  17. Chill the cake: Refrigerate the finished cake to allow the frosting to set and firm up, typically 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  18. Slice the cake: Use a clean, sharp knife to cut the cake into slices, wiping the knife between cuts for neat slices.
  19. Serve fresh: Plate each slice and enjoy the rich, moist chocolate cake with luscious frosting.
  20. Store leftovers: Keep any remaining cake stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and softness.

Notes

  • Make sure to use hot water; this enhances the cocoa flavor and helps the cake remain moist.
  • If making homemade frosting, let the butter soften at room temperature to ensure easy mixing.
  • Remove the cakes from pans only after they have fully cooled to prevent breakage.
  • Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges.
  • Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and create a smoother batter.
  • For extra moistness, do not overbake; start checking for doneness at 30 minutes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American