Susan Miglore's Fudgy Cream Cheese Chocolate Cake
This birthday cake (and barbecue and potluck and dinner party cake) goes back three generations in my family. For the chocolate frosting, three options are recommended: one adapted from Hershey's Perfect Chocolate Cake, one from Food52 with cream cheese, or a ganache. Recipe adapted from the Fudge Ribbon Cake and Pribble Cake on online-cookbook.com.
This birthday cake (and barbecue and potluck and dinner party cake) goes back three generations in my family. For the chocolate frosting, three options are recommended: one adapted from Hershey's Perfect Chocolate Cake, one from Food52 with cream cheese, or a ganache. Recipe adapted from the Fudge Ribbon Cake and Pribble Cake on online-cookbook.com.
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 3/4 cup (150g) sugar
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (113g) butter softened
- 1/2 cup (125g) milk
- 1 cup (235g) boiling water
- 1 tablespoon instant espresso optional for a deeper chocolate flavor (or substitute coffee for
- 6 tablespoons (85g) butter softened
- 12 ounces (340g) cream cheese softened
- 3 tablespoons (27g) cornstarch
- 1/3 cup (80g) milk
- chocolate frosting of your choice (see note abov
- Carbohydrate 0.7145375 g
- Cholesterol 386.3875 mg
- Fat 52.2465199999973 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 8.34791999999822 g
- Saturated Fat 31.0899824999986 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (165g)
- Sodium 481.624299999793 mg
- Sugar 0.7145375 g
- Trans Fat 4.26463700000006 g
- Calories 501 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oven to 350° F. Butter the bottom but not the sides of a 9x13-inch cake pan.
- To make the chocolate cake batter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, blend the sugar, cocoa, baking soda, butter, and eggs until smooth and well-combined.
- On low speed, blend the milk into the sugar mixture, scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula, then beat on high till smooth.
- With the mixer on low, slowly add in the flour and salt until just combined. Blend in the boiling water, espresso powder (if using), and vanilla until well-combined, scraping down the sides and bottom to make sure it’s well-mixed. The batter will be runny.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Wash and dry the bowl and paddle (or pull out a second stand mixer bowl).
- To make the cream cheese ribbon batter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch until light and fluffy (start on low speed then increase to medium-high once the cornstarch is all moistened).
- Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla and beat till smooth, scraping the sides and bottom as needed. This batter will be runny, too.
- Using a large spoon, gently spoon the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate cake mixture and spread it to the edges. Swirl the two batters together gently.
- Bake at 350° F until a toothpick poked in a few places comes out clean or with just crumbs clinging—start checking at 30 minutes, but it may take up to an hour to bake.
- While the cake is cooling, make the frosting of your choice.
- Once the cake has fully cooled, frost generously. Serve squares directly from the pan with glasses of cold milk.
Susan's Three-Generation Chocolate Cake: A Family Recipe
This isn't just a cake; it's a legacy. For generations, this fudgy, cream-cheese swirled masterpiece has been the star of birthdays, barbecues, potlucks, and countless dinner parties. It's the kind of cake that brings people together, a comforting classic that evokes memories of laughter, love, and shared moments around a table laden with delicious food. The recipe itself is simple, yet the result is spectacular – a rich, moist chocolate cake punctuated by swirls of tangy cream cheese, creating a delightful textural contrast. It's the perfect balance of sweet and slightly tart, a symphony of flavors that leaves you wanting more.
I remember as a child watching my grandmother bake this cake. The rhythmic whirring of the mixer, the intoxicating aroma of cocoa and vanilla filling the kitchen – those are the sensory memories that are forever entwined with this recipe. It wasn't just about the cake itself; it was about the process, the tradition, the love poured into each and every ingredient. And it's a tradition I’m so happy to carry on, sharing this recipe with my own family and friends. The best part? It’s adaptable. While the original recipe is delicious as is, I’ve discovered that different frostings can take this cake to new heights of deliciousness. My mother's classic is simple, but sometimes I like to experiment, swapping the frosting for something new – a ganache perhaps, or a cream cheese frosting with a hint of vanilla. Each variation brings its own unique touch to this beloved cake, ensuring that every slice is a new culinary adventure.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s not overly fussy or demanding, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The batter is easy to prepare, and the swirling technique, while seemingly complex, is actually quite intuitive. And even if your swirls don't turn out perfect (mine often don't!), don't worry – the taste will make up for any aesthetic imperfections! The creamy texture of the cream cheese complements the deep richness of the chocolate perfectly. It's the kind of cake that brings a smile to your face with each bite, a little slice of happiness that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the soul.
This cake has seen me through countless celebrations, offering a comforting presence during both happy and challenging times. It's a testament to the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to share joy. More than just a recipe, it’s a cherished family heirloom, a culinary legacy passed down through generations. And I am so incredibly proud to keep that legacy alive, one delicious slice at a time. It's a cake that embodies comfort, tradition and unwavering love, a cake that is far more than the sum of its parts.
So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and prepare to create a cake that’s as much a part of your family history as it is a delicious treat. Share it with loved ones, cherish the process, and savor every delicious bite. This cake is more than just dessert; it's a celebration of family, love, and the sweet simplicity of a truly special recipe. I encourage you to try it for yourself; let me know in the comments how it turns out!
