For the Cheesecake • 24 oz cream cheese softened (340g) • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g) • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • ½ cup sour cream (120g) • 3 large eggs room temperature preferred

For Frosting • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened • 12 oz cream cheese softened • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract • ¼ teaspoon table salt • 6 cups powdered sugar (750g) • ¼ cup dark cocoa powder (25g)

For the Glaze • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar (190g) • 2 Tablespoons milk • 1 Tablespoon light corn syrup see note • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract • Nonpareils sprinkles, or coarse sanding sugar for decorating, optional

In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat together cream cheese and sugar until mixture is creamy, lump-free, and  well-combined.

Starting Cheesecake for Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Cake

Starting Cheesecake for Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Cake

Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until well-combined.

Adding Sour Cream and Vanilla for Cheesecake Layer

Adding Sour Cream and Vanilla for Cheesecake Layer

With mixer on low-speed, add eggs one at a time, stirring until just-combined after each addition. Be careful not to over beat or cracking will occur.

Eggs for Cheesecake Layer

Eggs for Cheesecake Layer

Preheat your oven to  325F (165C) and line the bottom of an 8” springform pan with parchment paper.

Preparing Springform Pan for Cheesecake Layer

Preparing Springform Pan for Cheesecake Layer

Pour batter into prepared springform pan and transfer to the center rack of 325F (165C) oven. Bake for 35 minutes or until cheesecake is set.

Baking Cheesecake Layer

Baking Cheesecake Layer

Remove cheesecake from oven, allow to cool for ten minutes then carefully run a knife between the cheesecake and the rim of the pan. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 2 days.

Taking Cheesecake Layer Out of Oven

Taking Cheesecake Layer Out of Oven

Now for the Cake... In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Mixing Dry Ingredients for Chocolate Cake Layers

Mixing Dry Ingredients for Chocolate Cake Layers

Add melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs and vanilla extract and stir (by hand or using an electric mixer) until well-combined.

Adding Wet Ingredients for Chocolate Cake Layers

Adding Wet Ingredients for Chocolate Cake Layers

Stir in buttermilk until well-combined and batter is smooth.

Adding Buttermilk to Chocolate Cake Batter

Adding Buttermilk to Chocolate Cake Batter

Carefully add very hot water or coffee and stir until thoroughly combined and batter is uniform.

Adding Hot Water to Chocolate Cake Batter

Adding Hot Water to Chocolate Cake Batter

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and bake on 350F (175C) for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.

Baking Chocolate Cakes

Baking Chocolate Cakes

Allow cakes to cool for  15 minutes then run a knife around the edge of the cake and carefully invert on a cooling rack. 

Cooling Chocolate Cake Layers

Cooling Chocolate Cake Layers

Remove the collar from the springform pan and, if needed, use a sharp knife to level the cheesecake.

Prepping Cheesecake Layer for Assembly

Prepping Cheesecake Layer for Assembly

Prepare your buttercream frosting using website instructions. 

Prep Frosting for Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Cake

Prep Frosting for Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Cake

Place your first cake layer on cake platter and cover with a layer of chocolate frosting.

Frosting First Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Cake Layer

Frosting First Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Cake Layer

Carefully place the cooled cheesecake on top of the first layer of icing, lining up the center of the cheesecake with the center of the cake. 

Placing Cheesecake on Chocolate Cake

Placing Cheesecake on Chocolate Cake

Cover the cheesecake with another layer of chocolate frosting, then top with remaining chocolate cake layer.

Adding Second Chocolate Cake Layer

Adding Second Chocolate Cake Layer

Apply a very thin layer of frosting all over the cake to catch all the crumbs,  then refrigerate or freeze uncovered for 10-15 minutes before proceeding.

Crumb Coat for Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Cake

Crumb Coat for Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Cake

Generously smear large, thick patches of frosting over the cake, alternating chocolate and white. Use a straightedge to smooth frosting around the cake.

Smoothing Frosting on Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Cake

Smoothing Frosting on Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Cake

Gently swirl remaining frosting together then transfer to a large piping bag fitted with a large closed star tip and pipe decorative dollops on top, if desired.

Decorating Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Cake

Decorating Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Cake

Store cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Slice and Enjoy! 

Cutting into Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Cake

Cutting into Cheesecake Stuffed Chocolate Cake