Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Delight

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup hot water

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

For the Chocolate Pudding:

• 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk

For the Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups whipped cream or whipped topping
• ½ cup chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
• ¼ cup crushed chocolate cookies or brownie chunks

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Instructions:

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Add vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Stir in hot water gradually until well combined. The batter will be thin.
5. Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let it cool completely, then cut into cubes.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding

1. In a bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and cold milk.
2. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

1. In a large trifle dish or individual serving cups, layer ⅓ of the chocolate cake cubes.
2. Spread a layer of the cheesecake mixture over the cake.
3. Add a layer of chocolate pudding.
4. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with whipped cream on top.
5. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, and crushed cookies.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

1. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors blend.
2. Serve chilled and enjoy your Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Delight!