This Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Cake is a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate cake layers with a creamy mint cheesecake center. The fusion of cool mint and deep chocolate creates a delightful experience in every bite, making it perfect for celebrations or anytime I want to treat myself to something truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this cake blends the refreshing flavor of mint with the indulgent texture of chocolate. The cheesecake layer in the middle adds a luscious, creamy contrast to the moist chocolate cake. It's a show-stopping dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly doable at home. The best part? The flavors get even better the next day, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Mint extract
Green food coloring (optional, for the cheesecake layer)
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Buttermilk
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract
Hot water
Heavy cream (for ganache or frosting)
Powdered sugar (if making frosting)

Directions

I start by preparing the mint cheesecake layer. I beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, eggs, mint extract, and a touch of green food coloring. I bake it in a springform pan and let it chill completely.
For the chocolate cake, I whisk together dry ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, I combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla, then slowly mix it with the dry ingredients and hot water until smooth.
I pour the batter into two prepared cake pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Once all layers are cool, I assemble the cake with the cheesecake sandwiched between the two chocolate cake layers.
I top it off with a silky chocolate ganache or a mint-infused frosting, depending on my mood.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 12 servings. It typically takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to prepare and bake, plus cooling and chilling time which can take an additional 2–3 hours.

Variations

I sometimes switch things up by using dark chocolate in the cake or white chocolate in the ganache. For an extra burst of mint, I fold chopped Andes mints into the cheesecake layer. If I want to keep it simple, I skip the ganache and dust the top with cocoa powder or powdered sugar.

storage/reheating

I store this cake in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. It holds up really well thanks to the cheesecake layer. When I want to serve a slice, I let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes so the flavors and textures shine. This cake also freezes beautifully—just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

How do I keep the cheesecake layer from cracking?

I make sure to bake it in a water bath and let it cool gradually. I also avoid over-mixing the batter to reduce air bubbles.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely. I often bake the cheesecake and cake layers a day ahead and assemble them the next day. It actually tastes better after resting overnight.

What kind of mint extract should I use?

I prefer peppermint extract for a classic mint flavor. I make sure not to confuse it with spearmint, which has a slightly different taste.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix, and it still turns out great.

Can I skip the food coloring?

Definitely. The green color is optional. I skip it when I want a more natural look or if I’m not into using dyes.

Conclusion

This Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Cake is the kind of dessert I love pulling out for special occasions—or when I just need something extraordinary. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor with every forkful. Whether I'm baking it for a holiday or to satisfy a serious chocolate craving, it never disappoints.

Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Cake

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and indulgent Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Cake that features layers of moist chocolate cake and a creamy mint cheesecake center, topped with ganache or mint frosting. Perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious treat.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a springform pan and two 9-inch round cake pans.
For the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, 1 egg, mint extract, and green food coloring (if using). Mix until smooth and pour into the springform pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until set. Cool completely and chill.
For the chocolate cake: In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, 2 eggs, and vanilla. Gradually mix into dry ingredients, then add hot water and stir until smooth.
Divide batter between prepared cake pans and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30-35 minutes. Cool layers completely.
To assemble: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, top with the cheesecake layer, then the second cake layer.
For the ganache or frosting: Heat heavy cream and pour over chocolate chips. Let sit, then stir until smooth. Optionally, whip with powdered sugar for frosting. Spread over the cake.

Notes

Use a water bath for baking the cheesecake to prevent cracking.
Let the cake sit at room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.
Can be made a day ahead for enhanced flavor.
Green food coloring is optional and only for visual effect.