Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk, hot coffee, canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and blend until smooth.
Grease your 9-inch cake pans, pour the chocolate batter evenly into both pans, and bake for 30-35 minutes.
In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the cheesecake filling.
Once cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread the cheesecake filling on top, and add the second layer.
Frost with chocolate frosting or dust with powdered sugar. Add toppings as desired.
