Ooey Gooey Chocolate Cake

INGREDIENTS:

1 (18.25 oz.) box chocolate cake mix
1 (16 oz.) box powdered sugar
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature
2 sticks butter, divided, melted
3 eggs, divided
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, optional
3-4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1/4 teaspoon instant espresso granules

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Mix cake mix with 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter, 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a large bowl until just combined, then transfer to greased baking dish. Use a rubber spatula to spread mixture into an even layer.
In a separate bowl or mixer, beat cream cheese for 2-3 minutes, or until smooth, then add eggs one at a time, waiting for each to be incorporated before adding the next. Mix in cocoa powder and instant coffee granules until smooth.
Gradually mix in powdered sugar (on low speed, if using a mixer), then drizzle in remaining melted butter and vanilla extract.
If using, fold in chocolate chips until just combined …