Welcome, food enthusiasts and dessert lovers, to a delightful journey into the world of sweet indulgence. Today, I’m excited to share with you the recipe for a classic treat that will transport you back to your childhood – the Hostess Ding Dong Cake. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is for everyone who craves a rich, moist, and utterly irresistible dessert. In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins of this iconic cake, dive into the ingredients and directions, share some pro tips, and even suggest the perfect food and drink pairings to elevate your experience. So, let’s not keep your taste buds waiting any longer!
| Servings | Cooking Time | CALORIES |
| 12 | 1hr | 450 per serving |
Hostess Ding Dong Cake
The Hostess Ding Dong Cake is a dessert that appeals to all ages and levels of baking expertise. Whether you’re a busy mom looking for a crowd-pleaser, a baker searching for a new challenge, or simply someone with a sweet tooth, this recipe is a must-try. Its nostalgic charm and heavenly taste make it an excellent choice for birthdays, special occasions, or just a delightful weekend treat. If you’re a fan of the classic Hostess Ding Dong, you’re in for a real treat because this homemade version is even better!
Why It’s Great
What sets this Hostess Ding Dong Cake apart is its perfect blend of flavors and textures. The moist chocolate cake, creamy filling, and velvety chocolate ganache coating create a symphony of taste and a party in your mouth. Plus, by making it at home, you have control over the ingredients, ensuring high-quality, wholesome components are used. This cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers a creative outlet for those who enjoy baking.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Before we dive into the ingredients and directions, let’s ensure you have the necessary kitchen equipment on hand:
- 2 round cake pans (8 or 9 inches in diameter)
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Cooling rack
- Rubber spatula
- Piping bag (for filling)
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl (for ganache)
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
Now that you’re all set with your kitchen essentials, let’s get to the heart of the matter: making the Hostess Ding Dong Cake.
Ingredients and Directions
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin; don’t worry; this is what makes the cake moist.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Test with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Create the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then gradually add the heavy cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the filling over one of the cakes. Place the second cake on top.
Make the Ganache:
- In a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream until it’s just about to boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly, then pour it over the assembled cake, letting it drip down the sides.
Your Hostess Ding Dong Cake is now ready to be devoured!
Tips
- Moisture is Key: To ensure a moist cake, use hot water in the batter. This step is essential for achieving the right texture.
- Filling Fluff: Whip the filling until it’s light and fluffy. This adds an airy texture to your cake.
- Chilled Ganache: Let it cool slightly before pouring it over the cake. This ensures a glossy finish.
Food and Drink Pairings
For a complete dessert experience, consider pairing your Hostess Ding Dong Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. A steaming cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk is the perfect accompaniment to balance the richness of the cake.
Conclusion
The Hostess Ding Dong Cake is a dessert that captures the essence of nostalgia and offers a truly unbeatable taste. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or as a weekend treat, this recipe is sure to delight. We hope you enjoy every bite of this homemade version. Don’t forget to share the joy with your friends and family by sharing this recipe and subscribing to our blog for more delightful culinary adventures!
MORE RECIPES
Hostess Ding Dong Cake
Equipment
- 2 round cake pans (8 or 9 inches in diameter)
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Cooling rack
- Rubber spatula
- Piping bag (for filling)
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl (for ganache)
- Offset spatula (for frosting)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin; don't worry; this is what makes the cake moist.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Test with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then gradually add the heavy cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the filling over one of the cakes. Place the second cake on top.
- In a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream until it's just about to boil.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the mixture is smooth.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly, then pour it over the assembled cake, letting it drip down the sides.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake in advance? Absolutely! The Hostess Ding Dong Cake can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.
2. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache? Yes, you can experiment with different types of chocolate for the ganache, like dark or white chocolate, to customize the flavor.
3. How can I make the cake gluten-free? To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
4. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual slices for longer storage.
5. Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making the filling from scratch? While homemade filling is recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought frosting as a time-saving alternative if needed.
I hope you find this Recipe informative. If you have any further questions or need any adjustments, please feel free to let me know!