If you’ve ever tasted a Ding Dong cake, you know it’s the ultimate indulgence. A soft, moist chocolate cake filled with creamy, fluffy filling and coated in a rich chocolate glaze—it’s the stuff dessert dreams are made of! The best part? You don’t have to be a professional baker to make this amazing dessert at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the magic of the Ding Dong snack cake in your own kitchen.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make Chocolate Ding Dong Cake step-by-step so you can enjoy this delicious treat whenever the craving strikes. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just want to treat yourself and your loved ones. So, let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Ding Dong Cake
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about why this cake is such a hit:
- Rich, Chocolatey Goodness: If you’re a fan of chocolate, this cake will make your taste buds dance. The cake itself is rich and moist, and the filling adds a creamy contrast that makes every bite irresistible.
- Fun and Nostalgic: This cake is inspired by the classic Ding Dong snack cake, so if you grew up enjoying those, this homemade version will bring back all the sweet memories.
- Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a family dinner, or a special event, this cake is easy to serve and sure to impress your guests.
- Versatile: You can make it as simple or as fancy as you like by adjusting the filling or topping. Plus, it’s easily customizable to fit your tastes.
Ready to get started? Let’s go over what you’ll need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup boiling water
For the Creamy Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup marshmallow fluff (for a fluffy texture)
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Ding Dong Cake
Now that we have everything we need, let’s start making this delicious Chocolate Ding Dong Cake. It may seem like a lot of steps, but don’t worry, we’ll break it down so you can follow along easily!
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake
The first thing we need to do is make the rich chocolate cake that will be the base of this treat. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
- Beat the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together until smooth and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a whisk to do this. The mixture should become light and airy.
- Add the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin with a little bit of dry ingredients, then a little bit of milk, and continue until both are fully incorporated. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth batter.
- Add the Boiling Water: Once everything is combined, add the boiling water to the batter. It will make the batter very thin, but that’s perfectly normal! This will help create a super moist cake.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so start checking around 25 minutes.
- Cool the Cake: Once the cakes are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the filling.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling
While the cake is cooling, let’s make the fluffy, creamy filling that will go between the layers of cake. This is the part that really brings the Ding Dong magic!
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. You’ll know it’s ready when the cream holds its shape but isn’t too stiff.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Once the cream is whipped, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the cream becomes stiff and holds firm peaks. This is the filling that will go inside the cake, so make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape.
- Add Marshmallow Fluff: To get that classic Ding Dong filling texture, fold in the marshmallow fluff. This gives the filling a creamy, sweet, and slightly chewy texture that makes this dessert so irresistible.
- Chill the Filling: After the filling is ready, cover it and place it in the fridge while you finish preparing the cake.
Step 3: Assemble the Chocolate Ding Dong Cake
Now that the cake is cool and the filling is made, it’s time to put everything together. Here’s how to assemble your Chocolate Ding Dong Cake:
- Level the Cakes: If the cakes have domed on top, carefully level them with a serrated knife so that you have flat surfaces to work with. This helps the layers stack neatly.
- Spread the Creamy Filling: Place the first layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the creamy filling on top of the first cake layer, making sure it’s even and smooth.
- Add the Second Cake Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the filling. Press down gently to make sure it sticks, but don’t squash the filling out.
- Chill the Cake: Once the layers are stacked, chill the cake in the fridge for about 30 minutes to help the filling set before adding the chocolate glaze.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Glaze
A rich, glossy chocolate glaze is the final touch that makes this cake truly irresistible. Let’s make it!
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Add the Chocolate Chips: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Cool the Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool slightly so it thickens but is still pourable. You don’t want it to be too hot when you pour it over the cake, as it might melt the filling.
- Drizzle the Ganache: Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the chilled cake, spreading it evenly over the top and letting it drip down the sides. The ganache will set into a smooth, glossy finish once it cools.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the ganache has set, your Chocolate Ding Dong Cake is ready to be served! Slice it up and enjoy the combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy filling, and rich chocolate glaze.
This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special event or just treating yourself to something sweet. It’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Ding Dong Cake
- Let the Cake Cool Completely: Make sure the cake is completely cooled before assembling it. This prevents the filling from melting and makes it easier to slice.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs and milk to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, even batter.
- Chill Between Steps: After assembling the cake and adding the filling, let it chill for a while to set the filling and make slicing easier.
- Customize the Filling: If you want to get creative, you can add chocolate chips, a hint of espresso powder, or even some crushed cookies to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Making Chocolate Ding Dong Cake at home is a fun and rewarding experience, and the result is an incredibly delicious dessert that everyone will love. With its moist chocolate cake, creamy filling, and glossy chocolate glaze, it’s a showstopper that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is simple enough to follow and yields a cake that looks and tastes amazing.
So, why not give it a try? You’re just a few steps away from indulging in the best chocolate cake you’ve ever had!