Ding Dong Cake

Ding Dong Cake is a nostalgic treat that brings back memories of your favorite childhood snack cakes. This homemade version elevates the classic with moist chocolate cake layers, a fluffy marshmallow cream filling, and a glossy, rich chocolate ganache. Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweetness and decadence. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging your sweet tooth, this Ding Dong Cake is sure to impress. Its beautiful presentation, complete with a silky ganache dripping down the sides, makes it a showstopper on any dessert table. It’s an easy-to-make cake that delivers a big impact both in flavor and appearance.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (for ganache)

Filling:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 7 oz marshmallow fluff
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed. Slowly pour in the boiling water while continuing to mix until the batter is smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
7. To make the filling, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add marshmallow fluff and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
8. For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until steaming, then pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes before stirring until smooth.
9. Assemble the cake by spreading the marshmallow filling between the cake layers. Pour the ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

The Background and History

Hostess Ding Dongs have been an iconic American treat for decades, offering a convenient and delicious way to satisfy a sweet tooth. First introduced in the 1960s, these round, individually wrapped cakes are famous for their combination of soft chocolate cake, creamy filling, and a rich chocolate coating. Over the years, the Ding Dong has evolved from a lunchtime snack into a nostalgic treat that brings back fond memories for many.

This homemade Ding Dong Cake takes inspiration from the original but elevates it into a full-size cake that’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or celebrations. While the snack cake is often associated with simplicity, this recipe enhances the experience with more complex flavors and textures, making it suitable for any occasion that calls for something special.

Why This Ding Dong Cake is the Best

There are several reasons why this Ding Dong Cake stands out from other chocolate cakes. Here are some of the key factors that make it a winning dessert:

1. Incredible Moisture and Texture: The combination of buttermilk and boiling water in the cake batter ensures an exceptionally moist and tender crumb. The cake itself is rich, chocolaty, and practically melts in your mouth. This moistness is what sets it apart from other dense or dry chocolate cakes.
2. Creamy Marshmallow Filling: The filling is a nod to the original Ding Dongs but with a homemade twist. Using marshmallow fluff, butter, and powdered sugar, this creamy filling adds a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate cake layers. It’s sweet, light, and fluffy, creating the perfect balance.
3. Decadent Chocolate Ganache: The final touch is the glossy chocolate ganache, which is made from semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream. This rich and smooth ganache elevates the cake, giving it a luxurious finish. It not only tastes incredible but also gives the cake a professional appearance that will impress your guests.
4. Perfect for Chocolate Lovers: If you love chocolate, this cake is for you. Every component of this cake—the cake itself, the filling, and the ganache—is infused with chocolate goodness. The deep cocoa flavor is enhanced by the buttermilk, giving it a slight tang that complements the sweetness.
5. Visually Stunning: With its smooth ganache coating and thick layers of cake and filling, this Ding Dong Cake is a visual treat. When you slice into it, the contrast between the dark chocolate cake and the white marshmallow filling is simply beautiful.
6. Versatile for Any Occasion: This cake is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a casual weekend dessert, it always delivers. Its nostalgic charm makes it a hit with kids, while the rich flavors satisfy adults.

Benefits of Making This Cake at Home

There are several benefits to making a Ding Dong Cake from scratch instead of buying the snack version or a pre-made cake from a store:

1. Control Over Ingredients: When you make this cake at home, you can control exactly what goes into it. You can opt for high-quality cocoa powder, organic butter, or even modify it to suit dietary preferences (such as gluten-free or dairy-free). This ensures that the cake is free from artificial preservatives and additives, offering a healthier alternative to store-bought options.
2. Customization Options: One of the best things about homemade cakes is the ability to customize. You can play around with different flavors by adding espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor, or use flavored extracts like peppermint or almond. You can also switch up the filling by adding a layer of fruit preserves or whipped cream for a unique twist.
3. Baking as a Creative Outlet: Baking this cake can be a fun and rewarding experience. The process of creating something from scratch, especially something as visually and tastefully appealing as a Ding Dong Cake, can be incredibly satisfying. It’s also a great way to practice and improve your baking skills.
4. Cost-Effective: While this cake looks and tastes like something from a fancy bakery, it’s actually quite cost-effective to make at home. You likely already have many of the ingredients on hand, such as flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. The few additional items, like marshmallow fluff and heavy cream, are affordable and can be used in other recipes.
5. Freshness: Store-bought cakes often sit on shelves for days, losing freshness. When you make a Ding Dong Cake at home, it’s fresh and ready to be served within hours of baking, which means better flavor and texture.

Tips for Perfecting Your Ding Dong Cake

To ensure your Ding Dong Cake turns out perfectly, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your buttermilk, eggs, and butter are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly and results in a more tender cake.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, and other dry ingredients ensures a smooth, lump-free batter. It also helps create a lighter cake texture.
• Use High-Quality Cocoa: Since chocolate is the star of this recipe, using a high-quality cocoa powder makes a big difference. Look for a good Dutch-processed cocoa for a deep, rich flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you’ve combined the wet and dry ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Chill the Cake Before Ganache: After filling the cake, it’s a good idea to chill it for about 30 minutes before pouring the ganache on top. This helps the ganache set properly and creates a beautiful, glossy finish.

Variations and Substitutions

If you’re looking to make some adjustments to the recipe, here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s meant for baking. Ensure that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace the buttermilk with a dairy-free milk (such as almond or oat milk) combined with a tablespoon of vinegar to create a dairy-free “buttermilk.” Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil for the filling and ganache.
• Extra Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the cake batter to enhance the chocolate flavor. Espresso and chocolate complement each other perfectly, and this small addition can make a big difference.

Conclusion

The Ding Dong Cake is a nostalgic yet sophisticated dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Its moist chocolate layers, creamy marshmallow filling, and decadent ganache make it a crowd-pleaser, while its visual appeal ensures it will be the star of the dessert table. Whether you’re a fan of the original snack cake or just a lover of rich, indulgent chocolate desserts, this homemade version is sure to impress. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a fun and rewarding project for any home baker.