Name: Ding Dong Cake: The Ultimate Guide to Baking and Enjoying This Classic Treat
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 180 min
Yield: 12-16 Ding Dongs
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; ½ cup vegetable shortening; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ cup milk or heavy cream; 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons light corn syrup (optional, for shine)

Ding Dong Cake: Just the name conjures up images of childhood birthday parties and that unmistakable, individually wrapped treat. But what if I told you that you could recreate that nostalgic delight at home, in cake form, and it's even more decadent than you remember? Prepare to be amazed because this recipe delivers all the chocolatey, creamy goodness you crave, but in a shareable, show-stopping dessert.

While the original Ding Dong, created by Hostess, has a relatively modern history, its inspiration draws from classic European pastries. Think of it as a distant cousin to the Swiss roll, elevated with a rich chocolate coating and a luscious cream filling. The appeal of the Ding Dong Cake lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The moist, tender chocolate cake contrasts beautifully with the smooth, cool cream center, all enveloped in a crisp chocolate shell. It's a symphony of sweetness that's hard to resist.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, it's incredibly satisfying. The combination of chocolate and cream is a timeless classic. Second, it's a fun and festive dessert, perfect for celebrations or simply indulging in a sweet treat. And finally, making a Ding Dong Cake from scratch allows you to customize the flavors and ingredients to your liking, creating a truly unique and memorable dessert experience. So, let's get baking and bring this iconic treat to your kitchen!

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

For the Cream Filling:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
½ cup vegetable shortening
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ cup milk or heavy cream

For the Chocolate Ganache:

12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons light corn syrup (optional, for shine)

Preparing the Chocolate Cake:

Preheat and Prep: First things first, let's get our oven ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper circles for extra insurance against sticking. I find this makes removing the cakes a breeze!
Dry Ingredients Unite: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed – we don't want any pockets of baking soda surprise!
Wet Ingredients Join the Party: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined and the mixture looks smooth.
Combine and Conquer: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; a few lumps are okay.
The Boiling Water Secret: Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be very thin – don't panic, that's exactly what we want! The hot water helps to bloom the cocoa powder and creates a super moist cake.
Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them; ovens can vary!
Cooling is Key: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from sticking and allows them to cool evenly. Make sure they are completely cool before frosting!

Making the Cream Filling:

Butter Up: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), beat the softened butter and vegetable shortening together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The shortening helps to stabilize the filling and gives it that classic Ding Dong texture.
Sweeten the Deal: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Start on low speed to avoid a powdered sugar cloud!
Vanilla and Cream: Add the vanilla extract and milk (or heavy cream). Beat until the filling is smooth and creamy. You may need to add a little more milk or cream to reach your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable.

Crafting the Chocolate Ganache:

Heat the Cream: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil!
Chocolate Melt Down: Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for about a minute to allow the chocolate to soften.
Smooth Operator: Gently whisk the cream and chocolate together until smooth and glossy. If you're using corn syrup, add it now and whisk until combined. The corn syrup adds a beautiful shine to the ganache.
Cool Slightly: Let the ganache cool slightly, about 10-15 minutes, until it thickens to a pourable consistency. If it gets too thick, you can gently warm it up in the microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring in between.

Assembling the Ding Dongs:

Level the Cakes: If your cakes have a dome, use a serrated knife to level them. This will ensure that your Ding Dongs are even and stack nicely.
Core the Cakes: Using a small round cookie cutter or a sharp knife, cut a circle out of the center of each cake layer, leaving about a 1-inch border around the edge. This creates the space for the cream filling.
Fill 'Er Up: Fill a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or use a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off) with the cream filling. Pipe the filling into the cored-out centers of one cake layer.
Sandwich Time: Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the filled layer, gently pressing down to adhere.
Chill Out: Place the assembled cake in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will help the cake firm up and make it easier to handle when dipping in the ganache.
Prepare Your Dipping Station: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will catch any excess ganache.
Dipping Time: Remove the cake from the freezer. Using a large knife or spatula, carefully spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the top and sides of the cake. You can also pour the ganache over the cake and let it drip down the sides.
Let it Set: Place the ganache-covered cake on the prepared baking sheet and let the ganache set completely. This usually takes about an hour at room temperature or 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Cut and Serve (or Store): Once the ganache is set, use a sharp knife to cut the cake into individual Ding Dong-shaped portions. You can cut them into squares or use a round cookie cutter to create the classic Ding Dong shape. Store the Ding Dongs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Our homemade Ding Dong Cake recipe, a nostalgic treat that's surprisingly simple to recreate and even more satisfying to devour. I truly believe this is a must-try for anyone who loves a classic, comforting dessert. Forget the store-bought version – this homemade rendition boasts a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, a creamier filling, and a moistness that's simply unmatched. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a special weekend treat. But why is this Ding Dong Cake recipe so special? It's the combination of high-quality ingredients and careful execution. We're not skimping on the chocolate, and we're taking the time to create a truly decadent filling. Plus, the homemade touch elevates it from a simple snack cake to a truly memorable dessert. It's a labor of love, yes, but the payoff is absolutely worth it. Now, let's talk serving suggestions and variations! While the classic Ding Dong Cake is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. For a truly indulgent experience, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate sauce adds an extra touch of elegance. If you're feeling adventurous, consider these variations: * Mint Chocolate Ding Dongs: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the filling for a refreshing twist. * Peanut Butter Ding Dongs: Swirl peanut butter into the filling for a salty-sweet combination. * Coffee Ding Dongs: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee to the cake batter for a mocha flavor. * Mini Ding Dongs: Bake the cake in a mini muffin tin for individual servings. This is great for parties! * Caramel Ding Dongs: Drizzle caramel sauce over the finished cakes for an extra layer of sweetness. The possibilities are endless! Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own unique version of this beloved treat. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you'll love the rich chocolate flavor, the creamy filling, and the overall satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch. It's a recipe that's sure to become a family favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some magic. I'm confident that you'll be amazed by the results. Once you've tried this Ding Dong Cake recipe, I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Recipe Hashtag]. Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. I'm always looking for new and creative ways to enjoy this classic treat. Happy baking! I can't wait to see what you create! Remember to tag me so I can see your amazing creations. I'm sure your family and friends will be impressed with your baking skills. This recipe is a guaranteed winner, so don't hesitate to give it a try. You won't regret it!