Description
This Ding Dong Cake is a decadent chocolate dessert featuring layers of moist cake, a fluffy cream filling, and a rich ganache frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a nostalgic treat, this cake is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the Filling Base
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons (40 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (236 ml) whole milk
For the Cake
- 1 ¾ cups (205 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (75 g) natural cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (118 ml) neutral cooking oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
- 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk (room temperature preferred)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (236 ml) buttermilk (room temperature preferred)
- ½ cup (118 ml) hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Filling
- Prepared filling base (from above)
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
For the Ganache Frosting
- 8 oz (226 g) semi-sweet chocolate
- 1 cup (236 ml) heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Prepare the Filling Base
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, flour, and salt.
- Gradually add milk while whisking to ensure no lumps.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Pour the mixture into a heat-proof container, press wax paper onto the surface, and let cool to room temperature.
Make the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease the sides.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add melted butter and oil. Stir until well combined.
- Beat in eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually stir in buttermilk, followed by hot coffee. Mix well.
- Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 33–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Filling
- Beat softened butter in a large bowl until fluffy.
- Gradually add the cooled filling base, one spoonful at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and whip until smooth and airy. Chill for 10–20 minutes before using.
Make the Ganache Frosting
- Combine chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 35 seconds, stir, and repeat in 25-second intervals until smooth.
- Let the ganache cool to a spreadable consistency.
Assemble the Cake
- Level the cooled cake layers if necessary.
- Place the first layer on a serving plate and spread the filling evenly over the top.
- Add the second layer and smooth the sides.
- Freeze the cake for 10–15 minutes to firm it up.
- Spread ganache evenly over the top and sides of the cake. Chill for 15 minutes b
Notes
- Ensure the filling base is completely cool before adding it to the butter to avoid melting.
- If the ganache becomes too firm while assembling, microwave it for 5–10 seconds to soften.
- For best results, use high-quality chocolate for the ganache and room-temperature ingredients for the batter and filling.
Enjoy your Ding Dong Cake—a deliciously nostalgic treat that’s bound to impress!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American