Copycat Ding Dong Cake

The Copycat Ding Dong Cake is a nostalgic and indulgent dessert inspired by the classic Hostess Ding Dong snack cake. This cake features moist chocolate layers filled with a creamy vanilla filling and covered in a rich chocolate ganache. The combination of textures and flavors makes this cake a delightful treat that evokes memories of childhood treats, but with a more sophisticated and homemade touch. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a nostalgic dessert, this Copycat Ding Dong Cake is sure to impress.

This recipe guides you through the process of creating each component of the cake, from the chocolate cake layers to the creamy filling and the luscious ganache. With detailed instructions and tips, you’ll be able to recreate this beloved treat in your own kitchen, ensuring a delicious and visually appealing result.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

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

For the Cream Filling:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 jar (7 ounces) marshmallow creme (or fluff)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 16 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Mix Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Slowly add the boiling water to the batter, mixing until well combined. The batter will be thin.
5. Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cream Filling

1. Beat Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
2. Add Marshmallow Creme and Vanilla: Add the marshmallow creme and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat Cream: In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
2. Melt Chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the butter until fully combined.
3. Cool Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool and thicken slightly before using.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Prepare Cake Layers: If the cake layers have domed tops, level them with a serrated knife.
2. Add Cream Filling: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread the cream filling evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top.
3. Pour Ganache: Pour the cooled ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Use a spatula to smooth the ganache over the top and sides of the cake.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice and Enjoy: Allow the ganache to set before slicing the cake. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and chocolatey flavors of this Copycat Ding Dong Cake.

Tips for the Perfect Copycat Ding Dong Cake

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, even batter and filling.
• Cooling: Allow the cake layers to cool completely before adding the filling and ganache to prevent melting.
• Ganache Consistency: If the ganache is too runny, let it cool a bit longer. If it becomes too thick, gently warm it until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Decorations: For an extra touch, decorate the cake with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or a drizzle of white chocolate.

The Copycat Ding Dong Cake is a decadent and delightful dessert that brings a beloved childhood treat to life in a more sophisticated form. Its rich chocolate layers, creamy filling, and smooth ganache make it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy this homemade version of a classic favorite and savor the nostalgic flavors with every bite.