If you love chocolate, creamy fillings, and a rich ganache topping, then Ding Dong Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert! This indulgent treat is inspired by the famous Hostess Ding Dongs, those little chocolate snack cakes filled with a light, fluffy vanilla cream. But instead of a tiny handheld treat, we’re making it into a full-sized, ultra-decadent layer cake that’s perfect for parties, birthdays, or just a weekend baking project.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Ding Dong Cake, including its history, key ingredients, a step-by-step recipe, and solutions to common baking mistakes.
“Ready to create the most delicious, chocolatey, cream-filled cake ever? Let’s dive in!”🍰✨
🍫 1.What Is Ding Dong Cake?
Ding Dong Cake is a rich, moist chocolate layer cake filled with a creamy vanilla filling and covered in a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache. It’s designed to mimic the classic Hostess Ding Dongs, but in a much bigger and more indulgent form.
🎉 1.The History Behind Ding Dong Cake
The Ding Dong snack cake was first introduced by Hostess in the 1960s as a chocolate-covered, cream-filled cake, similar to HoHos and Swiss Rolls. It quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to its perfect balance of fluffy cake, sweet filling, and chocolate coating.
Bakers later transformed this treat into a full-size cake, keeping the same flavors and textures, but making it even more impressive!
“Imagine your favorite childhood snack cake—but bigger, better, and homemade!”
🧐 2.Why Is It Called Ding Dong Cake?
The name “Ding Dong” comes from a classic TV commercial where a doorbell sound played whenever someone bit into the cake. The catchy “Ding Dong” name stuck, and today, it’s one of the most recognizable snack cakes in America.
🍰 2.Why You’ll Love This Ding Dong Cake Recipe
Still need convincing? Here’s why this chocolate masterpiece belongs in your kitchen:
🍫 1.Rich, Moist, and Decadent Chocolate Flavor
The cake layers are soft, fluffy, and packed with deep chocolate taste—thanks to high-quality cocoa powder and buttermilk.
🕰 2.A Nostalgic Treat for Hostess Ding Dong Fans
If you grew up loving Hostess Ding Dongs, this cake is like a giant, homemade version that’s even better than the original!
🎂 3.Perfect for Parties, Birthdays, and Special Occasions
Ding Dong Cake isn’t just delicious—it also looks stunning on any dessert table. That shiny ganache topping? Absolute showstopper!
“One slice of this cake, and you’ll never settle for store-bought Ding Dongs again!”
🥄 3.Essential Ingredients for Homemade Ding Dong Cake
Before we start baking, let’s gather everything we need.
📋 1.Ingredients List:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For the Cake: | |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | ¾ cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 ¾ cups |
| Baking soda | 2 teaspoons |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Hot water | 1 cup |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| For the Cream Filling: | |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ½ cup |
| Marshmallow fluff | 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Heavy whipping cream | 3 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| For the Chocolate Ganache: | |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1 ½ cups |
| Heavy cream | ¾ cup |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
“For the best flavor, always use high-quality cocoa powder and real vanilla extract!”
👨🍳 4.Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ding Dong Cake
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps for a flawless Ding Dong Cake.
🧁 1️⃣ Prepping the Cake Pans and Mixing the Batter
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
4️⃣ Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, then mix until smooth.
5️⃣ Slowly add hot water while stirring (this helps create a moist texture).
“Don’t skip the hot water—it enhances the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake extra soft!”
2️⃣ Baking the Perfect Chocolate Cake Layers
1️⃣ Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans.
2️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3️⃣ Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🍦 3️⃣ Whipping Up the Creamy Vanilla Filling
1️⃣ In a bowl, beat butter, marshmallow fluff, and powdered sugar until smooth.
2️⃣ Add vanilla extract and heavy whipping cream, then beat until light and fluffy.
“This filling is the heart of the Ding Dong Cake—light, sweet, and creamy!”
🎂 4️⃣ Assembling the Cake Like a Pro
1️⃣ Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
2️⃣ Spread the vanilla filling evenly over the top.
3️⃣ Place the second cake layer on top and press gently.
“Be careful not to overfill—too much filling can cause the cake layers to slide!”
🍫 5️⃣ Making the Silky Chocolate Ganache Topping
1️⃣ In a saucepan, heat heavy cream until steaming (but not boiling).
2️⃣ Pour over chocolate chips and butter, let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
3️⃣ Let the ganache cool slightly, then pour over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
“For a glossy finish, let the ganache set at room temperature before slicing!”
5.Common Problems and Solutions When Making Ding Dong Cake
Even experienced bakers run into issues from time to time. If your Ding Dong Cake didn’t turn out as expected, don’t worry! Here are some common problems and easy fixes to help you troubleshoot.
1. Why Did My Cake Turn Out Dry? How to Fix It
Possible Causes:
Overbaking—too much time in the oven.
Too much flour or cocoa powder—dry ingredients absorb moisture.
Not enough fat—oil or butter adds moisture.
How to Fix It:
✅ Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer—sometimes ovens run hotter than expected.
✅ Use the toothpick test: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s done!
✅ Brush the cake with simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water heated together) to add moisture.
“A perfectly baked chocolate cake should be soft, tender, and moist—not dry and crumbly!”
2. How to Prevent the Cream Filling from Being Too Runny
Possible Causes:
Butter was too soft—melted butter will make the filling unstable.
Whipping cream not beaten enough—this gives it structure.
Overmixing—can cause the filling to lose volume.
How to Fix It:
✅ Chill the butter before mixing—soft but not melted butter works best.
✅ Whip the cream separately, then fold it into the filling for a stable texture.
✅ If the filling is still too runny, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before spreading.
“The filling should be light and fluffy, not runny—if it’s too loose, it won’t hold between the cake layers!”
3. How to Get a Smooth and Shiny Chocolate Ganache
Possible Causes:
Overheating the chocolate—can cause graininess.
Not stirring enough—chocolate and cream must fully blend.
Using low-quality chocolate—affects smoothness and shine.
How to Fix It:
✅ Use high-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (at least 60% cocoa).
✅ Let the heated cream sit on the chocolate for 2 minutes before stirring—this allows even melting.
✅ Whisk gently in one direction to avoid air bubbles.
“A silky ganache should be smooth, glossy, and pourable—but not too thin or thick!”
4. Why Is My Cake Cracking? How to Avoid This Issue
Possible Causes:
Oven temperature too high—causes rapid rising and cracking.
Overmixing the batter—develops too much gluten.
Cooling too fast—sudden temperature changes cause cracks.
How to Fix It:
✅ Bake at the correct temperature—350°F (175°C) is ideal.
✅ Mix just until combined—don’t overbeat the batter.
✅ Cool the cake gradually—leave it in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
“If cracks happen, don’t panic—ganache covers imperfections beautifully!”
🍰 6.Fun Variations of Ding Dong Cake
Want to switch things up? Try these delicious twists on the classic Ding Dong Cake!
- Ding Dong Cupcakes: Mini versions of the cake for easy serving.
- Peanut Butter Ding Dong Cake: A peanut butter twist for a nutty flavor.
- Keto-Friendly Ding Dong Cake: A low-carb version with almond flour.
If you love rich, layered chocolate desserts, you’ll also enjoy our➡️➡️➡️ Chocolate Lasagna—a no-bake, creamy delight with layers of chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and Oreo crust!
1️⃣ Ding Dong Cupcakes: Mini Versions for Easy Serving
Love Ding Dongs but want individual portions? Try cupcakes!
✅ Use a cupcake pan instead of cake pans.
✅ Fill cupcakes with cream filling using a piping bag.
✅ Dip the tops in ganache for a glossy finish.
“Same great taste, but in a bite-sized version—perfect for parties!”
2️⃣ Gluten-Free Ding Dong Cake: Best Flour Alternatives
Need a gluten-free option? No problem!
✅ Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill.
✅ Add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t include it.
✅ Use cornstarch instead of flour in the filling for a smooth texture.
“Gluten-free doesn’t mean flavor-free—this version is just as rich and delicious!”
3️⃣ Ding Dong Cake with Peanut Butter Filling
Want to take the filling up a notch? Try peanut butter! 🥜
✅ Mix ½ cup peanut butter into the vanilla filling.
✅ Add chopped Reese’s or peanuts between the layers for crunch.
✅ Drizzle with melted peanut butter before serving.
“Chocolate + peanut butter = the ultimate flavor combo!”
4️⃣ Low-Sugar or Keto-Friendly Ding Dong Cake
Watching your sugar intake? Try this:
✅ Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
✅ Swap sugar for monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.
✅ Use sugar-free chocolate for the ganache.
“This version lets you enjoy all the chocolatey goodness—without the sugar overload!”
🧊 7.How to Store and Preserve Ding Dong Cake
Here’s how to keep your cake fresh and delicious for days!
1.How Long Does Ding Dong Cake Last in the Fridge?
| Storage Method | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature (covered) | 1 day |
| Refrigerator (sealed container) | 4-5 days |
| Freezer (wrapped in plastic) | 2-3 months |
✅ Keep the cake in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
✅ Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing—it makes cleaner cuts.
✅ If freezing, wrap each slice individually for easy grab-and-go treats.
“This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!”
2.Can You Freeze Ding Dong Cake for Later?
Yes! Freezing works great if you want to make it ahead of time.
How to Freeze:
1️⃣ Let the cake cool completely before freezing.
2️⃣ Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil to prevent freezer burn.
3️⃣ Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to Thaw:
✅ Place in the fridge overnight before serving.
✅ For quicker thawing, leave at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
“A frozen slice of Ding Dong Cake makes the perfect last-minute dessert!”
8.FAQs About Ding Dong Cake
1️⃣ Can I Use a Cake Mix Instead of Making It from Scratch?
Yes! A high-quality chocolate cake mix works well if you’re short on time. Just make sure to add an extra egg and replace water with milk for a richer texture.
2️⃣ What’s the Best Way to Get an Even Cake Layer?
✅ Use cake strips around your pans to prevent doming.
✅ Level the cakes with a serrated knife if needed.
✅ Rotate pans halfway through baking for even cooking.
3️⃣ Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead of Milk Chocolate for the Ganache?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) gives a richer, more intense flavor.
🎉 9.Conclusion: Enjoy Your Ultimate Homemade Ding Dong Cake!
There you have it—the most decadent, chocolatey, and creamy Ding Dong Cake ever! 🍫🎂
Why You’ll Love This Cake:
✔ Moist, rich chocolate layers
✔ Creamy, fluffy vanilla filling
✔ Silky-smooth chocolate ganache
✔ Perfect for parties, birthdays, or special occasions
“So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and let’s bake!“🎂✨