If you’re a fan of classic snack cakes, then you’ll be thrilled to try making your own homemade Ding Dong Cake. This delicious treat, inspired by the iconic Ding Dong snack cakes, is sure to bring back nostalgic memories while delighting your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert for a family gathering or simply craving a sweet indulgence, this Ding Dong Cake recipe is the perfect choice.
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making the best Ding Dong Cake, including easy-to-follow steps, key ingredients, and helpful tips to make sure your cake turns out perfectly every time.
Recipe Card (using Tasty Recipes plugin)
- Recipe Name: Ding Dong Cake
- Description: This homemade Ding Dong Cake is a moist, decadent chocolate cake filled with a creamy, fluffy filling and topped with a rich, glossy ganache, just like the beloved snack cake you know and love!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 350 per serving
Ingredients List:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or use your favorite homemade recipe)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 6 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before removing them from the pans.
- Make the Filling: While the cake is cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are cooled, spread the cream filling evenly between the layers of cake. Place the second layer of cake on top.
- Make the Ganache: In a saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream until just boiling. Pour it over the chocolate chips and butter in a bowl. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the ganache is smooth.
- Top the Cake: Pour the ganache over the assembled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the cake set for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice your homemade Ding Dong Cake, serve, and enjoy the delicious chocolatey goodness!
Notes:
- If you prefer a richer filling, you can add a bit of vanilla pudding mix to the cream cheese mixture.
- For a thicker ganache, use more chocolate chips or less cream.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 30g
Why You’ll Love This Ding Dong Cake recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a homemade Ding Dong Cake that’s sure to impress.
- Budget-Friendly: No need to buy pre-packaged snack cakes! This recipe is an affordable way to enjoy a homemade dessert.
- Nostalgic: If you grew up loving Ding Dong snack cakes, this recipe will take you right back to those childhood memories with its delicious, familiar flavor.
- Decadent: The moist chocolate cake, creamy filling, and rich ganache topping come together in a mouthwatering combination that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ding Dong Cake recipe ingredients and Substitutions
- Chocolate Cake Mix: Using a box cake mix makes this recipe easy and accessible. However, if you prefer homemade, feel free to use your favorite from-scratch chocolate cake recipe.
- Cream Cheese: This ingredient gives the filling its creamy and slightly tangy flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute with dairy-free cream cheese.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This is essential for making the smooth and fluffy filling. You can also use coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative.
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: For the ganache, semisweet chocolate is perfect, but you can use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter topping or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness to the ganache, helping it set perfectly. You can use dairy-free butter if needed.
How to MakeDing Dong Cake recipe (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans to prevent the cake from sticking. Mix the cake ingredients together, ensuring there are no lumps. Once the batter is smooth, pour it evenly into your pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before moving on to the next steps.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the cake cools, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s fully incorporated. This creamy filling is what makes the Ding Dong Cake so irresistible!
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes have cooled, carefully slice each cake layer in half to create a total of four layers. Spread a generous amount of the cream filling between each layer, stacking them as you go. Once all layers are stacked, you can move on to making the ganache.
Step 4: Make the Ganache
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to boil. Pour the cream over the chocolate chips and butter. Let it sit for a minute to soften the chocolate, then stir it until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Top the Cake
Pour the ganache over the top of the assembled cake, letting it drip down the sides. Allow the cake to set for about 10 minutes to let the ganache firm up slightly before slicing.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix the Cake Batter: When mixing the cake batter, be sure to mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
- Cool the Cake Completely: Make sure your cakes are completely cooled before assembling. If they’re still warm, the filling could melt, and the ganache may slide off.
- Let the Ganache Set: For the best presentation, let the ganache set for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up and creates a beautiful glossy finish.
Variations and Customizations Ding Dong Cake recipe
- Gluten-Free Ding Dong Cake: Substitute the regular chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free version and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- Mini Ding Dong Cakes: Instead of making one large cake, use a muffin tin to make individual-sized Ding Dong cakes for a fun and personalized treat.
- Add a Layer of Fruit: For a twist, add a layer of raspberries or strawberries between the cake layers for a burst of fresh flavor.
Storage and Reheating Instructions Ding Dong Cake recipe
- Storage: Store leftover Ding Dong Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Reheating: To enjoy your cake warm, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds. However, this cake is best enjoyed chilled, especially the creamy filling and ganache.
Serving Suggestions Ding Dong Cake recipe
Ding Dong Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas for pairing it with other treats:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate flavor of the cake.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a burst of fruity freshness.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream will add even more lightness and creaminess to this decadent dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ding Dong Cake recipe
How to make Ding Dong Cake?
To make Ding Dong Cake, you’ll need to bake a chocolate cake, prepare a fluffy cream filling, and then top it with a smooth ganache. The process is easy, and the result is a decadent dessert that tastes just like the beloved Ding Dong snack cakes!
Can I use a homemade chocolate cake recipe?
Yes! If you prefer homemade, you can substitute the cake mix with your favorite from-scratch chocolate cake recipe.
Can I make Ding Dong Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Ding Dong Cake a day or two ahead of time. Just be sure to store it in the fridge to keep the filling fresh and the ganache set.
Related Recipes
- Chocolate Lava Cake: If you love rich chocolate desserts, this molten chocolate cake is another indulgent option.
- Hostess Cupcakes: These cupcakes are a great homemade version of another classic snack cake, featuring the same creamy filling and chocolate ganache topping.
- Chocolate Mousse Cake: For a lighter chocolate dessert, try making a chocolate mousse cake with a fluffy mousse center.
Conclusion
This Ding Dong Cake recipe brings the nostalgic flavors of a beloved snack cake right into your kitchen, with a homemade twist that’s even better than the original. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. With rich chocolate, creamy filling, and a luscious ganache topping, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t wait any longer—try this Ding Dong Cake today and discover just how amazing it is!