Introduction:

Chocolate has a way of captivating our senses, and when it’s presented in the form of a rich, decadent cake, it’s hard to resist. The Ding Dong Cake is a tribute to those classic Hostess Ding Dongs many of us cherished during our childhood. Imagine a luscious chocolate cake filled with a creamy center and draped in a velvety chocolate ganache. This recipe brings that fantasy to life, allowing you to recreate this beloved treat in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Origine and Historique:

The Ding Dong Cake is inspired by the iconic Hostess Ding Dong snack cakes that have been a favorite in American households for decades. These treats, with their distinctive round shape, chocolate exterior, and creamy filling, have been a staple in lunchboxes and snack pantries. Over the years, many have sought to recreate this classic at home, leading to the creation of the Ding Dong Cake – a larger, cake version of the beloved snack.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened dark chocolate cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled (or milk for a non-coffee version)
• ½ cup milk
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for cream filling)
• 1 cup milk (for cream filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for cream filling)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for cream filling)
• 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate morsels (12 ounces, for ganache)
• 1 ¼ cup heavy whipping cream (for ganache)

Detailed Preparation Steps:

1. Cake Preparation:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch cake pans.
• In a bowl, mix the flour, cocoa, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
• In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time.
• Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the coffee/milk mixture.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool.

2. Cream Filling:

• In a saucepan, whisk flour with milk until smooth. Heat until it thickens, resembling pudding. Add vanilla and cool.
• Cream butter and sugar in a separate bowl until fluffy. Mix in the cooled milk mixture until it has a whipped cream texture.

3. Ganache Preparation:

• In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate morsels with heavy cream. Heat until melted and smooth.

4. Assembling the Cake:

• Place one cake layer on a plate and spread the cream filling on top. Add the second cake layer.
• Pour the ganache over the cake, covering the top and sides.

Tips and Variations:

• If you’re not a fan of coffee, you can replace the coffee with an equal amount of milk.
• For a twist, consider adding a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam between the cake layers.

FAQ:

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache? Yes, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate based on your preference.
2. How long can I store the Ding Dong Cake? It’s best consumed within 3 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cake and filling a day in advance. Assemble and add the ganache on the day of serving.

Conclusion:

The Ding Dong Cake is a delightful trip down memory lane, offering a taste of nostalgia with every bite. Whether you’re introducing it to a new generation or reminiscing about the good old days, this cake is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of making it and, more importantly, savoring it with loved ones.