Growing up enjoying Hostess Ho Hos, I’m excited to share a delightful twist on this classic treat with my layered Ho Ho cake recipe. This dessert is a nostalgic nod to the beloved childhood favorite, featuring moist chocolate cake layers, a light and fluffy cream filling, and decadent chocolate fudge frosting. Each bite of this indulgent cake is a reminiscent journey back to those sweet memories of enjoying a Ho Ho snack.
The layered Ho Ho cake is a chocolate lover’s dream come true, combining the richness of chocolate cake with the airy cream filling and luscious fudge frosting. With simple step-by-step instructions, you can recreate this childhood favorite at home, elevating it with high-quality ingredients for a truly magical dessert experience. Get ready to indulge in a grown-up version of the classic Ho Ho, where every slice is a taste of pure nostalgia and chocolatey bliss.
Ingredients
Creating a decadent layered Ho Ho cake requires specific ingredients for each component. Below are the key ingredients you will need to replicate this nostalgic dessert at home.
For the Cake
- 6 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 Tablespoons vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Filling
- 5 Tablespoons flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Equipment Needed
To make this delicious layered Ho Ho cake, you will need a few essential pieces of equipment to ensure a smooth baking process and a perfect outcome. Here is a list of the tools you’ll need:
Baking Essentials:
- 9 x 13 inch Baking Pan: To bake the chocolate cake layers to perfection, choose a high-quality baking pan that is well-greased and floured.
- Mixing Bowls: Have a range of mixing bowls in different sizes to prepare the cake batter, cream filling, and chocolate ganache.
- Whisk: A sturdy whisk is essential for combining the dry ingredients for the cake batter and ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To mix the cream filling ingredients effectively, a hand mixer or stand mixer is recommended for a fluffy and creamy texture.
- Saucepan: You’ll need a saucepan to heat the heavy cream for the chocolate ganache, ensuring it reaches the right temperature for a smooth and glossy finish.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: For an alternative method, have a microwave-safe bowl to heat the chocolate and heavy whipping cream for the ganache.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for the success of the recipe, so ensure you have measuring cups and spoons for both wet and dry ingredients.
- Spatula: A flexible spatula will come in handy for folding ingredients gently and scraping down the sides of bowls to prevent wastage.
- Cooking Spray or Grease: Prepare your baking pan with cooking spray or grease to prevent the cake layers from sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Kitchen Towels: Keep kitchen towels nearby for any spills or messes that may occur during the baking process.
- Oven Mitts: Protect your hands while handling hot pans and baking dishes with a reliable pair of oven mitts.
By gathering these essential baking tools and equipment, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on creating a delightful layered Ho Ho cake that will impress your family and friends.
Preparation Steps
Prepping the Cake Batter
To begin, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease and flour two round 9-inch cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients mentioned in the list. Next, add the oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla to the bowl and stir until combined. Finish by incorporating the coffee into the mixture for added richness and depth of flavor.
Prepping the Cream Filling
For the cream filling, start by gathering the granulated sugar, flour, milk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, flour, and milk, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Once the milk mixture is cool, gradually add it to the butter mixture, beating until smooth and creamy.
Prepping the Chocolate Ganache
To make the chocolate ganache, heat the heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan until it simmers. Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot cream over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before using it to top the assembled Ho Ho cake.
Baking the Cake
To bake the layered Ho Ho cake, you can follow the steps below:
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a stand mixer, mix buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla, and coffee until well combined.
- Slowly add the dry ingredient mix to the wet ingredients while the mixer is on low speed.
- Ensure the batter is thoroughly mixed; it will be thin in consistency.
- Divide and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease a large baking sheet pan for a sheet cake or 3 round 9-inch cake pans for a layered cake.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake the sheet cake for about 20 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- For the layered cake, bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost:
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for a few minutes.
- Carefully transfer the cakes to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a delightful and delicious layered Ho Ho cake transformed into a sheet cake to feed a larger crowd. The balance of cake to cream is particularly delightful in this recipe, making it a favorite for many occasions.
Assembling the Layers
Layering the Cake and Cream
To assemble the Ho Ho cake layers, start by placing one of the chocolate cakes on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the cream filling on top, ensuring it covers the cake evenly. Then, carefully place the second cake layer on top of the cream filling. Repeat the process by spreading another layer of the cream filling and adding the final chocolate cake layer. The contrast between the moist cake and light cream filling creates a delicious combination.
Adding the Ganache
Once the cake layers and cream filling are assembled, it’s time to add the chocolate ganache. Pour the prepared ganache over the top layer of the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a visually appealing finish. The ganache adds a rich, decadent flavor that complements the chocolate cake and cream filling perfectly. Allow the ganache to set slightly before adding any additional decorations or serving slices of this decadent Ho Ho cake.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To elevate the presentation of your layered Ho Ho cake and ensure a delightful serving experience, follow these serving and presentation tips:
1. Garnish with Chocolate Shavings
Before serving the layered Ho Ho cake, consider garnishing it with delicate chocolate shavings. Use a vegetable peeler to create elegant curls of chocolate from a chocolate bar. Sprinkle the shavings over the top of the cake to add a touch of sophistication and a hint of extra chocolate flavor.
2. Chill Before Serving
For optimal taste and texture, allow the assembled layered Ho Ho cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Chilling the cake helps set the cream filling and ganache layers, enhancing the overall consistency and flavor profile of the dessert.
3. Slice Carefully for Clean Layers
When slicing the layered Ho Ho cake to serve, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. This technique ensures clean and precise slices, maintaining the distinct layers of cake, cream filling, and chocolate ganache. Serve each slice on a chilled dessert plate for a professional presentation.
4. Serve with a Dollop of Whipped Cream
To complement the rich flavors of the layered Ho Ho cake, consider serving each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side. The light and airy texture of whipped cream provides a delightful contrast to the dense and decadent layers of the cake, enhancing the overall taste experience for your guests.
Storage Tips
When it comes to storing your delicious layered Ho Ho cake, it’s essential to ensure its freshness and preserve its flavors. Here’s a simple guide on how to store your cake properly:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the cake within 1-2 days, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap. Make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the layered Ho Ho cake. Place it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. Before serving, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to enhance its flavors and texture.
- Freezing: To store the cake for an extended period, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight and bring them to room temperature before serving.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade layered Ho Ho cake at its best, whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or savoring a slice as a delightful treat.
Conclusion
Creating a homemade layered Ho Ho cake is a delightful way to indulge in a nostalgic treat reminiscent of the classic Hostess Ho Hos snack. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you can easily prepare this decadent dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of moist cake layers, creamy filling, and rich chocolate ganache offers a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. With the right presentation and storage techniques, you can ensure that your layered Ho Ho cake stays fresh and delicious for any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a baking adventure to savor the irresistible goodness of this homemade masterpiece.