Ding Dong Sheet Cake: A Decadent Delight
Introduction
If you’re a fan of the classic Ding Dong snack cakes, get ready to elevate your dessert game with this decadent Ding Dong Sheet Cake. This dessert takes the beloved treat to a whole new level, featuring two layers of rich, moist chocolate cake, a creamy vanilla filling, and a luxurious chocolate frosting. Perfect for special occasions or just a sweet indulgence, this cake will undoubtedly impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups (219 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (88.5 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk, room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
For the Filling (Ermine Frosting):
- 1 cup (245 g) whole milk
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ermine Frosting:
- 1 cup (245 g) whole milk
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (59 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 10×15-inch sheet pan (also known as a jelly roll pan) by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures that your cake will release easily from the pan after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Mix these dry ingredients until they are well combined. This forms the base of your chocolate cake.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Ensure that these ingredients are at room temperature to allow for better incorporation.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Once these are combined, gradually add the hot coffee to the batter. The hot coffee not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also helps in creating a smooth, pourable batter. Make sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with no wet batter clinging to it.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, place the cake in the freezer or refrigerator until firm. This step makes it easier to slice and handle the cake layers.
Making the Filling (Ermine Frosting)
- Cook the Milk and Flour: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the whole milk and all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture, whisking constantly, for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens and resembles a very thick pudding. It should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the cooled milk mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Add Vanilla and Whip: Switch to the whisk attachment and add the vanilla extract. Mix on high speed for 7-8 minutes until the frosting is smooth and creamy. This creates a light and airy filling for your cake.
Making the Chocolate Ermine Frosting
- Cook the Milk and Flour: Similar to the filling, whisk together the whole milk and all-purpose flour in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Note that the mixture may get lumpy as it cools, but it will smooth out in the next steps.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Cocoa: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and Dutch-processed cocoa powder on low speed until the cocoa is incorporated. Increase the speed to medium and mix until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the cooled milk mixture to the chocolate butter mixture. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Add Vanilla and Whip: Switch to the whisk attachment and add the vanilla extract. Mix on high speed for 8-10 minutes until the frosting is smooth and creamy. This rich chocolate frosting will top your cake beautifully.
Assembling the Cake
- Slice the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely and been chilled, carefully slice it in half down the middle to create two rectangles. Gently place one half of the cake onto a serving plate.
- Add the Filling: Spread the vanilla ermine frosting evenly over the bottom half of the cake. This layer will mimic the creamy filling of a traditional Ding Dong.
- Layer the Cake: Place the other half of the cake on top of the vanilla frosting layer, pressing gently to ensure it adheres.
- Top with Chocolate Frosting: Generously spread the chocolate ermine frosting over the top layer of the cake. Smooth it out with a spatula for an even, polished finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your Ding Dong Sheet Cake, reveling in its rich, nostalgic flavors. This cake is perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or simply as a treat for yourself.
Conclusion
This Ding Dong Sheet Cake is a show-stopping dessert that brings together the best of both worlds: the nostalgic taste of a beloved snack cake and the sophistication of a homemade, layered dessert. With its moist chocolate cake, creamy vanilla filling, and rich chocolate frosting, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this cake promises to deliver smiles and satisfaction with every bite. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!