Name: Ho Ho Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 5 Tablespoons flour; 1 1/4 cups milk; 1 cup sugar; 1 cup shortening; 1 teaspoon vanilla; Pinch of salt; 8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips; 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking to wow your family and friends with a rich, luscious dessert that feels both nostalgic and indulgent, the Ho Ho Cake is your new best friend. This irresistible chocolate delight combines a moist, cocoa-packed cake base with a creamy, dreamy filling and a silky chocolate ganache topping. The Ho Ho Cake is just the perfect sweet treat to bring a little extra joy to any occasion, and once you try it, it will become a cherished staple in your dessert repertoire. Get ready for layers of flavor and texture that simply melt in your mouth!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Ho Ho Cake recipe keeps things straightforward with ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Each component plays a vital role: the cocoa powder delivers that deep chocolate flavor, the combination of baking soda and powder ensures a tender crumb, and the vinegar reacts with the baking soda to keep the cake light. Meanwhile, the filling and ganache bring richness and a luscious texture that truly elevate this cake.

Cocoa powder: Provides a rich chocolate base and vibrant color to the cake.
Sugar: Sweetens both the cake and the cream filling for balanced flavor.
Flour: Forms the structure and gives the cake its tender crumb.
Salt: Enhances all flavors and prevents sweetness from becoming flat.
Baking soda: Helps the cake rise for a soft texture and lift.
Baking powder: Assists with additional leavening for fluffiness.
Water: Keeps the cake moist and contributes to the perfect batter consistency.
Vegetable or canola oil: Adds richness and ensures the cake stays tender.
Vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to create an airy crumb.
Vanilla extract: Lends aromatic warmth to the cake and filling.
Milk: Used in the cream filling to create smoothness and body.
Shortening: Creates a light, fluffy texture in the cream filling.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted for the ganache topping to add glossy chocolate decadence.
Heavy whipping cream: Key to making the ganache silky and rich.

How to Make Ho Ho Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and get a 9 x 13 inch pan ready by greasing and flouring it thoroughly. In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients—cocoa powder, sugar, flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. This step is crucial because it ensures all the powders are evenly distributed, setting the stage for a perfect texture. Next, create a little well in the center and pour in the water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla. Stir just until everything is smooth and combined; overmixing can toughen the cake, and we want it light and tender. Pour that luscious batter into your pan and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Then, let it cool fully to get ready for that dreamy filling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Filling

While the cake cools, it’s time to make the magic happen with the cream filling. Start by whisking flour and milk together in a saucepan and gently heating it over medium heat. Keep at it—whisk constantly until the mixture thickens, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about the consistency of mayonnaise. This thickened base is what gives the filling its structure. Let it cool slightly so it’s warm but not hot. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, beat together sugar, shortening, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy. Slowly combine this with your warm flour mixture, then beat everything together on medium-high speed until the filling is light and airy, perfect for spreading.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Now for the grand finale! Place your semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl and warm the heavy whipping cream just until it’s barely simmering. Pour that hot cream over the chocolate chips and whisk gently until the chips melt into a velvety, glossy ganache. Let it cool until it thickens just enough to pour and spread without running everywhere. Then lovingly pour the ganache over your filled cake, smoothing it all the way to the edges for that stunning finishing touch. Let it set until firm before slicing.

How to Serve Ho Ho Cake

Garnishes

Simple is best when it comes to garnishing your Ho Ho Cake. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a scattering of chocolate shavings over the ganache can add an elegant touch without overpowering the cake’s rich layers. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also provide a lovely pop of color and a hint of tartness that complements the chocolate beautifully.

Side Dishes

Ho Ho Cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to contrast the chocolaty richness with cool creaminess. For an extra festive feel, serve alongside a cup of rich coffee or a warm mug of spiced hot chocolate, turning your dessert into a comforting experience perfect for gatherings or relaxing evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make your Ho Ho Cake the centerpiece of your celebration? Try layering small individual portions in clear glass cups, alternating slices of cake with filling and topping, to showcase those beautiful layers. You can also use festive cupcake liners and bake the batter into mini cakes, assembling each with cream and ganache for cute, personal desserts everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ho Ho Cake keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making your next slice just as enjoyable as the first. Just be sure to cover it well so the creamy filling stays moist and the ganache retains its silky texture.

Freezing

Want to save some for later? Ho Ho Cake freezes well! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the slices overnight in the fridge to preserve the cake’s textures perfectly.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy your leftover Ho Ho Cake, you can allow it to come to room temperature or gently warm a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds to soften the ganache and filling slightly. Just don’t overheat, or the cream filling might change texture. If frozen, thaw fully before warming.

FAQs

What makes this cake a Ho Ho Cake?

The Ho Ho Cake is inspired by the classic Ho Hos snack cakes, featuring a moist chocolate cake rolled or layered with a fluffy cream filling and topped with luscious chocolate ganache, capturing that nostalgic flavor with a homemade touch.

Can I use butter instead of shortening in the filling?

Yes, you can substitute butter, but shortening helps to keep the filling light and stable. Using butter will add more flavor but may alter the texture slightly, making it a bit denser.

Is it necessary to use vinegar in the cake batter?

The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise and become tender. Omitting it may result in a less fluffy cake, so it’s best not to skip it for this recipe.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

With some gluten-free flour blends suitable for baking, you can adapt this recipe, but be sure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain texture. Results may vary slightly from the original.

How long does the ganache take to set?

Typically, the ganache will firm up within 1 to 2 hours at room temperature, depending on the thickness of the layer. For faster setting, you can pop the cake into the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

The Ho Ho Cake is truly one of those treasures that brings comfort and celebration together in every bite. Its simple ingredients transform into layers of irresistible chocolate and cream that you and your loved ones will crave again and again. Give it a try—you might just discover a new family favorite that brightens your dessert table and warm your heart.

Ho Ho Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 25 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Ho Ho Cake is a rich and moist chocolate cake layered with a creamy, fluffy filling and topped with a smooth, decadent chocolate ganache. This classic dessert is perfect for chocolate lovers and special occasions, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder thoroughly. If your cocoa powder has clumps, sieve it before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
Add Wet Ingredients: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the water, vegetable or canola oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until the batter is smooth and well combined without lumps.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
Make the Cream Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together the flour and milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, reaching the consistency of mayonnaise. Remove from heat and allow to cool until warm.
Beat the Filling: In a stand or hand mixer, beat together sugar, shortening, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Gradually add the warm flour-milk mixture to this and continue beating on medium-high speed until the filling is thick, fluffy, and smooth, about 5 to 7 minutes. Spread this evenly over the cooled cake.
Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream just until it begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Let sit for a minute before whisking until the ganache is smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool until it is still pourable but slightly thickened.
Assemble the Cake: Pour the ganache over the cream filling and gently spread it to the edges in an even layer. Let the ganache set completely at room temperature before slicing and serving. Enjoy the silky, layered chocolate delight!

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.
Use fresh cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
For a dairy-free version, substitute shortening for butter and use dairy-free milk and cream alternatives.
Ganache can be refrigerated if you want a firmer topping, but bring it to room temperature before serving for softness.
This cake keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days; cover tightly to prevent drying out.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American