Are you ready to embark on a delicious journey back to childhood? This Ho Ho cake recipe captures all the creamy, chocolatey goodness of the classic snack cake, but elevated into a stunning and surprisingly easy-to-make homemade dessert. Forget those store-bought versions – this recipe delivers a richer, more intensely chocolatey experience, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing your guests. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals (yes, even a treat can be part of a balanced diet!), showcasing the best of homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
This recipe yields one 9x13 inch cake.
-
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup boiling water
-
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple preparation ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily.
Making the Cake Batter:
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients is crucial for a consistent texture.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar.
-
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, so be gentle!
-
Slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing on low speed. The batter will be thin – this is normal!
Baking the Cake:
-
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. Patience is key here; a warm cake will melt the frosting.
Making the Chocolate Frosting:
-
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air and creates a lighter, fluffier frosting.
-
Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk, beating until smooth and creamy.
-
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Frosting and Serving:
Once the cake is completely cool, frost it evenly with the chocolate frosting. You can get creative here – use a piping bag for a fancier look, or simply spread it smoothly with a knife. Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade Ho Ho cake!
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Ho Ho Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh baking powder and soda: Old leavening agents can result in a flat cake.
- Let the cake cool completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and become runny.
- Get creative with toppings: Add sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or even chopped nuts to elevate your cake.
Variations:
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Use Different Frosting: Try a cream cheese frosting or a peanut butter frosting for a twist.
- Make Mini Ho Hos: Bake the batter in muffin tins for individual-sized treats.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 18-20g Sugar: Approximately 40-45g
This is an approximate value and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy recipe is perfect for those seeking delicious dishes and simple food recipes. Enjoy the wonderful taste of homemade goodness!