Ho Ho Cake

Savor the Festive Delight of Ho Ho Cake

Embark on a dessert adventure with this Ho Ho Cake recipe. It delivers moist cake layers, creamy frosting, and silky ganache. Whether for a birthday, holiday party, or cozy gathering, this cake will delight your guests. Ready to bake something spectacular? Let’s get started.

Ho Ho Cake Magic: What Makes It Special

This Ho Ho Cake blends rich cocoa, sweet vanilla, and luscious filling. The cake layers bake light and fluffy, while the cream frosting brings softness. Then, the chocolate ganache adds a glossy finish. Together these elements create a dessert that feels celebratory and comforting.

Pro Tips to Nail Your Ho Ho Cake

1. Warm ingredients slightly (especially eggs and milk) so nothing shocks the batter or frosting.
2. Don’t overmix after adding wet ingredients; mix just until combined to stay tender.
3. Use room temperature shortening in the frosting so it blends better with the cooked mixture.
4. Chill slightly before ganache — when the frosting is firm, pour ganache so it sets nicely.
5. Slice with a hot, dry knife (dip in hot water, wipe dry) to get clean layers without tearing.

Ho Ho Cake Recipe: Your Complete Guide

• Preparation time: about 20 minutes
• Baking time: 30–35 minutes
• Cooling & assembly time: about 40 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Equipment needed: 9×13 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, saucepan, electric mixer, spatula

This hearty Ho Ho Cake will deliver rich flavors while still being approachable for home bakers.

Ingredients

For the cake layers:

• 6 Tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose 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 frosting (the filling):

• 5 Tablespoons flour
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup shortening
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the chocolate ganache (topping):

• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¾ cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

For the cake layers:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa, sugar, flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder.
3. Make a well in the dry mix, then pour in water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla extract.
4. Gently stir until smooth and well blended. Do not overmix.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

For the cream filling (frosting):

1. In a saucepan, whisk together flour and milk until blended.
2. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick and bubbling (like mayonnaise).
3. Once thick, remove from heat and let cool until warm (not hot).
4. Meanwhile, in a mixer bowl, beat sugar, shortening, vanilla, and salt until creamy.
5. Add the cooled flour-milk mixture and beat on medium-high until light, fluffy, and spreadable (about 5–7 minutes).
6. Spread this cream frosting evenly over the cooled cake layer.

For the chocolate ganache topping:

1. Place chocolate chips in a medium bowl.
2. Heat the cream in a small saucepan just until it begins to simmer.
3. Pour hot cream over chocolate chips and let sit for 1 minute before whisking.
4. Whisk until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly until pourable but still thick.
5. Pour the ganache over the cream frosting and gently spread to edges.
6. Let the ganache set fully at room temperature before slicing.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

Once your Ho Ho Cake is set, slice and serve it at room temperature. It goes wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee. To store, cover loosely and refrigerate — it stays fresh for about 3–4 days. If you’d like, warm slices a bit before serving to soften the ganache.

You can experiment: add raspberries between layers, or mix a teaspoon of espresso into the ganache for depth. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or sea salt adds a nice crunch contrast.

Why You’ll Love This Ho Ho Cake

This Ho Ho Cake brings together three textures — moist cake, creamy filling, and silky ganache. It’s both simple and elegant. The flavor is balanced: chocolate richness with a light vanilla cream core. You’ll feel proud serving it at any gathering.

Thinking of pairing sides? Try something bright like candied carrots from this recipe collection: candied carrots. Or contrast with a breakfast dessert like a Bundt treat: bundt cake breakfast. For a hearty meal before dessert, you might enjoy chicken bacon ranch casserole with potatoes. If you’re in a baking mood, consider checking out this sticky bun breakfast ring. And after all that, you could bake a comforting bread too: easy Dutch oven no knead bread.

Final Thoughts on Ho Ho Cake

Your journey with the Ho Ho Cake ends in a dessert masterpiece. Whether you bake it for friends or family, it will shine. Be patient with cooling and frosting steps — they matter. So enjoy each bite and share the joy of baking.

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