Oh, let me tell you about the joy of baking a Hershey’s chocolate cake! There’s just something magical about the smell of rich chocolate wafting through your kitchen, isn’t there? Every time I whip up this cake, it feels like I’m giving myself a big, warm hug. The texture is so moist and decadent, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!). Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Whether it’s a birthday, a family gathering, or just a treat for yourself after a long day, this cake always delivers that deep chocolate satisfaction. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why it’s a classic! Let’s dive into making this delicious masterpiece together!
Ingredients for Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your own Hershey’s chocolate cake! You’ll need:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (make sure to spoon it into your measuring cup for accuracy)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I love using the darker cocoa for a richer flavor)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (this is what makes it sweet and delightful)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (helps the cake rise beautifully)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda (another rising agent, don’t skip this!)
- 1 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature for better mixing)
- 1 cup whole milk (adds moisture, so creamy!)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for that luscious texture)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (a must for flavor!)
- 1 cup boiling water (trust me, it makes the batter silky smooth)
Make sure you have everything ready before you start, as it makes the process smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your cake goes in. While that’s happening, grab your two 9-inch round cake pans. Grease them generously with butter or cooking spray, then dust them with flour to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. I like to tap out any excess flour to avoid clumps. This little step makes a big difference!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. It’s super important to whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly. You want to make sure they’re evenly mixed so that every slice of your cake is perfectly balanced in flavor. I usually take my time here—just a couple of minutes will do!
Add Wet Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add the wet ingredients! Toss in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat everything together on medium speed for about 2 minutes. You want that batter to be smooth and inviting! You’ll notice the mixture starting to come together beautifully—don’t rush this part!
Combine with Boiling Water
Here’s where the magic happens! Carefully stir in the cup of boiling water. Yes, it will look a bit runny, but trust me—it’s supposed to! This step helps create that moist texture we all love. Keep mixing until the batter is silky and smooth—this is the moment you’ll fall in love!
Bake the Cake
Now, pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans. Don’t be shy—give them a gentle jiggle to help settle everything down. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary!
Cooling Process
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This is essential! After that, gently remove them from the pans and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience is key here—resist the urge to frost them while they’re still warm! Trust me, letting them cool ensures that your frosting won’t slide right off!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation – You can whip this cake up in no time, making it perfect for any occasion!
- Rich chocolate flavor – With the deep cocoa and sugar balance, every bite is a chocolate lover’s dream!
- Perfect for celebrations – Birthdays, anniversaries, or just because—this cake fits any celebration effortlessly!
- Moist and tender texture – The combination of boiling water and oil ensures that each slice is incredibly moist and delicious!
Tips for Success with Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
Want to nail your Hershey’s chocolate cake? Here are some of my favorite tips for perfect results every time!
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better rise!
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser cake, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Check your oven: Ovens can be tricky, so use an oven thermometer if you have one. A consistent temperature is key to even baking.
- Cool completely: Allow the cakes to cool fully before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off!
- Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for an extra layer of flavor and texture!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a show-stopping cake that everyone will love!
Serving Suggestions for Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
Now that you’ve created this beautiful Hershey’s chocolate cake, let’s talk about how to make it even more irresistible! I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—nothing beats that warm cake paired with cold creaminess. You can also top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream for that extra fluff! And if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle some chocolate ganache over the top or sprinkle with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor. Trust me, these simple additions elevate your cake to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve savored your Hershey’s chocolate cake, you’ll want to store any leftovers properly to keep that deliciousness intact! First, let the cake cool completely before you wrap it up. If you have leftover slices, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor. You can keep the cake at room temperature for about 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you want to save it for later, you can freeze the cake! Just slice it up, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then pop it in a freezer bag. It’ll last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat if you love it cold, but if you prefer it warm, just pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Yum!
Nutritional Information for Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
Here’s what you can expect in terms of nutrition per slice of this delightful Hershey’s chocolate cake: approximately 350 calories, 30g of sugar, and 5g of protein. You’ll also find 15g of total fat, including 5g of saturated fat. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and any toppings you add. Enjoy this delicious indulgence while keeping balance in mind!
FAQ About Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
Got questions about making the perfect Hershey’s chocolate cake? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use a different type of cocoa powder? Yes, you can! While I love the rich flavor of unsweetened cocoa, you can experiment with Dutch-process cocoa for a different taste. Just remember, it can alter the color and flavor slightly.
What if I don’t have two round cake pans? No problem! You can use a single pan and simply bake the layers one at a time. Just keep an eye on the baking time since it may vary slightly.
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have melded together. Just be sure to store it properly!
How can I make this cake gluten-free? You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure to choose one that’s designed for baking to get the best results.
What frosting pairs best with this cake? I recommend a classic chocolate buttercream, but cream cheese frosting or even a fluffy whipped cream would be delicious too! Choose what tickles your taste buds!
If you have more questions, feel free to reach out! I’m here to help you create the most delicious Hershey’s chocolate cake ever!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For tips on baking techniques, visit King Arthur Baking.
Print
Hershey’s Chocolate Cake: 5 Secrets to Pure Bliss
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Hershey’s chocolate cake that is rich and moist.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed.
- Stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth.
- Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Store cake in an airtight container.
- This cake can be frozen for up to three months.
- Use your favorite frosting for decoration.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Hershey's chocolate cake, chocolate cake, dessert