Hershey Chocolate Cake

Introduction

If you love chocolate, the Hershey Chocolate Cake is a must-try! This classic dessert is rich, moist, and utterly delicious. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat, it’s easy to whip up and will surely impress your family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you make the Hershey Chocolate Cake? It’s simple! This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also uses easy-to-find ingredients. The combination of cocoa powder and boiling water or hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, making each bite a heavenly experience. Plus, who doesn’t love a perfectly frosted chocolate cake?

How to Make Hershey Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar
1 3⁄4 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water or hot coffee
1/2 cup melted butter
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8-inch round baking pans with parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well blended.
Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Mix until well combined.
Carefully stir in the boiling water or hot coffee. The batter will be thin—pour it evenly into the prepared pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
In a medium bowl, combine melted butter and cocoa powder. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
Place one cake layer on a serving tray. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
Slice and enjoy this classic Hershey chocolate cake!

How to Serve Hershey Chocolate Cake

Serve your Hershey Chocolate Cake on a beautiful cake stand or a simple plate. You can enjoy it plain, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. It’s also delicious when paired with fresh berries for a fruity twist!

How to Store Hershey Chocolate Cake

If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will be good for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Hershey Chocolate Cake

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Don’t skip the boiling water or hot coffee; it makes the cake moist and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Let the cakes cool completely before frosting them to prevent the frosting from melting.

Variation

For a fun twist, you can add chocolate chips to the batter before baking or mix in some nuts for added crunch. You could also try using a different frosting, like cream cheese frosting, for a different flavor profile!

FAQs

1. Can I use vegetable oil instead of canola oil?
Yes, vegetable oil works perfectly in this recipe. Both oils are neutral in flavor and create a moist cake.

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake up to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to frost and serve it.