Have you ever craved the nostalgic taste of a childhood treat but wished it came in a show-stopping cake form? Meet the Most Amazing Ding Dong Cake — a rich, chocolaty dessert layered with fluffy cream filling and glossy ganache that transforms the classic snack into an irresistible indulgence.

Imagine biting into a moist chocolate cake with a generous layer of whipped vanilla cream tucked between, all blanketed in a silky chocolate ganache that gleams like frosting perfection. This cake is more than a dessert; it’s a celebration of textures and childhood joy, refined for grown-up gatherings and still perfect for midnight cravings.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating the Most Amazing Ding Dong Cake calls for a few essential tools that ensure each layer comes out just right:

Two 9-inch Round Cake Pans: These allow you to create even cake layers for a balanced structure.
Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: A must for whipping the cream filling until it’s fluffy and light.
Offset Spatula: Ideal for evenly spreading both the filling and the ganache for a polished look.
Cooling Rack: Helps your cakes cool evenly, preventing soggy bottoms.
Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl: For gently melting chocolate and butter into a smooth ganache without burning.

Having these tools ready makes the process smooth and helps achieve a professional-quality finish at home.

Ingredients for the Most Amazing Ding Dong Cake

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the cake, giving it body and texture.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps it develop a tender crumb.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers that deep chocolate flavor essential for a Ding Dong-inspired dessert.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work together to lift the cake and create a light, fluffy crumb.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Eggs: Bind the batter and add richness.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, ensuring a soft and tender cake.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist longer than butter.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
Boiling Water: Intensifies the cocoa flavor and helps blend the batter to a silky consistency.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to make the classic creamy center.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream filling.
Butter: Adds richness to both the cream layer and the ganache.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melt into a luscious ganache that finishes the cake with a glossy, chocolatey cap.

How To Make the Most Amazing Ding Dong Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers

Preheat your oven and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment and grease. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Add in eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla, then gradually mix in boiling water. Divide the thin batter evenly and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Whip the Cream Filling

In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla, then continue beating until stiff peaks hold. Chill the mixture until ready to assemble.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Gently melt semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly so it thickens enough to spread without running.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Place the bottom cake layer on a serving plate. Spread the whipped cream filling evenly over the top, leaving a slight border. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and gently press to secure. Spread the ganache over the top, letting it slightly drip down the sides.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to firm up the layers and set the ganache. Slice with a clean knife and enjoy every creamy, chocolate-drenched bite.

How to Serve and Store the Most Amazing Ding Dong Cake

Serve this cake chilled for the best bite. The cold cream center holds its shape beautifully, and the ganache becomes a smooth, fudgy crown that slices clean. For an elegant presentation, cut the cake with a knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry.

This cake stores best in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or store in an airtight cake container to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to one month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best chocolate to use for the ganache?

Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped bars for a glossy, smooth ganache that firms up but stays creamy.

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the chocolate layers a day in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic once cooled and store at room temperature until ready to assemble.

Is it okay to use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the flavor and texture won’t be as rich. Real whipped cream gives a fresher, more decadent result.

How do I keep the cream filling from oozing out?

Make sure your cake is completely cool before assembling. Also chill the whipped cream filling before use and refrigerate the cake after assembly to help it set.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Absolutely—just substitute the flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Do I need to refrigerate leftovers?

Yes. Because of the cream filling, keep leftovers chilled and consume within a few days for best taste and texture.

Want More Chocolate Cake Dessert Ideas?

If you loved the Most Amazing Ding Dong Cake, you’re definitely on the hunt for more rich and satisfying chocolate treats. Here are a few that might catch your eye:

You’ll love the Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes — gooey marshmallow centers with a campfire twist. For a deep cocoa experience, the Indulgent Chocolate Chess Pie delivers a fudgy, sliceable filling that pairs wonderfully with whipped cream.

Want something no-bake and equally dreamy? Try the No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake, which blends creaminess with a cookie crust. For an eye-catching bake, the Irresistible Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes offer a fruity contrast to your chocolate adventures.

Another reader favorite? The Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes — a fun twist when you want a dessert that’s part breakfast, part indulgence.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this cake to your dessert board for later. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d truly love to hear your take. Did you add a different filling? Go for milk chocolate ganache? Drop a comment below and tell me how it turned out.

For more desserts, come browse my daily recipe posts over on Pinterest @LadyPlate and save the treats you’re craving most!