Dinner

Best Ding Dong Cake Recipe – Rich, Moist & Easy Chocolate Cake

If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate snack cake, you’re going to fall in love with this Ding Dong Cake!

Best Ding Dong Cake Recipe – Rich, Moist & Easy Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. This cake comes together in just a few easy steps.
  2. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions.
  3. Divide the batter evenly between two greased 9-inch round cake pans.
  4. Bake according to the package instructions.
  5. Allow the cakes to cool completely.
  6. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  7. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
  8. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  9. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.
  10. Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
  11. Spread the cream filling evenly over the top.
  12. Carefully place the second cake layer on top.
  13. Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
  14. Smooth with an offset spatula.
  15. Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing for the best texture.
  16. Decorate with chocolate curls, sprinkles, or shaved chocolate if desired.
  17. Slice and enjoy!

If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate snack cake, you’re going to fall in love with this Ding Dong Cake! This decadent dessert features a rich, moist chocolate cake layered with a fluffy cream cheese filling and topped with a smooth chocolate frosting. It’s everything you love about the nostalgic treat—but bigger, richer, and perfect for sharing.

Whether you’re making it for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or simply to satisfy a serious chocolate craving, this easy cake is guaranteed to steal the show. Best of all, it starts with a cake mix, making it incredibly simple to prepare.

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Why You’ll Love This Ding Dong Cake

This cake is rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make.

Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Layers of moist chocolate cake and creamy filling.

Easy Shortcut Recipe

A boxed cake mix keeps preparation quick and simple.

Perfect for Celebrations

Great for birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Tastes even better after chilling.

Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

Everyone will ask for seconds!

What Does Ding Dong Cake Taste Like?

This cake is rich and moist with deep chocolate flavor. The fluffy cream cheese filling adds a light, creamy contrast to the chocolate layers, while the chocolate frosting creates a smooth, fudgy finish.

It tastes just like the classic Ding Dong snack cake—but even better!

Benefits of Making Ding Dong Cake

Beginner-Friendly

Simple ingredients and easy assembly.

Budget-Friendly

Starts with an affordable cake mix.

Easy to Customize

Add chocolate chips, ganache, or different frostings.

Perfect for Any Occasion

A dessert everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • Ingredients listed on the cake mix package (typically eggs, oil, and water)

For the Cream Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

  • 12 ounces chocolate frosting

Optional Garnishes

  • Chocolate curls
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Chocolate sprinkles
  • Shaved dark chocolate

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Essential Equipment

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Offset spatula
  • Cooling rack

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Customize this cake with your favorite flavors.

Filling Variations

Add:

  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Marshmallow fluff
  • Chocolate pudding mix
  • Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies

Frosting Options

Use:

  • Chocolate ganache
  • Homemade chocolate buttercream
  • Dark chocolate frosting

Flavor Boosters

Mix in:

  • Espresso powder
  • Almond extract
  • Peppermint extract

How to Make Ding Dong Cake

This cake comes together in just a few easy steps.

Step 1: Bake the Cake

Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions.

Divide the batter evenly between two greased 9-inch round cake pans.

Bake according to the package instructions.

Allow the cakes to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.

Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate.

Spread the cream filling evenly over the top.

Carefully place the second cake layer on top.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Smooth with an offset spatula.

Step 5: Chill

Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before slicing for the best texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Decorate with chocolate curls, sprinkles, or shaved chocolate if desired.

Slice and enjoy!

What to Serve with Ding Dong Cake

This rich dessert pairs perfectly with:

Favorite Pairings

  • Cold milk
  • Fresh coffee
  • Espresso
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Fresh strawberries
  • Raspberries

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze individual slices or the whole cake (well wrapped) for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

General Information

The original Ding Dong snack cake became popular for its combination of rich chocolate cake and creamy filling. This homemade version captures those nostalgic flavors while offering a richer texture and fresher ingredients, making it a favorite for birthdays and celebrations.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 12 servings):

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Sodium: 360mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific cake mix and frosting used.

Conclusion

This Ding Dong Cake is a rich, nostalgic dessert that’s guaranteed to impress. Moist chocolate cake, a fluffy cream cheese filling, and smooth chocolate frosting come together to create a bakery-worthy treat that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your love of chocolate, this homemade version of the classic snack cake is sure to become a family favorite.

If you make this recipe, leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest so others can enjoy this decadent chocolate dessert too!

You May Also Enjoy

  • Death by Chocolate Cake
  • 2-Ingredient Chocolate Cake
  • 3-Ingredient Flourless Chocolate Cake
  • No-Bake Million Dollar Strawberry Cake
  • Chocolate Turtle Candy with Pecans and Caramel 🍫🍰

Tips for Success

Cool the Cake Completely

Warm cake will melt the filling.

Soften the Cream Cheese

This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.

Chill Before Serving

A chilled cake slices neatly and tastes even better.

Use Freshly Whipped Cream

It creates the lightest, fluffiest filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade chocolate cake?

Absolutely! Any two-layer chocolate cake recipe works beautifully.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It’s even better after chilling overnight.

Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?

Yes. Substitute 2 cups of thawed whipped topping for the whipped heavy cream if you prefer.

Can I make it in a 9×13-inch pan?

Yes. Bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan, let it cool, spread the filling over the top, and finish with the chocolate frosting.

Does this cake need refrigeration?

Yes. Because of the cream cheese filling, keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

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