Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: Hershey’s chocolate cake! This cake is rich, moist, and oh-so-chocolatey, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. I remember the first time I had this cake at a family gathering—it was a birthday party, and the moment I took a bite, I was in chocolate heaven! The soft, tender crumb paired with that deep, luscious cocoa flavor just blew me away. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it for every celebration from birthdays to holidays, or even just a cozy night in. It’s one of those cakes that can turn an ordinary day into something special. So, grab your mixing bowls and let’s dive into making this delectable Hershey’s chocolate cake that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delightful Hershey’s chocolate cake, you’ll want to gather these simple yet essential ingredients:
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 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
Make sure you have everything measured out and ready to go—this way, the baking process will be smooth and enjoyable. Happy baking!
How to Prepare Hershey’s Chocolate Cake Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Alright, let’s get started! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures your cake bakes evenly. While that’s warming up, grab your two 9-inch round cake pans and grease them up with some butter or non-stick spray. Then, dust them lightly with flour to keep your cake from sticking—trust me, you don’t want to deal with that mess later! Having your pans ready will make pouring the batter so much easier. It’s all about setting yourself up for success!
Mix Dry Ingredients
Now, let’s whip up those dry ingredients! In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. It’s crucial to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure every bite of your Hershey’s chocolate cake is packed with flavor. I like to use a whisk for this—just a few good swirls will do the trick! Make sure there are no lumps, especially in that cocoa powder; we want a smooth and rich batter. Once it’s all combined, set it aside and get ready for the wet ingredients!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Next up, it’s time to add the wet ingredients! In the same bowl, add in your large eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about two minutes. This is where the magic happens—mixing well helps to create that beautiful, tender crumb we all love. Don’t rush this part, as incorporating air into the batter will make your cake fluffy and light. Once everything is well combined and looks smooth, it’s time for the next step!
Add Boiling Water
Here’s a little secret for an ultra-moist cake: we’re going to add boiling water! Carefully stir in one cup of boiling water into your batter. It might look a bit thin, and that’s totally okay! This step enhances the cocoa flavor and helps to create that rich, decadent texture. Just give it a gentle stir until it’s fully incorporated. You’ll be amazed at how silky and smooth the batter becomes—this is what will make your Hershey’s chocolate cake so irresistible!
Bake the Cake
Now onto the exciting part—baking! Pour the luscious batter evenly into your prepared pans, and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, but keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of chocolate will be wafting through your kitchen, and trust me, it’s hard to resist peeking in. Just a little patience here, and soon you’ll have two beautiful layers of cake to work with!
Cooling Process
Once your cakes are baked to perfection, it’s time to cool them down. Remove the pans from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This helps set the cake and makes it easier to remove. Then, carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Letting them cool thoroughly is super important before frosting, or else your frosting might melt into a gooey mess. Trust me, I’ve been there! Once they’re cool, you’ll have a perfect canvas for your favorite chocolate frosting!
Nutritional Information
Before you dive into this decadent Hershey’s chocolate cake, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, but here’s a typical breakdown per slice:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 5g
So, whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, this cake is a delightful option that packs a rich chocolate punch! Enjoy every bite, and remember, everything in moderation!
Tips for Success
To make your Hershey’s chocolate cake absolutely perfect, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature—this helps them mix more evenly and creates a fluffier cake. Also, don’t skip the boiling water step; it’s key for achieving that moist texture we love! When measuring flour, fluff it up first, then spoon it into your measuring cup—this prevents packing and gives you the right amount. And remember, every oven is different, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your cake to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Variations
If you want to switch things up with your Hershey’s chocolate cake, there are so many fun variations to try! For a classic touch, you can top it with a rich chocolate ganache instead of regular frosting—just melt some chocolate with heavy cream, and pour it over the cooled cake. Feeling nutty? Chop up some walnuts or pecans and fold them into the batter for a delightful crunch. Or, how about a twist of flavor? Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance that chocolatey goodness. And if you’re in the mood for something fruity, layer in some fresh raspberries between the cake layers or on top. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Hershey’s Chocolate Cake Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick to make—perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings!
- Rich, deep chocolate flavor that satisfies any chocolate lover’s dreams.
- Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- A crowd-pleaser for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile enough to dress up with various frostings or toppings.
- Can be made a day ahead for flavors to deepen and improve.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked this heavenly Hershey’s chocolate cake, let’s talk about how to elevate the experience! I love serving slices of this cake with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream—nothing beats that warm, melty chocolate paired with cold creaminess. You could also drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce or caramel over the top for an extra indulgent touch. Fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, not only add a pop of color but also a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake. And if you really want to impress, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top. Trust me, these little additions will take your cake to the next level and make every bite even more delightful!
Print
Delicious Hershey’s Chocolate Cake: A Comforting Classic
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Hershey’s chocolate cake recipe that is rich and moist.
Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 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 well combined.
- Pour batter 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.
- Frost with your favorite chocolate frosting.
- Can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- 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 recipe, dessert