Introduction to Homemade Ding Dongs
For chocolate lovers, there’s something extra special about the rich, gooey, and creamy goodness of Hostess Ding Dongs. Creating these delightful treats at home lets you customize every ingredient and enjoy a fresher, more flavorful version. Imagine biting into a soft, chocolatey cake filled with a fluffy cream center and coated in a glossy chocolate shell. This ding dong recipe will satisfy your chocolate cravings with each bite. If you’re interested in making more snack-inspired treats, try this Easy Homemade 7-Layer Bars Recipe for another indulgent dessert.
Ingredients for Chocolate Ding Dongs
To create a batch of about 12 homemade ding dongs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup boiling water
Cream Filling
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or vegetable shortening
How to Make Ding Dong Snack Cakes
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to making these delicious chocolate ding dongs:
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin or small cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the milk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add Wet to Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Add boiling water and stir until the batter is smooth.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, filling each section about halfway. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding to the next steps.
Making the Cream Filling
- Whip the Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Add the Fluff: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar and marshmallow fluff until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Assembling and Coating
- Cut and Fill: Slice each cooled cake in half horizontally. Pipe or spoon a dollop of the filling onto the bottom half of each cake, then top with the other half.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating: Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Coat the Cakes: Dip each cake in the chocolate, turning to coat completely. Place on a wire rack to set.
- Chill and Enjoy: Let the coated ding dongs chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
Customizing Your Ding Dong Recipe
The beauty of making homemade ding dongs is the endless opportunities for customization. Here are some fun variations:
Chocolate Mint Ding Dongs
Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the cream filling, or sprinkle crushed mint candies over the chocolate coating before it sets for a refreshing twist.
Peanut Butter Ding Dongs
Substitute ½ cup of marshmallow fluff in the filling with creamy peanut butter to create a rich, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Salted Caramel Ding Dongs
For a sweet and salty option, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the filling before sandwiching the cakes. Sprinkle with sea salt flakes on top of the chocolate coating before it sets.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Ding Dongs
- Freeze the Cakes Before Coating: Chilling the cakes in the freezer for 15 minutes before dipping them in chocolate helps to create a smooth coating.
- Avoid Overbaking: These cakes can quickly dry out, so keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they’re done.
- Use Quality Chocolate: For a rich, decadent chocolate coating, use high-quality chocolate chips or chocolate baking bars.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add different extracts or flavors to the cream filling, such as almond extract or even a touch of espresso powder.
FAQs
1. Can I make Ding Dongs ahead of time?
Yes, homemade ding dongs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. How should I store these cakes?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best enjoyed cold!
3. Can I freeze homemade ding dongs?
Absolutely! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before eating.
4. What other filling options are there?
You could try Nutella, Biscoff spread, or even a fruit-flavored whipped cream for a different twist.
5. What’s the best chocolate to use?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best, but milk chocolate is also delicious if you prefer a sweeter coating.
6. Can I make a gluten-free version?
Yes, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free option.
7. Do I need a specific pan?
A mini muffin pan or small cake pan is ideal, but you can also bake the batter as a sheet cake and cut out circles.
8. How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
Use coconut oil in the chocolate coating to help keep it soft and prevent cracking.
Conclusion
Homemade ding dongs are the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers. With a rich cake, creamy filling, and glossy chocolate coating, these snack cakes are even better than the store-bought version. By following this recipe and adding your personal twists, you can create a batch of delicious ding dong snack cakes that are sure to impress. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the fridge or share them with friends, these homemade treats are a delightful indulgence. For more decadent dessert ideas, try out this Classic Philadelphia Cheesecake Recipe to complement your sweet treats!