If you’re a chocolate lover or just someone who enjoys a delightful dessert, you have to try this easy and delicious Hershey’s Chocolate Cake. With its rich cocoa flavor and wonderfully moist texture, it’s no surprise that this cake has gone viral! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a get-together, or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is bound to please your taste buds.
Why Make This Recipe
There are countless chocolate cake recipes out there, but none quite compare to the joy and satisfaction of making and enjoying a Hershey’s Chocolate Cake. Why? Here are a few compelling reasons:
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Delicious Flavor: This cake has a rich chocolate flavor that will make your palate dance with delight. The combination of cocoa powder and sugar creates a balance that is both sweet and satisfying.
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Rich and Moist: One of the best things about this cake is its texture. The addition of boiling water makes this cake incredibly moist!
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Versatile: You can serve it at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or even as a simple dessert on a weeknight. It’s a crowd-pleaser that fits any occasion.
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Easy to Make: Even if you’re a beginner, don’t worry! The steps are straightforward, and you don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets. Just gather your ingredients and follow along!
Recipe Overview
- Servings: 12 slices
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
This Hershey’s Chocolate Cake is perfect for serving a delightful chocolate treat for a group of friends or family. With its simple preparation and baking process, you can have a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery!
How to Make Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
Ready to dive in and bake this delectable cake? Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Directions:
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake cooks evenly.
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Prepare the Cake Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent your cake from sticking.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together until it’s completely combined.
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Incorporate Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is what makes the cake moist!
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Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool the Cakes: Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve This Recipe
Once your Hershey’s Chocolate Cake is completely cooled, it’s time to serve! You can enjoy it plain or get creative. Here are a few suggestions:
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Frosting: Top with a rich chocolate frosting or ganache for an elegant touch. You can also use a simple buttercream frosting or cream cheese frosting.
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Toppings: Garnish with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to enhance presentation.
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Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
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Coffee or Milk: Pair it with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee, and enjoy the contrast of flavors.
How to Store
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store your Hershey’s Chocolate Cake in an airtight container. It can stay fresh at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight.
Tips to Make Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything combine better.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour and cocoa powder can help distribute the leavening agents evenly, ensuring a light and airy cake.
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Don’t Overmix: Once you mix your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
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Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary. Start checking your cake a few minutes before the timer goes off to avoid overbaking.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, there are plenty of variations you can try with this Hershey’s Chocolate Cake:
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Chocolate Chip Cake: Fold in some chocolate chips into the batter to make it even more chocolatey.
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
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Cocoa Swirl: Before baking, swirl some white or dark chocolate ganache through the batter for a beautiful marble effect.
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Flavor Twist: Infuse the batter with orange or mint extract for a different flavor profile.
Tips for Success
- Read the recipe thoroughly before starting to ensure you understand all the steps.
- Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before mixing to streamline the process.
- Keep an eye on your cake while it bakes to prevent it from collapsing.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting or serving to avoid melting frostings.
How Many Servings
This recipe makes about 12 slices, perfect for gatherings or family dinners. You can easily scale up or down depending on your needs!
Calories and Nutrition Facts per Serving
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: 4g
- Fats: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
Health Benefits of Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
While it’s important to enjoy treats in moderation, there are a few positives to baking at home. You can control your ingredients and adjust the sugar or fat to make it a little healthier. Plus, dark chocolate does contain antioxidants!
Is It Good for People Over 60 Years Old?
Absolutely! Enjoying chocolate in moderation can be a delightful treat. For those over 60, it’s a lovely way to celebrate special moments, but always consider any dietary restrictions or health advice from a doctor.
FAQs
1. How do I know when the cake is done?
Use a toothpick! Insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
3. How can I make this cake more chocolatey?
You can add more cocoa powder or mix in chocolate chips for added richness and flavor.
Now that you have a complete guide to making the perfect Hershey’s Chocolate Cake, why not bake one today? Enjoy every bite and watch your family and friends fall in love with this classic dessert!
