Description
Take a trip down memory lane with this irresistible Hostess Sheet Cake — a nostalgic and decadent treat that transforms the beloved chocolate snack cake into a full-sized, party-worthy dessert. With two rich layers of moist chocolate cake, a fluffy vanilla cream filling, and a glossy ganache topping with the iconic white swirl, this is one of the best easy dessert recipes you can make at home. Ideal for birthday parties, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent, this easy cake recipe is a winner. It also fits perfectly into your dinner ideas, quick dessert, or party food ideas collection.
Ingredients
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup hot coffee
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon softened butter
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), grease and line a 9×13-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Combine with dry ingredients.
4. Stir in hot coffee until batter is smooth and thin.
5. Pour into prepared pan and bake 30–35 minutes. Let cool completely.
6. For the cream filling, beat butter and shortening until fluffy.
7. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Drizzle in cream until light and spreadable. Chill filling.
8. Slice the cake horizontally into two layers. Spread cream on bottom half. Top with second layer.
9. To make ganache, heat cream and pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir smooth.
10. Cool ganache slightly, then spread over cake top.
11. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and butter for swirl icing. Pipe loops across ganache.
12. Refrigerate 1 hour before slicing. Clean knife between cuts for neat layers.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter and evenly baked cake.
Always chill the cake before slicing to maintain clean layers.
For best swirl design, let ganache firm slightly before piping.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: hostess sheet cake, chocolate snack cake, party dessert, easy dessert recipe, homemade hostess cake