Discover the iconic Hershey’s chocolate cake, a recipe loved by generations. This delightful dessert promises a perfectly rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey experience every time. It’s a simple, reliable recipe perfect for all skill levels, making it ideal for any celebration or just a sweet craving. Get ready to bake a truly unforgettable treat!

Why You’ll Love This Hershey’s Chocolate Cake

This classic Hershey’s chocolate cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a baking triumph waiting to happen.

You will achieve ultimate rich chocolate flavor with every bite.
Enjoy its incredibly moist and tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth.
The baking process is truly effortless, making it perfect even for beginner bakers.
This cake is a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert classic that everyone adores.
It uses common pantry ingredients, so you probably have everything you need on hand.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Hershey’s chocolate cake, gather these simple items:

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup HERSHEY’S® Cocoa (natural unsweetened)
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
1 cup milk (whole or low-fat)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

Notes & Substitutions

Always use natural unsweetened cocoa for the best authentic chocolate flavor. Understanding the different chemical properties of natural unsweetened versus Dutch-process cocoa powder is important for successful baking. Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh to guarantee proper rise and a fluffy texture. Using eggs and milk at room temperature helps them emulsify better with other ingredients, creating a smoother batter. Research from America’s Test Kitchen highlights how room temperature eggs contribute to a lighter, fluffier cake. The boiling water is crucial; it enhances the cocoa flavor and contributes significantly to the cake’s renowned moistness. For a slightly lighter option, you can substitute the vegetable oil with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce.

Equipment

You don’t need fancy tools to make this delightful cake. Here’s what you’ll need:

Two 9-inch round baking pans
Measuring cups and spoons
Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
Whisk or spatula
Oven
Wire cooling racks

Instructions: How to Make Hershey’s Chocolate Cake

Creating this delicious Hershey’s chocolate cake is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect result:

Prepare Pans: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This step helps prevent sticking and ensures your cakes release easily.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of sugar, 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of HERSHEY’S® Cocoa, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: Now, add the 2 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the dry mixture.
Mix Batter: Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients on medium speed for precisely two minutes. This ensures everything is well incorporated and the batter starts to become smooth.
Stir in Boiling Water: Carefully pour in 1 cup of boiling water. Gently stir it into the batter until just combined. Don’t worry if the batter appears thin at this stage; this is exactly how it should be for a wonderfully moist Hershey’s chocolate cake.
Fill Pans: Divide the thin batter evenly between your two prepared baking pans.
Bake Cake: Place the pans into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a wooden pick or toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when ready.
Cool Cake: Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before handling. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the cakes onto wire cooling racks.
Frost Cake: Allow the cake layers to cool completely on the wire racks before you even think about frosting them. Frosting a warm cake will lead to a melted mess. Once cooled, generously frost your delectable Hershey’s chocolate cake with your favorite chocolate frosting.

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake

Achieving a perfect Hershey’s chocolate cake is easy with a few simple tricks. Always avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake. Measure your ingredients accurately, especially flour and cocoa, by spooning them into measuring cups and leveling off. Using good quality Hershey’s cocoa is essential for that signature rich flavor. Ensure the boiling water is genuinely boiling when you add it; this activates the cocoa and contributes to moisture. Always cool your cake layers completely on a wire rack before you apply any frosting. Investing in quality baking pans can also promote more even baking.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

Serving Ideas

Serve your delightful Hershey’s chocolate cake with classic “Perfectly Chocolate” frosting for an unbeatable combination. For an extra treat, pair a slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. You can also garnish the cake with fresh berries or delicate chocolate shavings to elevate its presentation.

Storage Tips

Store your frosted Hershey’s chocolate cake at room temperature, covered tightly, for 2-3 days to maintain freshness. If you need it to last longer, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. For long-term storage, wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing them for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen layers in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.

Recipe Variations

One-Pan Cake: Use a 13x9x2-inch baking pan; adjust baking time as needed.
Three-Layer Cake: For a taller presentation, use three 8-inch round pans; adjust baking time.
Bundt Cake: Pour batter into a 12-cup fluted tube pan; baking time will vary.
Cupcakes: Line muffin cups with paper liners, fill halfway, and reduce baking time significantly.
Gluten-Free Version: Explore a specific gluten-free Hershey’s recipe tailored for alternative flours.

Hershey’s Chocolate Cake Nutrition Information

Understanding the nutritional content of your delicious Hershey’s chocolate cake can be helpful. Here is an approximate breakdown per serving.

Nutrient	Amount
Serving Size	1 slice (148g)
Calories	530 Calories
Total Fat	19 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Trans Fat	0 g
Cholesterol	60 mg
Sodium	500 mg
Total Carbohydrates	85 g
Dietary Fiber	0 g
Total Sugars	64 g
Protein	6 g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used and specific preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does this recipe use boiling water?

Boiling water in this recipe intensifies the cocoa flavor and helps create a thin batter, which contributes to the cake’s renowned moistness. It activates the cocoa more fully than cold water.

Can I use Dutch-process cocoa instead of Hershey’s natural cocoa?

It is highly recommended to stick to natural unsweetened cocoa, like Hershey’s, for this recipe. Dutch-process cocoa reacts differently with the baking powder and baking soda, which could affect the cake’s rise and texture.

How do I prevent my chocolate cake from being dry?

The most common cause of a dry cake is overbaking. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. Also, accurately measuring your liquids and leavening agents helps maintain the correct moisture balance.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can absolutely make this Hershey’s chocolate cake ahead of time. Bake the cake layers, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly and store them at room temperature for a day or two, or freeze them for longer.

What frosting pairs best with Hershey’s Chocolate Cake?

The classic Hershey’s “Perfectly Chocolate” Frosting is the ideal pairing for this cake. Its rich, creamy texture and deep chocolate flavor perfectly complement the cake’s moisture and taste.

Conclusion

Embrace the timeless appeal of this classic Hershey’s chocolate cake. It’s a recipe that has delighted families for generations, and now you can easily make it at home. Simple to create, yet it delivers incredible flavor and a wonderfully moist texture every time. This beloved dessert is truly perfect for any occasion, big or small. Bake this classic and share the chocolatey joy with your loved ones!