Hershey Bar Cake is a rich and decadent chocolate cake that combines the smooth, creamy taste of Hershey’s chocolate bars with a moist cake base and luscious frosting. It’s the perfect treat for any chocolate lover! Here’s how to make this indulgent dessert:
Hershey Bar Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 box (18.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake mix if preferred)
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1/2 cup (120g) vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream (for extra moisture)
- 1 Hershey’s milk chocolate bar (about 1.55 oz or 43g), chopped into small pieces
- For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1/2 cup (120g) granulated sugar
- 1 Hershey’s milk chocolate bar (about 1.55 oz or 43g), chopped
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or one 9×13-inch pan for a sheet cake).
- Mix the Cake Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and sour cream. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the ingredients together on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase the speed to medium and mix for about 2 minutes, until smooth.
- Add the Chocolate Pieces: Gently fold in the chopped Hershey’s milk chocolate pieces to the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you are using a 9×13-inch pan, bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Make the Frosting:
- Melt the Chocolate: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped Hershey’s chocolate and the milk. Stir constantly until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Frosting Base: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the Melted Chocolate and Powdered Sugar: Add the melted chocolate to the butter and sugar mixture, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and mix until combined.
- Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake layers have cooled completely, spread a layer of frosting on top of the first cake layer. If you’re making a two-layer cake, place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. If you’re making a sheet cake, simply spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Garnish (Optional): For extra chocolatey goodness, you can top the cake with more chopped Hershey’s chocolate, chocolate shavings, or even mini chocolate chips.
4. Serve:
- Slice and serve the Hershey Bar Cake as a rich, indulgent treat for special occasions, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving chocolate!
Storage:
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for a longer shelf life (up to 5 days), but let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Tips & Variations:
- Homemade Cake: If you prefer to make the cake from scratch, you can substitute the cake mix with a homemade chocolate cake recipe. Just be sure to fold in the Hershey’s chocolate pieces as directed.
- Different Chocolate Bars: Experiment with other Hershey’s chocolate bars such as Hershey’s Special Dark, Cookies ‘n’ Cream, or even a combination of milk and dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Add-ins: You can also add other ingredients like crushed nuts (pecans, walnuts), caramel bits, or even a layer of peanut butter frosting for a twist.
This Hershey Bar Cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that will satisfy even the most dedicated chocolate lovers. With the combination of moist cake, creamy frosting, and Hershey’s milk chocolate pieces, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
