Peanut Butter Ding Dong Cake

Table of Contents

Peanut Butter Ding Dong Cake 🍫🥜

A decadent mash-up of classic Hostess Ding Dongs and rich peanut butter bliss! This cake features moist chocolate layers, creamy peanut butter filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake:

1¾ cups all-purpose flour

1¾ cups granulated sugar
¾ cup cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
1½ tsp baking powder

1½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 eggs

1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup hot coffee (or hot water) [enhances chocolate flavor!]

Peanut Butter Filling:

1 cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp heavy cream (as needed for texture)

Chocolate Ganache:

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
1 tbsp corn syrup (optional, for shine)

Optional Garnish:

Crushed peanuts
Mini peanut butter cups

Instructions

1. Bake the Cake:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round pans.

Whisk dry ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt).
Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla; mix until smooth. Slowly pour in hot coffee (batter will be thin).
Divide batter between pans and bake 25-30 mins (until a toothpick comes out clean). Cool completely.

2. Make the Peanut Butter Filling:

Beat peanut butter and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until fluffy.

3. Assemble the Ding Dong Layers:

Slice each cake layer horizontally to create 4 thin layers.
Spread peanut butter filling between each layer (like a giant Ding Dong!).

4. Glaze with Ganache:

Heat cream until steaming (not boiling), then pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 2 mins, then stir until smooth. Add corn syrup if using.
Pour ganache over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
Chill 15 mins to set, then garnish with crushed peanuts or PB cups.

💡 Pro Tips:

Extra Moist Cake? Brush layers with simple syrup (equal parts sugar + water, heated and cooled).
Time-Saver: Use boxed chocolate cake mix + add 1 tbsp instant coffee to the batter.
Make Ahead: Assemble the cake a day ahead—the flavors meld beautifully!

Why It’s a Winner:

✔ Nostalgic (tastes like a grown-up Ding Dong!)
✔ Peanut Butter Lover’s Dream
✔ Perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or “I deserve this” moments

Slice, serve, and watch it disappear! 😋🍴 Want a mini version? Bake in a sheet pan and cut into squares!