Indulge in a rich and moist chocolate cake layered with creamy filling and topped with a decadent chocolate glaze. This nostalgic dessert is a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 box Devil’s Food cake mix
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 3 eggs
– 1 can cream of coconut
– 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of coconut and instant chocolate pudding mix until smooth.
5. Spread the cream mixture over the cooled cake.
6. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until simmering. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until melted and smooth. Pour the chocolate glaze over the cake.
7. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
**Nutrition Information:**
– Calories: 360
– Fat: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Protein: 5g
– Fiber: 2g
**Popular Questions:**
1. Can I use a different type of cake mix instead of Devil’s Food?
– Yes, you can use any chocolate cake mix of your choice for this recipe.
2. Can I substitute the cream of coconut with another ingredient?
– You can use sweetened condensed milk as a substitute for the cream of coconut.
3. How long can I store the Ding Dong Cake?
– The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semisweet chocolate chips for the glaze?
– Yes, you can use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.
5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
– Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
6. Can I add nuts or other toppings to the cake?
– You can customize the cake by adding chopped nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut on top.
7. How can I prevent the chocolate glaze from hardening too quickly?
– Keep the glaze warm while pouring it over the cake for a smooth finish.
8. Can I freeze the Ding Dong Cake?
– You can freeze the cake without the glaze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding the glaze.
9. Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix for the filling?
– You can experiment with different flavors such as vanilla or caramel pudding mix for a unique twist.
10. Can I use a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream?
– You can substitute coconut cream or a dairy-free milk alternative for the heavy cream in this recipe.
**Helpful Tips:**
1. Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding a teaspoon of instant coffee to the cake batter.
2. For a creamier filling, whip the cream of coconut with softened cream cheese before adding the pudding mix.
3. Decorate the top of the cake with chocolate shavings or sprinkles for a decorative touch.
4. Serve the Ding Dong Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert pairing.
5. For a lighter version, use a sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat milk in the filling.
6. Experiment with different types of chocolate for the glaze, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate.
7. Customize the cake by adding a layer of raspberry jam or caramel sauce between the cake and filling.
8. Dust the top of the cake with cocoa powder for an extra touch of chocolatey goodness.
9. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors.
10. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
**Expert Secrets:**
1. Use room temperature ingredients for the cake batter to ensure a uniform texture.
2. Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake.
3. Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the cream filling to prevent melting.
4. For a richer flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the cream of coconut mixture.
5. Use a serrated knife to slice the cake evenly for clean layers.
6. For a thicker glaze, increase the amount of chocolate chips or heavy cream in the recipe.
7. Garnish the cake with fresh berries or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.
8. Let the glaze set for at least 30 minutes before slicing to avoid a messy finish.
9. To make mini Ding Dong cakes, use a round cookie cutter to cut out individual portions.
10. Share the cake with friends and family to spread the joy of this delicious dessert.