Ding Dong Cake
This Ding Dong Cake is a rich, chocolatey dessert inspired by the classic snack cake. It combines moist chocolate cake with a sweet, creamy filling made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and Cool Whip, then finishes with a smooth chocolate icing glaze.
With simple ingredients and an easy assembly, this homemade Ding Dong Cake is perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, potlucks, holidays, and chocolate dessert cravings.
Why Everyone Loves Ding Dong Cake
- Rich chocolate flavor: Chocolate cake and chocolate icing create a decadent dessert.
- Creamy filling: The cream cheese and Cool Whip layer adds a light, sweet contrast.
- Easy to make: A boxed cake mix keeps the preparation simple.
- Make-ahead friendly: Chilling the assembled cake helps the layers set beautifully.
- Perfect for sharing: A 9×13-inch cake makes plenty of servings for gatherings.
- Classic snack-cake inspiration: It has the familiar combination of chocolate cake, creamy filling, and chocolate topping.
Ingredients Overview
- Chocolate cake mix – Creates the rich chocolate cake base and keeps preparation convenient.
- Cream cheese – Adds richness and a smooth, tangy flavor to the creamy filling.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling while helping create a smooth texture.
- Margarine or butter – Adds richness and helps create the creamy center.
- Cool Whip – Makes the filling light, fluffy, and easy to spread.
- Chocolate icing – Provides the final chocolate topping.
- Milk – Thins the chocolate icing slightly so it can be spread easily.
Variations
- Extra Chocolate Ding Dong Cake – Add chocolate chips between the cake layers for an even richer dessert.
- Chocolate Ganache Topping – Replace the canned icing with a homemade chocolate ganache.
- Vanilla Cream Filling – Add a little vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Chocolate Cake Upgrade – Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the cake batter before baking.
- Holiday Version – Decorate the chocolate topping with seasonal sprinkles.
- Extra Creamy Filling – Spread a slightly thicker layer of the cream filling between the cake layers.
How to Make Ding Dong Cake
1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake
Preheat your oven according to the directions on the chocolate cake mix package.
Prepare the cake batter as directed on the package and pour it into a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely.
2. Make the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and margarine or butter.
Beat until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the filling becomes light and fluffy.
Be careful not to overmix so the filling maintains its airy texture.
3. Slice the Cake
Once the chocolate cake has cooled completely, use a serrated knife to carefully slice the cake horizontally into two even layers.
Take your time during this step so the layers remain as even as possible.
4. Add the Cream Filling
Place the bottom cake layer back into the 9×13-inch pan.
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the entire surface.
Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the filling.
Gently press it into place without squeezing out the filling.
5. Prepare the Chocolate Topping
Place the canned chocolate icing in a small bowl.
Add 2 tablespoons of milk and stir until the icing becomes smooth and easy to spread.
The slightly thinner consistency makes it easier to create an even chocolate topping.
6. Add the Chocolate Glaze
Spread the prepared chocolate icing evenly over the top of the cake.
Use a spatula to smooth the surface for a clean finish.
7. Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the assembled Ding Dong Cake for at least 1 hour.
This allows the creamy filling to firm up and helps the flavors come together.
For the best texture, serve the cake chilled and slice it carefully.
Pro Tips and Cooking Secrets
Cool the cake completely. Don’t attempt to slice or fill the cake while it’s warm, as the layers can break and the filling may become too soft.
Use softened cream cheese. Room-temperature cream cheese blends much more smoothly with the powdered sugar and butter.
Fold in the Cool Whip gently. This helps keep the filling light and fluffy rather than dense.
Chill before slicing. Refrigerating the finished cake for at least an hour helps the filling set and makes cleaner slices.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled with a glass of cold milk for a classic chocolate dessert.
- Add fresh strawberries or raspberries alongside each slice.
- Dust the plate lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
- Top each slice with a small spoonful of whipped cream for an extra creamy finish.
How to Store Ding Dong Cake
Store leftover Ding Dong Cake covered in the refrigerator.
Because the cake contains a cream cheese and whipped topping filling, keeping it chilled helps maintain the proper texture.
For the best quality, keep the cake covered until ready to serve.
Can You Freeze Ding Dong Cake?
The provided recipe does not include freezing instructions, so a specific freezer storage time is not provided.
Make-Ahead Tips
Ding Dong Cake is well suited to making ahead because it needs at least 1 hour of refrigeration before serving.
You can assemble the cake, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.
Ding Dong Cake FAQs
What is Ding Dong Cake?
Ding Dong Cake is a chocolate layer cake filled with a sweet, creamy center and finished with chocolate icing, inspired by the classic Ding Dongs snack cakes.
Can I use homemade chocolate cake?
Yes. The provided recipe uses a boxed chocolate cake mix, but a homemade chocolate cake can be used if you prefer.
Why does the cake need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration helps the cream cheese and Cool Whip filling set and makes the assembled cake easier to slice.
Can I make Ding Dong Cake ahead of time?
Yes. The cake can be assembled and refrigerated before serving. The recipe recommends chilling it for at least 1 hour.
How do I get clean cake layers?
Make sure the cake is completely cool before slicing it horizontally. A serrated knife makes it easier to cut through the cake evenly.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes. The provided ingredients allow for margarine or butter in the creamy filling.
Ding Dong Cake
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- cooling rack
- large mixing bowl
- electric mixer
- serrated knife
- small bowl
- mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 package cream cheese
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cups margarine or butter
- 1 container Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 can chocolate icing
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and prepare the cake batter as per package instructions. Bake in a 9×13-inch pan until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter until creamy and smooth. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined.
- Using a serrated knife, slice the cooled cake horizontally into two even layers. Place the bottom layer back in the pan, spread the cream filling over it, and then carefully place the top layer over the filling.
- In a small bowl, combine the canned chocolate icing with 2 tablespoons of milk, stirring until smooth. Spread the glaze evenly over the top of the cake.
- Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld. Slice and serve chilled for the best texture.
