HERSHEY’S “Perfectly Chocolate” Chocolate Cake Recipe

Get ready to bake a truly classic dessert that has delighted families for generations! This HERSHEY’S chocolate cake recipe is famous for a reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners, and delivers a consistently delicious, rich chocolate flavor. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into a moist, tender cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This HERSHEY’S Chocolate Cake

This iconic HERSHEY’S chocolate cake is a timeless favorite for many fantastic reasons.

• It offers an intensely rich, deep chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth.
• The baking process is remarkably straightforward, making it ideal for new bakers.
• It’s perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or just a delightful everyday dessert.
• Expect a wonderfully moist and tender crumb with every single slice.
• This recipe brings back nostalgic memories and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Gather your simple ingredients to create this beloved chocolate cake. You’ll need pantry staples like sugar, all-purpose flour, and, of course, HERSHEY’S Cocoa for that signature flavor. Don’t forget eggs, milk, and oil for moisture, plus vanilla extract to enhance the richness. Finally, a cup of boiling water is key to the cake’s unique texture.

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup HERSHEY’S Cocoa
• 1 1/2 tsps baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsps baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

Notes & Substitutions

Use natural unsweetened cocoa powder, like Hershey’s, for this recipe. Dutch-processed cocoa works differently with baking soda. For milk, whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk works well. Vegetable oil provides a neutral flavor and keeps the cake moist; canola oil is a good substitute. Always use good quality vanilla extract for the best flavor. Both baking powder and baking soda are crucial here for the proper rise and tender crumb.

Equipment

You won’t need specialized tools to bake this amazing chocolate cake.

• Two 9-inch round baking pans
• A large mixing bowl
• An electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling racks
• An oven
• Parchment paper (optional, for lining pans)

Instructions

Creating your perfect Hersheys chocolate cake is easy with these step-by-step instructions.

1. Prep Oven & Pans: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. This prevents sticking and helps the cakes release cleanly. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups of sugar, 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup of HERSHEY’S Cocoa, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these ingredients until they are thoroughly combined.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Next, add 2 large eggs, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the dry mixture in the bowl.
4. Beat Batter: Using an electric mixer, beat the batter on medium speed for exactly 2 minutes. This helps to combine everything and begin developing the cake’s structure.
5. Stir in Boiling Water: Carefully stir in 1 cup of boiling water. The batter will become quite thin, which is exactly what you want for a super moist cake. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour into Pans: Divide the thin batter evenly between your two prepared 9-inch round baking pans.
7. Bake Cake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Insert a wooden pick into the center of each cake; it should come out clean when done.
8. Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, gently remove them from the pans and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. This ensures they don’t stick or collapse.
9. Frost Cake: Once fully cooled, frost your moist chocolate cake generously. We highly recommend using the classic “Perfectly Chocolate” Frosting for the ultimate flavor pairing.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the best results for your delicious chocolate cake with these expert tips. Properly greased and floured pans are essential; use shortening for best coverage, then dust with flour. For a moist, tender texture, avoid overmixing the batter after adding wet ingredients and boiling water. Over-baking is the main cause of dry or crumbly cake, so watch the baking time carefully. Ensure even baking and rise by distributing batter equally and not opening the oven door too early. To prevent sunken centers, avoid under-baking and ensure leavening agents are fresh. For those living in higher elevations, understanding how to modify recipes is crucial for successful high-altitude baking adjustments. The wooden pick test is your best indicator for knowing when the cake is done.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Once your Hershey’s chocolate cake is frosted, it’s ready to enjoy!

• Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. A glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee is also a perfect accompaniment.
• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months.
• Shelf Life: The cake is best enjoyed within the first 2-3 days for optimal freshness and moisture.

Variations

• One Pan Cake: To bake this as a single-layer cake, pour the batter into a greased and floured 13×9 inch baking pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick comes out clean.
• Three Layer Cake: For a taller cake, use three 8-inch round baking pans. Reduce the baking time slightly to 25 to 30 minutes, checking for doneness with a wooden pick.
• Bundt Cake: Prepare a 12-cup fluted tube (Bundt) pan by generously greasing and flouring it. Pour all the batter into the pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes.
• Cupcakes: Line standard muffin tins with paper baking cups. Fill each cup about two-thirds full. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into a cupcake comes out clean. This recipe yields about 24-30 cupcakes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (148g)

FAQ

• Why use boiling water in the recipe?

  Understanding the technique of blooming cocoa powder can significantly enhance the depth of flavor in your chocolate desserts. Boiling water helps to bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying its chocolate flavor. It also creates a thinner batter, contributing to the extremely moist and tender texture of the finished cake.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

  Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for best results.

• What kind of cocoa powder is best?

  For this specific recipe, natural unsweetened cocoa powder, like HERSHEY’S Cocoa, is recommended. It reacts with the baking soda to achieve the perfect rise and flavor.

• How to prevent a dense chocolate cake?

  Avoid overmixing the batter, especially after adding the flour. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tough, dense cake instead of a light, tender one.

• Can I prepare the batter ahead?

  It’s best to bake the batter immediately after mixing. The leavening agents start working once wet ingredients are added, and letting it sit too long can reduce the cake’s rise.

• How to get a flat top for frosting?

  To achieve a flatter top on your Hersheys chocolate cake, you can use baking strips around your pans. Alternatively, slightly increase the liquid or reduce the leavening agents, or simply trim the domed top once cooled.

Conclusion

You now have everything you need to bake the iconic HERSHEY’S “Perfectly Chocolate” Chocolate Cake. This recipe proves that exceptional flavor doesn’t require complex steps. Its ease, combined with its rich, moist, and utterly delicious outcome, makes it a go-to dessert for any home baker. Whip up this easy Hersheys chocolate cake for your next special occasion or simply to treat yourself. Enjoy baking, share the joy, and don’t forget to rate your delicious creation!