Hershey’s Deep Dark Chocolate Cake Recipe Made Easy

There’s nothing quite like the rich, velvety indulgence of a truly decadent chocolate cake, and Hershey’s Deep Dark Chocolate Cake recipe delivers just that. This cake boasts an intense chocolate flavor that’s both luxurious and comforting, making it the perfect centerpiece for any celebration or a cozy night in.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a chocolate lover looking to impress, this recipe is approachable and yields consistently moist, fluffy layers that melt in your mouth.

What sets this cake apart is the use of Hershey’s special dark cocoa powder, which infuses the cake with a deep, robust chocolate essence that’s hard to resist. Paired with a luscious chocolate frosting, it’s a match made in dessert heaven.

Today, I’ll guide you through each step to create this sumptuous cake from scratch, ensuring your baking experience is as enjoyable as the final product. Ready to make your kitchen smell like chocolate bliss?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hershey’s Deep Dark Chocolate Cake recipe is a favorite for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly moist and tender thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients and technique.

The special dark cocoa powder offers a richer chocolate taste than regular cocoa, making every bite intensely satisfying.

Another reason to love this cake is its versatility. It’s great for birthdays, holidays, or just because you deserve a treat.

You’ll appreciate how easy it is to prepare, with straightforward steps and common ingredients. Finally, the frosting complements the cake perfectly, creating a silky, chocolatey finish that’s not too sweet but utterly indulgent.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup freshly brewed hot coffee
• 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature

Equipment

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Wire rack for frosting
• Offset spatula (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, granulated sugar, Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine evenly.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add this to the dry ingredients while mixing on medium speed.
4. Add hot coffee: Carefully pour in the hot coffee (it enhances the chocolate flavor) and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined. The batter will be thin, but that’s perfect!
5. Fold in sour cream: Gently fold the sour cream into the batter with a spatula to add moisture and richness.
6. Pour and bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
8. Prepare frosting: While the cakes cool, prepare your favorite chocolate frosting. A classic chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with this cake.
9. Assemble and frost: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top, then add the second layer. Cover the entire cake with frosting, smoothing it with an offset spatula.
10. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving. Enjoy your deep, dark chocolate masterpiece!

Tips & Variations

“For an even richer cake, try adding 1/4 cup of melted dark chocolate into the batter along with the coffee.”

Here are some additional tips to perfect your cake:

• Room temperature ingredients help the batter mix more evenly and create a better crumb.
• Use freshly brewed coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder for an even deeper chocolate flavor.
• Switch up the frosting by using a whipped ganache or chocolate mousse for a lighter finish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This deep dark chocolate cake pairs wonderfully with several accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream makes a perfect contrast to the rich chocolate.

For an elegant touch, garnish slices with fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can also drizzle warm caramel or raspberry sauce to add a fruity or sweet twist.

If you want to keep it simple, enjoy a slice alongside a cup of hot coffee or milk for a classic chocolate dessert experience.

Conclusion

Hershey’s Deep Dark Chocolate Cake recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. With its moist texture, rich cocoa flavor, and luscious frosting, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

The use of Hershey’s special dark cocoa powder elevates this cake beyond ordinary chocolate cakes, ensuring every bite is packed with intense, satisfying flavor.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a homemade chocolate treat, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof. Following these steps will guarantee a stunning cake that tastes like it came from a professional bakery.

So go ahead, indulge yourself and your loved ones with this irresistible chocolate delight — you won’t regret it!

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