If you’re searching for a magical dessert that will wow your friends and family, look no further than the Hershey’s Disappearing Cake. This unique recipe creates a moist, chocolatey cake that seemingly vanishes as it bakes, leaving behind a luscious pudding-like layer that is simply irresistible.
It’s an effortless dessert perfect for any occasion — from casual weeknight treats to festive gatherings.
What makes this cake so special is its simplicity and the surprising texture transformation that happens right in your oven. No need for fancy tools or complicated steps; just basic pantry staples and a little patience.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Get ready to impress with a dessert that’s both nostalgic and delightfully different. Let’s dive into the magic of Hershey’s Disappearing Cake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake is a true crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make — no special skills required.
The ingredients are simple and likely already in your kitchen, making it an accessible treat whenever the craving strikes.
Second, the cake’s texture is unlike any other. The top sets into a tender chocolate cake while the bottom becomes a rich, gooey pudding, creating a wonderful contrast.
This dual texture is the real “disappearing” act that amazes everyone who tries it.
Lastly, it’s versatile! You can serve it warm with ice cream, dust it with powdered sugar, or pair it with fresh berries.
It’s a dessert that can be tailored to suit your taste and occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (for topping)
- 1 1/4 cups hot water (for topping)
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Kettle or saucepan for boiling water
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
- In a small bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and 1 cup brown sugar. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the batter in the baking dish.
- Carefully pour 1 1/4 cups hot water over the top of the sugar and cocoa mixture. Do not stir! The water will sink through the batter creating that magical disappearing effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. The top should be set and spring back slightly when touched. The bottom will be a rich, fudgy pudding layer.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the pudding set beautifully.
Tips & Variations
For best results, use boiling water to pour over the sugar mixture — this activates the magic of the disappearing cake!
Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding a handful of chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolate bursts. You can also swap the vegetable oil for melted butter for a richer flavor.
For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before adding the hot water. If you prefer a fruity note, serve the cake with fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries on the side.
If you want to make this gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delightful.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 8g |
Saturated Fat | 1g |
Cholesterol | 0mg |
Sodium | 210mg |
Sugar | 35g |
Serving Suggestions
This cake is wonderful served warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top to complement the fudgy layer beneath the cake.
For a lighter option, dust with powdered sugar and serve alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.
Pair your Hershey’s Disappearing Cake with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk to complete the experience and enhance the rich chocolate flavor.
Conclusion
Hershey’s Disappearing Cake is a charming, easy-to-make dessert that brings a bit of magic to your baking routine. Its unique texture and effortless preparation make it a favorite for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this cake offers a comforting chocolate experience that disappears quickly for all the right reasons.
The magic lies in the simple ingredients and the surprising transformation in the oven, resulting in a layered dessert that satisfies every chocolate lover’s dreams. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to bake a cake that will delight your guests and have them asking for the recipe again and again!
📖 Recipe Card: Hershey's Disappearing Cake
Description: A moist and rich chocolate cake made with simple pantry ingredients that magically disappears after baking. This cake has a gooey, fudgy center and a tender crumb.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for topping)
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, 2 tbsp cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- Add milk, melted butter, and vanilla; stir until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and 1/3 cup cocoa evenly over batter.
- Carefully pour boiling water over the top; do not stir.
- Bake for 40 minutes until edges are set and center is gooey.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 50 g
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