For chocolate lovers, the Hershey Bar Cake Recipe is a decadent treat that combines the rich flavors of milk chocolate with a light, moist cake. If you’re a fan of the iconic Hershey’s chocolate bar, this cake takes that familiar sweetness to the next level by incorporating it directly into the batter and frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a family gathering, or just craving something indulgent, this Hershey Bar Cake Recipe is sure to impress and satisfy even the most dedicated chocoholic.
With layers of chocolatey goodness and a creamy frosting that melts in your mouth, the Hershey Bar Cake is a dessert that stands out. This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through each step to ensure your cake turns out perfect every time. We’ll cover everything from preparing the batter to baking and assembling the cake, along with variations, tips, and serving suggestions. You’ll also learn how to store leftovers and create delicious alternatives to suit different dietary preferences. If you’re ready to bake, let’s dive into the details of this irresistible Hershey Bar Cake Recipe.
If you’re a fan of rich and indulgent desserts, you might also enjoy trying this unique crack cake recipe.
Ingredients for the Best Hershey Bar Cake Recipe
The key to making the perfect Hershey Bar Cake Recipe lies in using high-quality ingredients and following the steps carefully. Below are the ingredients you’ll need to create a moist, rich cake that’s packed with chocolate flavor.
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 6 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars (1.55 oz each), melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars, melted
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (optional, for extra chocolate flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (to adjust consistency if needed)
Tools and Equipment for Hershey Bar Cake Recipe Success
Before diving into this Hershey Bar Cake Recipe, make sure you have the following tools ready:
- Mixing bowls for combining ingredients
- Electric mixer or hand whisk for beating the batter and frosting
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
- A double boiler or microwave-safe bowl to melt the chocolate
- Spatula for spreading the frosting
- 2 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13-inch cake pan
- Wire cooling rack for cooling the cake layers
- Offset spatula or knife for frosting the cake evenly
Step-by-Step Guide to Hershey Bar Cake Recipe Perfection
1 – Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch cake pan. This step ensures the cake doesn’t stick to the pans during baking, making it easier to remove the layers.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar properly is essential for a light, airy cake.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat the eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix well. This step adds richness to the Hershey Bar Cake Recipe while also enhancing the flavor.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents in the batter and prevents clumping.
- Alternate Adding Buttermilk and Flour: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, and mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix only until you no longer see streaks of flour.
- Melt the Hershey Bars: Melt the six Hershey’s chocolate bars in a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Once melted, let the chocolate cool slightly before folding it into the cake batter. If you prefer, you can also mix in chopped pecans for a bit of texture and crunch.
- Combine the Ingredients: Gently fold the melted chocolate into the cake batter until fully incorporated. This step is what gives the Hershey Bar Cake its signature chocolatey richness.
2 – Baking the Hershey Bar Cake
- Pour the Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. This ensures an even rise during baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bake time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cakes.
- Cool the Cakes: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the cakes to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This is a critical step because frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
3 – Making the Hershey Bar Frosting
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Using cream cheese in the frosting adds a slight tang that balances out the sweetness of the chocolate.
- Add the Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully combined. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. For a deeper chocolate flavor, you can also add cocoa powder at this stage.
- Melt the Hershey Bars: Melt the remaining three Hershey bars using a double boiler or microwave. Let the chocolate cool slightly before adding it to the frosting mixture.
- Mix the Frosting: Beat the melted chocolate into the frosting until smooth. If the frosting seems too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be creamy and easy to spread but not too runny.
4 – Assembling and Frosting the Hershey Bar Cake
- Assemble the Cake Layers: Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, ensuring even coverage.
- Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted bottom layer. Press down gently to ensure the layers stick together without creating any gaps.
- Frost the Outside: Using an offset spatula or a knife, frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining chocolate frosting. Take your time to smooth out the frosting for a professional-looking finish.
- Garnish the Cake (Optional): For extra flair, you can garnish the cake with chopped Hershey’s bars, chocolate shavings, or pecans on top. This adds texture and makes the cake even more visually appealing.
5 – Serve and Enjoy Your Hershey Bar Cake
Once the cake is frosted, slice into it and serve. Each bite of this Hershey Bar Cake Recipe will deliver a melt-in-your-mouth experience with layers of chocolate goodness. Pair it with a cold glass of milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
For more tips on properly melting chocolate, check out this comprehensive guide from The Kitchn here.
Variations of the Hershey Bar Cake Recipe
The Hershey Bar Cake Recipe can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few popular variations:
1. Hershey Bar Cake with Almonds
For added crunch and a bit of nuttiness, mix in 1/2 cup of toasted, chopped almonds into the cake batter. You can also sprinkle some almonds on top of the frosting for extra texture. The combination of chocolate and almonds creates a classic flavor pairing that enhances this Hershey Bar Cake Recipe.
If you love the combination of cake and nuts, you should definitely try this flavorful pecan cake recipe, which brings together rich flavors with a nutty twist.
2. Hershey Bar Cake with Dark Chocolate
If you prefer a richer, less sweet flavor, substitute the milk chocolate bars with dark chocolate Hershey bars. This variation creates a more intense chocolate experience, perfect for dark chocolate lovers. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the frosting slightly to complement the bittersweet taste of dark chocolate.
3. Gluten-Free Hershey Bar Cake Recipe
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s specifically designed for baking. Ensure that the baking soda and other ingredients are also certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors of the Hershey Bar Cake Recipe without gluten.
4. Hershey Bar Cupcakes
Turn this Hershey Bar Cake Recipe into cupcakes for a fun, individual-serving dessert. Simply divide the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for 18-22 minutes. Frost the cupcakes with the Hershey bar frosting and garnish with a square of Hershey’s chocolate on top. These cupcakes are perfect for parties and gatherings.
5. Hershey Bar Cheesecake
For an even more decadent dessert, consider turning this Hershey Bar Cake Recipe into a cheesecake variation. Simply use the cake as the base and incorporate melted Hershey bars into a cream cheese filling. This combination of chocolate cake and cheesecake creates a rich, layered dessert that’s truly indulgent.
For those who enjoy lighter flavors, you might want to explore this delightful princess cake recipe for a royal treat.
Serving Suggestions for the Hershey Bar Cake Recipe
This Hershey Bar Cake Recipe is delicious on its own, but there are several ways to elevate your dessert presentation:
1. Serve with Ice Cream
A slice of Hershey Bar Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or caramel ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warm, rich flavors of the cake, creating a dessert experience that’s both comforting and indulgent.
2. Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
For an even more chocolatey finish, drizzle homemade or store-bought chocolate sauce over the top of the cake slices before serving. This adds a luscious layer of chocolate and enhances the visual appeal of the dessert.
3. Top with Fresh Berries
For a fresh contrast to the rich chocolate flavor, serve your Hershey Bar Cake with a handful of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries helps balance the sweetness of the cake and adds a burst of color to your presentation.
4. Pair with Coffee or Espresso
If you’re serving this cake as part of a special dinner or celebration, consider pairing it with a cup of strong coffee or espresso. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cake and helps to cut through the richness of the frosting.
5. Garnish with Whipped Cream
A dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice of cake adds a light, airy texture that contrasts nicely with the dense, chocolatey cake. You can either make homemade whipped cream or use store-bought for convenience.
Storage Tips for Hershey Bar Cake Recipe
If you have leftovers of this Hershey Bar Cake Recipe (which is rare!), here are some tips on how to store it to maintain its freshness and flavor:
Refrigeration
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because the frosting contains cream cheese, it’s important to keep the cake chilled. Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to allow the frosting to soften slightly.
Freezing the Hershey Bar Cake
If you’d like to freeze the cake, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the cake slices in the refrigerator overnight, then bring them to room temperature before serving.
For additional tips on freezing cakes, visit King Arthur Baking’s guide on the best way to freeze cakes here.
FAQs About Hershey Bar Cake Recipe
Can I use a different type of Hershey’s chocolate for this cake?
- Yes! While the Hershey Bar Cake Recipe traditionally uses milk chocolate Hershey bars, you can experiment with dark chocolate or even the special dark variety for a richer flavor. You can also mix in white chocolate for a fun variation.
How can I make the frosting more chocolatey?
- To intensify the chocolate flavor in the frosting, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. You can also increase the amount of melted Hershey bars in the frosting for an even richer taste.
Can I substitute oil for butter in this cake?
- It’s not recommended to substitute oil for butter in this Hershey Bar Cake Recipe because the butter adds moisture and flavor. However, if you’re looking for a dairy-free version, you can try using vegan butter or coconut oil as a substitute.
What’s the best way to melt Hershey bars for this recipe?
- You can melt the Hershey bars using a double boiler or in the microwave. If using the microwave, melt the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure the chocolate doesn’t burn.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Yes! You can make the Hershey Bar Cake a day or two in advance. Simply store the unfrosted cake layers in an airtight container at room temperature and frost them just before serving.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Hershey Bar Cake Recipe
The Hershey Bar Cake Recipe is a chocolate lover’s dream, combining the creamy, rich taste of Hershey’s milk chocolate with a moist, tender cake. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or simply to satisfy a chocolate craving, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. Its versatility allows you to customize the recipe with various add-ins or frosting variations, ensuring that it suits your preferences.
From the creamy frosting to the decadent cake layers, this dessert brings together all the elements of a perfect chocolate cake. Serve it with ice cream, fresh berries, or simply on its own—it’s a delicious and indulgent treat that will make any occasion special. So grab your ingredients, follow this Hershey Bar Cake Recipe, and prepare to enjoy a slice of pure chocolate bliss!
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