Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake

Name: Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; 2 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; Buttercream frosting (for layering); Chocolate ganache (for topping); Marshmallow cream filling

Published: August 8, 2025

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake is easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all levels
Its rich chocolate flavor combined with creamy filling delivers an unforgettable taste experience
Visually stunning with its multi-layered design, this cake makes any occasion feel special
It’s versatile enough to customize with different fillings or frostings based on your cravings

I remember the first time I baked this cake; my family couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw how tall and decadent it looked. Their gasps and wide-eyed smiles were priceless!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use good quality flour for a tender crumb in each layer.
Cocoa Powder: Choose unsweetened cocoa powder for an intense chocolate flavor.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure your cake rises beautifully.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar sweetens the batter and balances the cocoa’s bitterness.
Eggs: Fresh eggs add moisture and richness to the cake.
Milk: Whole milk provides creaminess that enhances the cake’s texture.
Vegetable Oil: Oil keeps the cake moist longer than butter would.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor profile.
Buttercream Frosting: Use homemade or store-bought frosting for easy decorating.
Chocolate Ganache: A silky ganache makes for a luxurious topping that hardens slightly as it cools.
Marshmallow Cream Filling: This sweet filling mimics the classic Hostess cupcake surprise!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans well so nothing sticks later.

Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar until well combined. The mixture should look like dark sand.

Combine Wet Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, mix eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this liquid gold into your dry mixture.

Blend Until Smooth!: Stir everything together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our layers light and airy!

Bake Your Cakes : Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely on wire racks.

Create the Filling and Frosting : While cakes cool down, whip up some marshmallow cream filling using an electric mixer until fluffy! For frosting, beat softened butter until light before adding powdered sugar gradually.

Have fun layering these cakes with marshmallow cream in between! Top off with that luscious chocolate ganache for an extra fancy touch. Pumpkin dump cake recipe Pumpkin scones with cinnamon glaze.

Now you have a show-stopping Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake ready to wow friends and family! Enjoy every bite while laughing about how many slices you’ll eat, trust me; it’ll be hard to stop at just one!

You Must Know

The Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake combines nostalgic flavors with a modern twist, making it a delightful centerpiece
Its rich chocolate layers and creamy filling capture the essence of childhood treats, ensuring everyone at your gathering remembers their favorite snack

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve flawless results, bake the cake layers first, then prepare the filling while they cool. This ensures everything is ready to assemble without any delays or melted frosting incidents.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chocolate for vanilla or add a hint of espresso for an adult twist. You can also incorporate sprinkles for extra fun or even a layer of fruit for freshness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and fluffiness
Avoid overbaking the layers; they should be moist and spring back when gently pressed
Finally, let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting

The first time I made this cake was for my niece’s birthday party, and it got rave reviews! Seeing her face light up as she took that first bite made all the flour flying around my kitchen worth it.

FAQ

What if I want to make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend without compromising texture.

Can I use store-bought frosting instead?

Absolutely! Store-bought frosting saves time and still tastes delicious.

How do I make the cake more festive?

Add colorful sprinkles on top or create fun themed decorations with icing!

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