Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that captures the true magic of chocolate, look no further than Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cake. With tender, chocolatey cake layers, silky-rich frosting, a glossy ganache pour, and crumbles of real Hershey’s bars crowning each slice, this cake isn’t just decadent — it’s an absolute celebration of everything a chocolate lover dreams about. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, holiday, or to simply treat yourself, this iconic treat guarantees applause and second helpings!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a cake that’s anything but ordinary. Each element adds something unique, from depth of flavor to pillowy softness, and together they create a cake that tastes as beautiful as it looks.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the cake structure while remaining soft and tender.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and a moist crumb.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor—choose a good-quality cocoa for best results.
• Baking soda & baking powder: The dynamic duo ensures your cake rises perfectly every time.
• Fine salt: Just a bit sharpens all the other flavors.
• Buttermilk: Adds tang and makes each bite ultra moist.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb incredibly soft (no dry cake here!).
• Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate with warmth and aroma.
• Hot coffee: Don’t worry, you can’t taste it! Coffee deepens the cocoa flavor like magic.
• Unsalted butter: For a creamier, fresher-tasting frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Whips up into the smoothest, fluffiest frosting you’ve ever tried.
• Milk or heavy cream: Helps hit that just-spreadable consistency in your frosting.
• Heavy cream (for ganache): The secret to a luscious, shiny chocolate topping.
• Semi-sweet chocolate: Melts into a perfectly balanced ganache—rich but not overly sweet.
• Hershey’s chocolate bars: The nostalgic finishing touch that gives Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cake its name and signature look.
• Chocolate shavings: Add drama and glamour to your final masterpiece.

How to Make Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans and Preheat Your Oven

Begin by setting yourself up for cake success! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans. For extra insurance against sticking, line the bottoms with parchment paper—this way, your cake layers will slide out flawlessly and keep their pretty shape.

Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a big mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, unsweetened cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour that creamy wet mix into the dry bowl and gently stir—no need for electric mixers—just until everything is combined. This step sets up the rich, tender crumb you want in every slice of Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cake.

Step 3: Add Hot Coffee and Finish the Batter

Now, pour in the freshly brewed hot coffee. Don’t be nervous! The batter will become thin, which makes the cake extra moist and intensifies the chocolate flavor, but you won’t actually taste the coffee in the finished product. Mix until your batter is smooth, luscious, and deeply fragrant.

Step 4: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide your batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Pop them into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean or with just a crumb or two. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely—patience pays off here!

Step 5: Whip Up the Rich Chocolate Frosting

While the cakes cool, make the decadent buttercream. Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add in sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Along the way, pour in milk (or heavy cream), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy, glossy, and irresistible—don’t be afraid to taste-test.

Step 6: Make the Silky Ganache

For a glossy, elegant finish, prepare your ganache. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for five minutes (hands off—it’s worth it!), then whisk until smooth. Allow it to cool a bit so it’s thick enough to pour but not runny.

Step 7: Assemble and Decorate the Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cake

Now comes the best part—assembly! Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous blanket of fluffy chocolate frosting over it, then gently lay the second layer on top. Coat the entire cake with the remaining buttercream, adding swirls or ridges for texture if you like. Pour the cooled ganache over the top, letting it cascade down the sides (chocolate waterfalls, anyone?). Finish with chopped Hershey’s chocolate bars and a flurry of chocolate shavings for dramatic flair. Stand back and admire your creation—it’s a true Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cake triumph!

How to Serve Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cake

Garnishes

The secret to an irresistible presentation is in the final flourish. Sprinkle finely chopped Hershey’s chocolate bars liberally over the ganache, and scatter chocolate shavings or curls for a bakery-worthy, eye-catching touch. A dusting of cocoa powder or a few berries can add beautiful contrast, too.

Side Dishes

This cake is the star, but it pairs beautifully with accompaniments like a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a handful of juicy raspberries. These sides cut through the richness and make each bite even more delightful.

Creative Ways to Present

Give your Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cake the grand entrance it deserves. Try slicing individual pieces and plating each with extra drizzles of ganache and a mini Hershey’s bar on the side. Or, for parties, assemble as cupcakes with a ganache swirl and a chunk of Hershey’s bar on top—guaranteed crowd-pleasers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight cake keeper at room temperature for up to 2 days. Afterward, move to the fridge to prolong freshness. The flavors deepen over time, making your next-day treat even better!

Freezing

Both the cake layers and decorated Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cake freeze beautifully. For best results, wrap unfrosted layers separately in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to one month. Fully assembled cakes can be frozen as well, though some garnishes may lose their shine—so add fresh toppings after thawing.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm (and who could blame you?), microwave individual slices in short bursts, just 10–15 seconds at a time, to gently take off the chill and revive the aroma and gooeyness without melting the frosting or ganache.

FAQs

Can I make Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers up to two days ahead, wrap tightly, and frost the day you plan to serve. This actually makes the assembly smoother and allows flavors to meld.

Do I have to use buttermilk in the cake?

Buttermilk provides signature moistness and a subtle tang. If you don’t have any on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes before using.

What kind of cocoa powder works best for Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cake?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder gives you a wonderfully deep chocolate flavor, but you can also use Dutch-processed cocoa for an even richer color and smoother profile. Experiment to find your favorite!

Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?

Definitely! Pour the batter into lined muffin tins (fill about 2/3 full) and bake at 350°F for around 18–20 minutes. The frosting and ganache are just as perfect on cupcakes, and each can get a bite-size Hershey’s bar on top.

How do I get neat, clean slices every time?

For perfect slices, use a sharp serrated knife, wiping it clean between cuts. Chilling the Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cake for about 30 minutes before slicing can help the ganache set beautifully, so each slice looks as impressive as it tastes.

Final Thoughts

There’s simply nothing like the delight of sinking your fork into a homemade Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cake. If you’re ready to share a little chocolate joy with your loved ones—or treat yourself to something truly special—this cake never disappoints. Go on, gather your ingredients and let the chocolate adventure begin!