Chocolate lovers everywhere unite over the Hershey Bar Cake, a decadent chocolate dessert that transforms simple Hershey bars into something truly extraordinary. This iconic bundt cake has earned its spot in the dessert hall of fame thanks to its incredible richness and the deep chocolate flavor that permeates every moist crumb. The genius lies in melting down actual Hershey chocolate bars directly into the batter, creating an intensity that powdered cocoa simply cannot match.
Dating back to the 1960s, the Hershey Bar Cake emerged as families looked for impressive yet approachable desserts to serve at special occasions. What makes this cake especially beloved is the beautiful balance between complexity of flavor and simplicity of preparation. Even home bakers with limited experience can create this showstopper dessert, while seasoned bakers appreciate how the classic recipe can be personalized with various toppings and mix-ins. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgic comfort and chocolate indulgence.
The Rich History Behind Hershey Bar Cake
The Hershey Bar Cake stands as a testament to American baking innovation that emerged during the mid-20th century. When Milton Hershey introduced his chocolate bars in 1900, little did he know they would become not just a snacking sensation but a key ingredient in one of America’s most beloved cakes. As home baking surged in popularity during the 1960s, creative home cooks discovered that melting these iconic chocolate bars created a cake with unmatched depth of flavor.
Unlike many desserts that come from professional kitchens, the Hershey Bar Cake has distinctly homegrown roots. It appeared in community cookbooks and was shared at potlucks across the country, gradually becoming a staple celebration dessert. The recipe gained additional momentum when Hershey’s company began printing variations on their chocolate bar wrappers and in promotional cookbooks during the 1970s. If you enjoy exploring other classic chocolate creations, you might also appreciate Hershey Kiss cookies that share this beloved chocolate heritage.
What’s particularly fascinating about this cake is how it represents a uniquely American approach to dessert—taking a commercial product and transforming it into something greater than the sum of its parts. The cake embraces the distinctive milk chocolate profile that made Hershey famous while elevating it through the addition of buttermilk, vanilla, and a careful baking technique that maintains its iconic moistness.
What Makes Hershey Bar Cake So Special
The magic of Hershey Bar Cake lies in its perfectly balanced texture and flavor. Unlike cakes made with cocoa powder, this dessert features actual melted chocolate bars worked directly into the batter, creating a depth of flavor that’s both rich and nuanced. The buttermilk adds a subtle tanginess that cuts through the sweetness, while also reacting with the baking soda to create an exceptionally tender crumb.
Many chocolate cakes can be overwhelmingly sweet, but the Hershey Bar Cake achieves a remarkable harmony between sweetness, chocolate intensity, and buttery richness. The cake’s distinctive milk chocolate flavor comes from using Hershey’s original milk chocolate bars—a taste that’s uniquely recognizable to most Americans. This cake stands out in the chocolate dessert universe alongside other favorites like show-stopping chocolate cakes but maintains its unique character.
Another element that makes this cake special is its versatility. While perfect on its own with just a dusting of powdered sugar, it can be transformed with ganache, frosting, or even served warm with vanilla ice cream. The bundt pan shape creates an impressive presentation with minimal effort, making it both a homey comfort dessert and an elegant option for special occasions.
Essential Equipment and Ingredients
To create the perfect Hershey Bar Cake, you’ll need specific equipment and quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before starting:
Equipment:
- 10-inch bundt pan (preferably non-stick)
- Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
- Microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
- Sifter for flour
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Toothpick for testing doneness
Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 8 standard-size Hershey’s milk chocolate bars (1.55 oz each)
- 2.5 cups sifted cake flour
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional – pecans or walnuts work best)
Using room temperature ingredients is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your cake. Cold eggs or butter can cause the batter to separate or become lumpy, while room temperature ingredients blend seamlessly. The choice of cake flour rather than all-purpose makes a significant difference in the cake’s tenderness, as it contains less protein and produces less gluten when mixed.
Step-by-Step Hershey Bar Cake Instructions
Creating this moist chocolate bundt cake requires attention to detail, but the process is straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:
Preparation (15 minutes):
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Thoroughly grease and flour your bundt pan, ensuring all crevices are covered.
- Unwrap and break the Hershey bars into small pieces in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave the chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until completely melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Making the Batter (20 minutes):
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, water, and melted chocolate until completely incorporated.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients (typically three additions of dry and two of buttermilk).
- Mix until just combined – avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.
- If using, fold in the optional chopped nuts.
Baking and Cooling (1 hour 35 minutes):
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, using a spatula to level the top.
- Bake for 1 hour and 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes – any less and it may fall apart, any more and it might stick.
- Invert the pan onto a cooling rack and gently remove the cake. Allow it to cool completely before serving or decorating.
For a simple but elegant finish, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar. Alternatively, drizzle with chocolate ganache for a more decadent presentation. This cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re looking for other fantastic cake options for your dessert rotation, carrot cake recipes make an excellent complementary choice for your baking repertoire.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional profile of Hershey Bar Cake helps when planning how it fits into your overall diet. This information is approximate per slice (based on 12 slices per cake):
- Calories: 485 per slice
- Total Fat: 24g (Saturated Fat: 14g)
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 225mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 63g (Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 42g)
- Protein: 6g
This cake is definitely a treat rather than an everyday dessert. The high chocolate content provides some antioxidants, while the eggs contribute protein. For a slightly healthier version, you could reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture, or experiment with substituting some whole wheat pastry flour for a portion of the cake flour.
Variations and Helpful Tips
The classic Hershey Bar Cake can be customized in numerous ways to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some popular variations to consider:
- Chocolate Type Variations: Substitute Special Dark Hershey bars for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. For a unique twist, try using Cookies ‘n’ Cream Hershey bars for a cookies and cream version that rivals even dedicated cookies and cream cake recipes.
- Add-Ins: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, or chopped dried cherries for added texture and flavor.
- Liqueur Options: Replace the water with coffee liqueur, bourbon, or amaretto to give the cake a sophisticated flavor profile.
- Glaze Variations: Top with peanut butter glaze, caramel sauce, or white chocolate ganache for contrast.
- Layered Approach: Slice the cooled cake horizontally and add a layer of raspberry jam or chocolate mousse in the middle.
For the best results with your Hershey Bar Cake, keep these professional baking tips in mind:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
- Don’t substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour – the texture difference is significant.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- When greasing your bundt pan, use a baking spray with flour or butter and flour every crevice thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool for exactly 10 minutes before removing from the pan – timing matters!
If you’re looking to create a spectacular dessert display, consider pairing your Hershey Bar Cake with other complementary flavors like red velvet cake for a striking color contrast that will impress your guests.
Comprehensive Storage Guide for Hershey Bar Cake
Properly storing Hershey Bar Cake is essential to maintain its moisture and flavor. This cake actually improves slightly after a day, as the flavors have time to develop and meld together. Here’s how to keep your cake fresh based on how long you need to store it:
Room Temperature Storage (2-3 Days)
For short-term storage, keep your Hershey Bar Cake at room temperature in an airtight container or under a cake dome. If the cake is unfrosted, you can wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil instead. Place it in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. The cake will remain moist and delicious for up to 3 days using this method.
Refrigerator Storage (Up to 5 Days)
To extend the shelf life of your Hershey Bar Cake, refrigeration is an excellent option. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container. This double protection prevents the cake from absorbing other flavors from the refrigerator and helps maintain moisture. Before serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes to restore its soft texture and full flavor profile.
Freezer Storage (Up to 2 Months)
For long-term storage, freezing is the best method. When freezing Hershey Bar Cake, wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to create a moisture barrier. Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container and label with the date. To thaw, transfer the wrapped cake to the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving. This method preserves the cake’s quality for up to 2 months.
Special Storage Tips
To keep your cake exceptionally moist during storage, try this baker’s secret: place a slice of fresh bread in the container with the cake. The bread will give up its moisture to the cake instead of the cake drying out. Replace the bread slice every day if storing longer than 24 hours. Additionally, if you’ve added a frosting or glaze to your cake, refrigeration is recommended regardless of timeframe, particularly during warm weather.
If you need to make your cake ahead for a special occasion, the freezing method works wonderfully for planning festive desserts in advance. Just be sure to decorate after thawing rather than before freezing for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hershey Bar Cake
Over the years, I’ve received many questions about making the perfect Hershey Bar Cake. Here are answers to the most common inquiries:
Can I substitute Crisco for butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use Crisco or another vegetable shortening in place of butter, using the same measurement. However, butter provides superior flavor and a more tender crumb. If you do use shortening, consider adding an extra 1/2 teaspoon of salt to compensate for the flavor difference.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
A cake that sinks in the middle typically indicates one of three issues: underbaking, opening the oven door too early in the baking process, or overbeating the batter which incorporates too much air. Ensure your oven is properly calibrated, avoid opening the oven during the first 30 minutes of baking, and mix just until ingredients are combined.
Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?
Absolutely! This versatile recipe can be adapted to two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13 rectangular pan. Adjust baking time accordingly—approximately 30-35 minutes for round pans and 40-45 minutes for a rectangular pan. Always test for doneness with a toothpick.
How can I prevent my cake from sticking to the bundt pan?
For foolproof release, thoroughly grease every nook and cranny of your bundt pan with butter, then dust with flour, tapping out any excess. Alternatively, use a baking spray that contains flour. Always allow the cake to cool for exactly 10 minutes before attempting to remove it—this timing is crucial.
Can I make this cake ahead for an event?
This cake is perfect for making ahead! You can bake it up to 2 days in advance and store at room temperature, or freeze it up to 2 months before your event. If you’re adding a frosting or glaze, it’s often best to apply that the day of serving for the freshest presentation. For those who love to collect favorite dessert spots, don’t forget to share great bakeries that might inspire your homemade creations.
The Enduring Appeal of a Chocolate Classic
The Hershey Bar Cake holds a special place in American baking history as a dessert that transforms everyday chocolate into something extraordinary. Its appeal spans generations—from those who first enjoyed it in the mid-20th century to today’s home bakers discovering its rich delights. What makes this cake timeless is how it balances simplicity of preparation with complexity of flavor, creating something that feels both nostalgic and fresh with each bite.
This cake proves that sometimes the most beloved recipes come not from professional pastry chefs but from home kitchens where creativity and practicality meet. Whether served at celebrations or as a comfort food treat, the Hershey Bar Cake continues to bring chocolate joy to tables across America. If you have your own twist on this classic or another treasured family recipe, consider sharing your dessert recipe to keep these delicious traditions alive for future generations. After all, the best recipes are those that continue to be shared, loved, and reinterpreted through time.