Ho Ho Cake Bars Recipe: Nostalgic Childhood Dessert

Introduction

Indulging in nostalgic childhood treats can be a delightful way to evoke memories while satisfying your sweet tooth. The Ho Ho Cake or Bars recipe, as featured on Love With Recipes, captures the essence of the iconic Ho Ho snack cake—an indulgent, chocolatey treat with a creamy filling and luscious frosting. This homemade version elevates the classic, offering a rich, multi-layered dessert that balances moist cake, smooth filling, and glossy chocolate topping. Whether you prefer serving it as a traditional layered cake or cutting it into bars for a crowd, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleasing outcome that will impress family and friends alike.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, simplicity, and the ability to prepare it well in advance. Chilling the assembled cake overnight allows flavors to meld and textures to set perfectly. From birthday celebrations to potlucks or just a cozy weekend indulgence, this treat is a guaranteed hit. The layers of fluffy cake, flavorful filling, and chocolate frosting come together harmoniously, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated.

Time

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus chilling overnight recommended)

Needed Equipment

• 9 x 13-inch baking pan or large jelly roll pan
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric hand or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula or offset spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Cooling rack
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Toothpick or cake tester
• Parchment paper (optional, for easier removal)
• Knife or cake cutter for slicing
• Refrigerator for chilling

Tags

Chocolate, Nostalgic, Easy, Crowd-Pleaser, No-Bake, Homemade, Bar Cookies, Dessert, Sweet, Comfort Food

Serving Size

Each serving approximately 1 piece or bar, based on 12 servings per batch.

Difficulty Level

Easy – suitable for beginner bakers with basic equipment and skills.

Allergen Information

• Contains: Eggs, Dairy (butter, evaporated milk, margarine, shortening), Gluten (cake mix), Soy (potential in chocolate chips)
• Note: For allergy-sensitive variations, substitute dairy with plant-based products and gluten-free cake mixes.

Dietary Preference

Contains dairy and gluten. Not suitable for vegan or strictly gluten-free diets unless substitutions are made.

Course

Dessert

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

Standard Ingredients

Filling Ingredients

Frosting Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is standard for baking cakes and ensures even cooking. While the oven heats, prepare your baking pan to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal of the cake or bars later. Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, then dust lightly with flour, tapping out the excess. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for even easier cleanup and removal. For a traditional cake, use a 9 x 13-inch baking pan; for bars, a large jelly roll pan (about 10 x 15 inches) is ideal, providing a thinner, more manageable portion size and making bar cutting easier.

2. Make the Cake Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix with the specified liquids and ingredients according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves adding 1 cup of water, eggs, and oil or butter, then beating the mixture on medium speed until smooth and well combined. Use an electric mixer for best results, ensuring that no lumps remain and the batter is uniform in texture. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform thickness, which promotes even baking and consistent texture throughout the cake or bars.

3. Baking

Place the prepared pan into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30-40 minutes if using a traditional 9 x 13-inch pan. For a jelly roll pan, the baking time reduces to about 12-15 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Overbaking can lead to dryness, so start checking around the 30-minute mark. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before proceeding. Cooling is critical to prevent melting the filling and frosting when layering.

4. Cooling and Preparation for Filling

Allow the cake to cool entirely at room temperature. For quicker cooling, you can place the cake in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. Complete cooling ensures that the filling and frosting will adhere properly without melting or sliding off. While cooling, prepare the filling, which is a rich, creamy mixture designed to mimic the sweet, smooth center of the original Ho Ho snack. This step is essential for achieving the signature texture and flavor.

5. Prepare the Filling

In a clean mixing bowl, combine softened butter, vegetable shortening, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and evaporated milk. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium-high speed for 10-15 minutes. This lengthy beating is vital to incorporate air into the mixture, resulting in a fluffy, light, and smooth filling with a melt-in-your-mouth quality. If the mixture appears curdled initially, continue beating; it will come together. Occasionally scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. The filling should be thick yet spreadable, with a consistency similar to frosting but richer and creamier.

6. Assemble the Cake

Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the prepared filling evenly over the top. Use a spatula or offset spatula to gently smooth the filling into an even layer, covering the entire surface. This middle layer is crucial for mimicking the original snack’s creamy core. Be careful to distribute the filling uniformly, avoiding gaps or thin spots. After this, refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set slightly, which makes frosting application easier and neater.

7. Prepare the Chocolate Frosting

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips, butter, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Microwave in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring thoroughly between intervals. This slow melting process prevents burning and ensures a smooth, glossy finish. Continue until the mixture is completely melted and uniform. If the frosting is too thick, microwave for an additional few seconds or stir vigorously to achieve pouring consistency. Be patient, as this step is critical for a shiny, professional-looking finish.

8. Frost the Cake

Pour the melted chocolate frosting over the chilled cake, starting from the center and working outward. Use a spatula to spread the frosting evenly, creating a glossy, smooth surface. If desired, you can add decorative touches like swirls or drizzles for presentation. The frosting should be still warm and pourable but thick enough to coat evenly. Allow the frosting to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours, until firm to the touch.

9. Chilling and Final Touches

Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This step allows all layers to meld together, and the frosting to firm up, making slicing cleaner and easier. Cover the cake lightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other refrigerator odors. For the bars, once chilled, cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.

Preparation Tips

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh, good-quality chocolate chips and real butter will enhance flavor and texture.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, shortening, and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
• Incorporate air into the filling: Long beating times are essential for lightness—don’t rush this step.
• Chill thoroughly: Patience in chilling results in cleaner slices and better flavor development.
• Customize flavor: Add a touch of espresso powder or a splash of bourbon to the filling or frosting for a flavor twist.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• For a more intense chocolate flavor: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the frosting or filling.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet treat, reduce the powdered sugar slightly in the filling.
• Layering: For extra decadence, add a thin layer of crushed cookies or nuts between the filling and frosting.
• Presentation: Decorate with sprinkles, chocolate shavings, or edible gold for an elegant touch.

Add-ons

• Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
• Crushed cookies or wafer crumbs
• Additional drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate
• Sprinkles or edible glitter for festive occasions

Side Dishes

• Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries)
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• Fruit compote or fruit sauces
• Creamy mascarpone or ricotta cheese dollops

Improvements

• Use homemade chocolate ganache instead of frosting for a richer, more refined finish.
• Add a layer of fruit preserves or jam beneath the frosting for a fruity contrast.
• Incorporate a hint of peppermint extract into the frosting for a seasonal twist.
• Replace traditional cake mix with a homemade chocolate sponge for a more artisanal touch.

Save and Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. To maintain freshness, keep the cake covered, especially if refrigerated, to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

FAQ

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes. Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as vegan margarine, coconut evaporated milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips. Use a vegan cake mix if available.

Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, it benefits from resting overnight in the refrigerator to develop flavors and improve texture. Make the cake, assemble with filling, and frost at least 12 hours before serving.

Can I adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets?

Yes. Use a gluten-free cake mix and verify that all other ingredients (like chocolate chips) are gluten-free. Adjust baking times as necessary.

What variations can I try?

Experiment by adding flavorings such as coffee, peppermint, or orange zest. You can also incorporate crunchy elements like chopped nuts or crushed cookies between layers for added texture.

Conclusion

This homemade Ho Ho Cake or Bars recipe offers a nostalgic, decadent dessert experience that rivals and surpasses the store-bought snack cakes. Its multi-layered approach—moist cake, creamy filling, and glossy chocolate frosting—creates a symphony of textures and flavors that are perfect for celebrations or simply indulging your sweet cravings. The process, while detailed, is straightforward and rewarding, especially when you see the delighted expressions of those tasting your homemade creation. Remember, patience in chilling and thorough mixing are key to achieving the best results. With a little preparation and love, you can craft a dessert that will become a beloved staple in your family’s recipe collection. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat, and do check out Love With Recipes for more inspiring desserts and kitchen tips!