The ‘Better Than Therapy’ Hershey Chocolate Cake That Ended My Family’s 10-Year Feud!

There’s something undeniably magical about a slice of Hershey’s Chocolate Cake—the way it melts in your mouth, the deep cocoa flavor, and that perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

This isn’t just any chocolate cake; it’s the kind that makes birthdays feel extra special, turns an ordinary Tuesday into a celebration, and brings back childhood memories with every bite. It’s no wonder this classic recipe has remained a favorite for generations.

What makes this Hershey’s Chocolate Cake stand out? It’s incredibly moist, thanks to a combination of buttermilk and hot coffee (or water), which enhances the deep cocoa notes. The frosting? Smooth, velvety, and just the right amount of indulgence. Best of all, it’s made with simple pantry staples, meaning you can whip it up anytime a chocolate craving strikes.

This recipe has been trending lately, with home bakers rediscovering the beauty of classic, homemade desserts. With more people embracing comfort baking, a rich, foolproof chocolate cake like this is an absolute must-try.

Pair a slice with a cup of coffee or serve it with a side of Shortbread Cookies for a delightful contrast in texture. Want to take it to the next level? A dollop of French Buttercream makes for an ultra-luxurious finish. Go ahead—bake this cake, take a bite, and let it remind you why homemade always wins.

Why you will be hooked?

• It’s foolproof and beginner-friendly. No fancy techniques—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
• Super moist and deeply chocolatey. The buttermilk and coffee (or hot water) create an ultra-soft, rich texture.
• Perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a Tuesday, this cake fits the moment.
• It tastes even better the next day. The flavors deepen, making leftovers (if there are any!) even more irresistible.
• Customizable and versatile. Add nuts, swap the frosting, or layer it with berries—this cake adapts beautifully.

Hershey Chocolate Cake Recipe

This Hershey’s Chocolate Cake is incredibly moist, rich, and deeply chocolatey. With a velvety frosting, it’s a timeless dessert perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or satisfying sweet cravings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 438 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans
• Spatula
• Wire rack for cooling

Ingredients

  

Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups granulated sugar 400g
• 1 ¾ cup + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour 235g
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 64g
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk 227g
• 1/2 cup oil 99g, (vegetable or canola oil)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water 237g, or hot coffee

Chocolate Frosting:

• 1/2 cup melted butter 113g
• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 57g
• 3 cups powdered sugar 360g
• 1/3 cup milk 83g
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pan(s).
  
• In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  
• Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
  
• Stir in boiling water (or hot coffee) until the batter is smooth and thin.
  
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 30-35 minutes.
  
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  
• For the frosting, mix melted butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  
• Spread frosting over the cooled cake, slice, and enjoy!
  

Nutrition Info:

Next-Level Variations for Hershey’s Chocolate Cake!

• Brown Butter Upgrade: Swap regular melted butter in the frosting for brown butter. It adds a deep, nutty richness that makes the chocolate flavor even more complex.
• Salted Caramel Infusion: Drizzle homemade salted caramel between the cake layers before frosting. The contrast of sweet and salty takes this cake to another level.
• Espresso Intensity: Already using coffee in the batter? Try adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder directly to the dry ingredients for an extra kick of bold, deep chocolate flavor.
• Silky Ganache Frosting: Instead of traditional buttercream, pour a glossy chocolate ganache over the cake. It gives a luxurious, bakery-style finish with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Hazelnut Elegance: Stir finely chopped toasted hazelnuts into the batter and pair the cake with a Nutella-based frosting. It’s like a Ferrero Rocher in cake form!
• Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt: Use a mix of dark and unsweetened cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate profile, and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top.
• Boozy Twist: A tablespoon of bourbon or dark rum in the batter adds a rich depth that pairs beautifully with chocolate—perfect for grown-up celebrations.
• Chocolate Stout Cake: Swap the boiling water for a dark stout beer. The malty notes of the stout enhance the chocolate in a subtle, sophisticated way.

John Lee

John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.

Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.