Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake Recipe

There’s just something utterly magical about the way a Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake brings classic nostalgia and homemade indulgence together in one irresistible dessert. This luscious cake channels the iconic flavors of those beloved cupcake treats but elevates them into a show-stopping, multi-layered marvel. From the tender, deeply chocolatey cake layers to the fluffy marshmallow cream filling and silky whipped chocolate ganache, every slice is a celebration of texture and flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply craving a decadent treat, the Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake is truly a dream come true.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that work harmoniously to create the rich, moist, and creamy textures this cake is famous for. Each element plays a key role, from the cocoa powder that deepens the chocolate flavor to the buttermilk that adds a soft tang and tenderness to the crumb.

• All-purpose flour (2 cups, 265g): Provides the perfect structure to hold this tall, luscious cake together without weighing it down.
• Granulated sugar (1 2/3 cups, 340g): Sweetens beautifully while helping create a tender, moist cake crumb.
• Natural unsweetened cocoa powder (2/3 cup, 60g): Gives the intense chocolate punch that makes this cake so deeply satisfying.
• Baking soda (2 tsp) and baking powder (1 tsp): These work as vital leaveners, guaranteeing your layers rise tall and fluffy.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness perfectly.
• Vegetable oil (1/2 cup, 120ml): Keeps the cake moist and wonderfully tender.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind ingredients for structure and give richness.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 1/2 tsp): Adds sweet, aromatic depth.
• Buttermilk (1 cup, 240ml, room temperature): Contributes subtle tang and gives the cake a tender crumb; simple to make if you don’t have store-bought.
• Hot coffee or hot water (1 cup, 240ml): Enhances chocolate intensity and keeps the batter smooth.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups, 370g): Melted down to create an ultra-smooth, whipped ganache frosting.
• Heavy whipping cream (2 cups, 480ml): Heavy cream is critical for making the rich, fluffy chocolate ganache.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, 113g, room temperature): Gives the marshmallow cream filling a buttery, luscious texture.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup, 105g): Sweetens and stabilizes the marshmallow filling.
• Marshmallow fluff (7 oz): The signature creamy filling that defines this cake’s nostalgic charm.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Added to the filling for that irresistible, comforting flavor boost.

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and prepping your cake pans with cooking spray and parchment paper circles. Mixing your dry ingredients first allows for even distribution of leaveners and cocoa powder, which is crucial for a consistent rise and chocolatey flavor. Adding wet ingredients like oil, eggs, and buttermilk gently brings the batter together while maintaining moisture. The hot coffee streams in slowly, intensifying the chocolate and keeping the batter silky smooth. Pour this luscious mixture into your pans, then bake until a toothpick emerges clean. Patience here ensures the perfect texture—cool completely before moving on.

Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Chocolate Ganache

Melting chocolate chips with simmering heavy cream creates a beautifully glossy ganache base. Covered and rested, it transforms from a warm liquid into a luscious spread that is then whipped into a light, airy frosting—like chocolate magic. This whipped ganache is part velvet, part cloud, and is key to wrapping the layers of cake in silky decadence. Refrigeration is essential in this stage to achieve the perfect consistency for whipping.

Step 3: Whip Up the Marshmallow Cream Filling

This creamy filling combines butter, powdered sugar, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla for a light, fluffy center that perfectly contrasts the dense, chocolate cake. The butter’s richness balances the sugary fluff’s sweet cloud-like texture, resulting in a filling that is indulgent yet not overly sweet. Whipping the butter until smooth is the secret to avoid lumps and create a mousse-like consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake

With all components ready, you’ll level and optionally torte each cake layer to ensure even stacking. Using a piping bag for the chocolate ganache edge creates a neat barrier to hold the marshmallow filling. Layering the cake with alternating whipped ganache and marshmallow cream is what gives this cake its iconic flavor and texture harmony. Don’t forget to invert the final cake layer for a smoother top surface, then crumb coat and chill to set everything beautifully before the final frosting and decorative piping.

Step 5: Final Frosting and Decoration

The finishing touches are made with the remaining whipped chocolate ganache smoothed over the entire cake, chilled to set, and decorated with piped marshmallow cream in graceful loops across the top. This step gives your cake that professional, nostalgic look reminiscent of classic Hostess cupcakes, making it just as stunning visually as it is delicious.

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake

Garnishes

The Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake can be garnished with simple yet complementary touches such as a dusting of cocoa powder or a light drizzle of melted chocolate for added richness. You might also consider sprinkling mini chocolate chips or shaving dark chocolate curls over the top to add texture and a bit of sparkle. Fresh berries can add a surprising burst of freshness and vibrant color, balancing the sweet, creamy layers.

Side Dishes

Pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream makes each forkful even more indulgent. A warm cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk perfectly complements the deep chocolate and marshmallow flavors too, enhancing the childhood nostalgia this cake sparks. For a festive twist, a cold glass of milk can be served with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a splash of caramel syrup.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, try serving the cake on a rustic wooden board with scattered chocolate chips or marshmallows around it. Cutting the layers into individual mini cakes or cupcakes mimics the original Hostess cupcake experience and adds a fun, shareable element. You could also add edible gold leaf or festive sprinkles on the marshmallow loops for party-ready glamour. For a more casual approach, serve in mason jars layered with cake and filling, perfect for picnics or informal gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because the Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake is rich and creamy, it’s best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. Leftover slices keep well for up to 4 days, maintaining moisture and freshness without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers (without frosting) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting. For assembled cakes, quick freezing and later thawing may affect the marshmallow filling’s texture, so it’s ideal to freeze components separately.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not required. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, letting the slice sit out for 15 minutes brings out the flavors beautifully without any heat. Avoid microwaving as it may cause the marshmallow to melt unevenly.

FAQs

Can I make the buttermilk from scratch?

Absolutely! A simple homemade buttermilk substitute is to add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 5-10 minutes until slightly curdled, and then use it in your recipe. This adds the tang and acidity essential for tender cake crumb.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream for the ganache?

Heavy cream is critical for the whipped ganache’s rich, fluffy texture. Using milk will create a thinner ganache that won’t whip up properly, so it’s best to stick with heavy cream for that luscious frosting finish.

Is the marshmallow cream filling overly sweet?

The combination of butter and powdered sugar balances the sweetness of the marshmallow fluff, so the filling offers a light, fluffy sweetness that complements the chocolate without being overpowering. Adjust powdered sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet filling.

Can I use a different size pan for this cake?

Yes, the recipe works well with either three 6-inch pans or two 8-inch pans. Smaller pans will yield taller layers and more cake layers to assemble, while larger pans make thicker, fewer layers. Just adjust baking time slightly and keep an eye on doneness.

How long does it take to make the entire Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake?

The process from start to finish, including baking, cooling, making fillings, and assembly, typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. Some overlapping steps, like making the ganache while cooling the cake, can help save time.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating the magic of those classic Hostess treats but in a cake form, the Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake is your ultimate dessert adventure. It’s a beautiful balance of moist, rich chocolate, fluffy marshmallow, and luscious ganache, capturing childhood memories while delivering grown-up sophistication. I can’t wait for you to make this cake and experience the joy it brings to the table—trust me, it’s a slice of happiness you’ll want to revisit again and again.

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