Back-of-the-Box Hershey’s Chocolate Cake
Back-of-the-Box Hershey’s Chocolate Cake is a rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey dessert made with simple pantry ingredients and classic cocoa powder. The batter is quick to prepare and produces soft, tender cake layers every time. Its reliable texture and incredible flavor make it perfect for birthdays, celebrations, holidays, or everyday baking. Pair it with creamy chocolate frosting for the ultimate homemade chocolate experience. Easy, nostalgic, and absolutely delicious, this cake has earned its place as a timeless family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
For the Chocolate Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, which helps create an exceptionally moist cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the frosting by beating the butter and cocoa powder together until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and spreadable.
- Frost the cooled cake layers and decorate as desired before serving.
Notes
- The batter will be very thin; this is completely normal.
- Use room-temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Do not overbake to maintain moisture.
- Sift the cocoa powder for a smoother batter.
- Let the cakes cool fully before frosting.
- Use high-quality cocoa for the richest flavor.
- Store the cake covered to keep it moist.
- The cake tastes even better the next day.