Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Hershey's Chocolate Layer Cake?
It is a luxurious, rich, and moist chocolate cake featuring layers of creamy frosting made with Hershey's chocolate bars and pecans.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What type of chocolate cake mix should I use?
You can use either a Swiss chocolate or a regular chocolate cake mix.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What are the ingredients for the cake batter?
The batter consists of chocolate cake mix, 3 beaten eggs, 1 cup of oil, 1 cup of milk, and a 3.4-ounce package of instant vanilla pudding mix.
Is the pudding mix cooked or instant?
The recipe requires instant vanilla pudding mix, not the cook-and-serve variety.
What type of oil is best for this cake?
Vegetable or canola oil is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use skim milk for the batter?
While you can use any milk, whole milk is suggested for the best flavor and richness.
How long should the batter be mixed?
Mix the batter on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until it is smooth and well combined.
How do I prepare the cake pans?
Grease and flour two round cake pans to ensure the layers do not stick.
How do I know when the cakes are finished baking?
The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
What ingredients are in the frosting?
The frosting is made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, Cool Whip, grated Hershey chocolate bars with almonds, and chopped pecans.
Should the cream cheese be cold or softened?
The cream cheese should be softened at room temperature to ensure a smooth, creamy frosting.
What size container of Cool Whip is needed?
You will need one 12-ounce container of Cool Whip, and it should be thawed.
How many Hershey bars are required for the frosting?
The recipe calls for 4 Hershey chocolate bars with almonds, which should be grated.
Can I omit the pecans from the recipe?
Yes, you can omit the pecans if you have an allergy or prefer a nut-free texture.
Should the powdered sugar be sifted?
Sifting the powdered sugar is optional but recommended if you want a perfectly smooth frosting.
How do I assemble the cake?
Place one cooled layer on a platter, spread frosting on top, add the second layer, and cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
How should I garnish the cake?
For an elegant look, garnish the finished cake with additional grated Hershey bars and chopped pecans.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its eye-catching layers and decadent taste make it perfect for birthdays, potlucks, and celebrations.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 12.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a slice?
There are 28g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this cake provide any protein?
Yes, each serving provides about 3.1g of protein.
Can I use plain Hershey bars instead of those with almonds?
Yes, you can use plain Hershey bars if you prefer, though the original recipe suggests the almond version for added texture.
Should the cake be refrigerated?
Because the frosting contains cream cheese and Cool Whip, it is best to store the cake in the refrigerator.
Can I make the cake layers in advance?
Yes, you can bake the layers ahead of time; just ensure they are completely cool before frosting.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients used to create this cake and its frosting.
What makes this cake specifically 'Hershey's'?
The unique flavor and texture come from the inclusion of 4 grated Hershey chocolate bars directly into the frosting mixture.