If you’ve ever wished you could take a bite of pure nostalgia—and serve it as a show-stopping centerpiece—then Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake is your next baking adventure. Rich, ultra-tender chocolate cake is layered with a fluffy marshmallow filling and blanketed in luscious chocolate ganache. And of course, there’s that signature swirl of sweet white icing on top! This recipe transforms a classic childhood treat into a dreamy layer cake that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re planning a birthday, potluck, or just want to impress your friends with a grown-up twist on a beloved snack, this cake always brings big smiles and happy forks.

Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the decadent result fool you—each ingredient here works double duty to deliver incredible flavor, moisture, and texture. The magic happens when humble pantry staples are combined with a couple of special touches, creating that unmistakable Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake experience.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that helps the layers hold up to generous filling and frosting.

Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness without overpowering the chocolate.
Natural unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers rich, classic chocolate flavor; Dutch process is too mild here, so reach for “natural.”

Baking soda & baking powder: The team that gives your cake a light, lofty texture—don’t skip either!
Salt: Rounds out all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.

Vegetable oil: For an oh-so-moist crumb that stays tender for days.
Eggs: Provide richness and structure—let them come to room temperature for the best blend.
Pure vanilla extract: Infuses both the cake and filling with aromatic warmth.

Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness; easy to make at home if you don’t have any (just add a tablespoon of lemon juice to your milk and let it sit).
Hot coffee or hot water: Enhances the chocolate flavor and keeps the crumb ultra-soft—the cake won’t taste like coffee, promise!
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star of the ganache, providing a deeply chocolaty, velvety finish.

Heavy whipping cream: Whips with the chocolate chips into a luscious, air-light ganache.
Unsalted butter: Whipped for extra creamy, luscious marshmallow filling and piping detail.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling just so.

Marshmallow fluff: The secret to that classic cream-filled center, irresistibly soft and sweet.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds another layer of cozy flavor to the marshmallow filling—worth using the good stuff!

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and prepping your cake pans with spray and parchment circles. This ensures your Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake comes out of the pans clean and picture-perfect every time. Stir the dry ingredients together in your stand mixer bowl, then add the oil, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk. Mixing slowly keeps things light and fluffy. For the secret to extra-moist, ultra-chocolaty cake, stream in your hot coffee or water—it brings the cocoa to life and transforms the batter into a pourable, almost magical, concoction.

Step 2: Bake, Cool, and Wait Patiently

Divvy up that glossy batter between your pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean and the kitchen smells like chocolate heaven (about 32–36 minutes). Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. This is one time when waiting is 100 percent worth it—a chilled cake is so much easier to layer and decorate, trust me!

Step 3: Whip Up the Chocolate Ganache

While your cakes are cooling, heat the heavy cream until it gently simmers, then pour it over your chocolate chips. Let this sit for a couple of minutes to melt, then whisk until you have an irresistibly smooth, shiny ganache. After it cools to room temperature in the fridge (this can take an hour or two), whip it just until it fluffs up and lightens in color. This ganache is what separates Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake from any usual chocolate cake—you’ll have a creamy, dreamy frosting that holds its shape and tastes like pure happiness.

Step 4: Make the Marshmallow Cream Filling

Using a mixer, beat unsalted butter until super smooth, then gradually mix in powdered sugar for the silkiest cream. Fold in marshmallow fluff and a splash of vanilla for a filling that’s light and sweet with that classic nostalgia. Don’t forget to set aside a few spoonfuls of this cloud-like mixture—you’ll use it for the iconic swirl detail on top.

Step 5: Assemble Your Layer Cake

Time for the fun part! Level and torte your cooled cakes if needed, and get ready to stack. Pipe a ring of whipped ganache around the edge of the first cake layer (it’s your shield to hold in the soft filling), then fill the center with marshmallow cream. Top with the next cake layer, repeat, and finish with the final cake flipped upside down so you get a perfectly flat top. Chill the cake briefly to set up, then smooth the remaining ganache all over for that signature Hostess Cupcake shine. Don’t forget to pipe that signature “squiggle” across the top—your guests will love the nod to the original!

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake

Garnishes

The hallmark of a Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake is that playful, bright-white swirl across the top. Pipe it with your reserved marshmallow filling, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a few chocolate curls or mini sprinkles. Keep it simple or lean into the nostalgia—either way, that lovely squiggle makes everyone smile.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a true throwback treat. For more grown-up occasions, serve slices alongside coffee or espresso to accentuate that deep chocolate flavor and create a comforting, café-style moment at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake on a pretty cake stand and slice at the table for full wow-factor. For a party, cut cake into squares and serve in cupcake liners for individual “giant cupcake” treats. You can even top each slice with a mini cupcake for an extra-cute twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and the cake stays perfectly moist—if anything, a chilled slice the next day might taste even better than fresh!

Freezing

If you’re prepping ahead, Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices (or even the whole cake) tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

While this cake is actually best served at room temperature or slightly chilled, you can bring slices to room temp by letting them sit out for 30–45 minutes. If you like a warm gooey bite, microwave an individual slice (unwrapped) for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften the ganache, making it truly irresistible.

FAQs

Can I make Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers up to two days ahead and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature or in the fridge. You can even make the ganache and filling a day early—just give them a good mix before assembling.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No buttermilk? No problem! Stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, and use as a quick substitute. The tang is key for that classic flavor and tender crumb.

Can I use a different size pan?

Yes, you can! The recipe works best with three 6-inch or two 8-inch pans, but you could also bake it in a 9×13 pan or as cupcakes for a fun variation. Just keep an eye on the bake time, as it may vary with different pan sizes.

How do I get that super-smooth ganache finish?

The trick is a good icing smoother (a bench scraper works in a pinch) and chilling between coats. If the ganache is a little thick, add a splash of cream and whisk. Cold cake plus slightly softened ganache gives the best spa-day-smooth finish!

Can I substitute marshmallow fluff with something else?

If you don’t have marshmallow fluff, you can try using homemade marshmallow cream or even whipped cream cheese for a twist, but for that signature Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake filling, the fluff gives the most authentic, soft, and stretchy texture.

Final Thoughts

If you can’t remember the last time you enjoyed a Hostess Cupcake, or you simply want to share a wave of nostalgia with your loved ones, bake up this Hostess Cupcake Layer Cake and see how quickly it disappears. Its playful layers, chocolatey richness, and creamy filling are bound to delight kids and adults alike. Don’t be surprised if this cake becomes a new family tradition—grab your apron, and let the celebration begin!