Suzy Q Cake Recipe: Homemade Hostess Snack with Cream Filling

This easy Suzy Q Cake Recipe is a perfect copycat of the iconic Hostess snack cake. Featuring a creamy marshmallow filling that’s irresistible, it perfectly captures the nostalgic flavor, nestled between two layers of rich, dark, homemade chocolate cake!

Trending now: Costco Tuxedo Cake Recipe.

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This chocolate cake is absolutely delicious and vanished in under an hour! The whole family couldn’t get enough of it.

Everyone appreciated that I made the devil’s food cake from scratch rather than using a boxed cake mix. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, and homemade means no preservatives, which is always a bonus.

Plus, when you make it from scratch, you have the flexibility to swap out the sugar for a zero-calorie sweetener like monk fruit. This transforms it into a thoughtful treat for diabetic and health-conscious friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Suzy Q cake brings back nostalgic memories of a favorite snack cake. So, it’s retro but with a gourmet twist. With simple ingredients, a rich chocolate cake base, and a fluffy cream filling, it’s bound to become one of your family’s favorite recipes.

Serve it during the holiday season for festive activities. Or enjoy it any time as a classic dessert that’s easy to make but absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a party or satisfying a personal craving, this great recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

Save the recipe and don’t forget to share your creation on social media! If you love chocolate snack cakes, give this Suzy Q cake recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed.

You might also like the Kris Jenner Lemon Cake Recipe.

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Ingredients in This Homemade Suzy Q Cake Recipe

Here are the ingredients in this classic treat.

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The Chocolate Cake

The delightful fusion of flavors begins with the chocolate cake.

Dry Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and base for the cake.
• White Sugar or Monk Fruit: Sweetens the cake, and monk fruit offers a sugar-free alternative.
• Unsweetened Dutched Cocoa Powder: Adds a rich, dark chocolate flavor, just like the “cocoa processed with alkali” used in Hostess Suzy Qs. Hershey’s Dark Dutched Cocoa Powder is a great choice.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise for a light and airy texture.
• Baking Soda: Works with acidic ingredients to create a tender crumb.
• Salt: A teaspoon salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Finely Ground Espresso Powder or Coffee Powder (Optional): Deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.

Wet Ingredients

• Large Eggs: Help bind the ingredients
• Vegetable Oil or Avocado Oil: Makes the cake moist and tender.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Enhances the cake’s flavor with a subtle, sweet aroma.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness and creates the fluffiest texture.
• Boiling Water: Blooms the cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate flavor.

For the Marshmallow Buttercream Filling Recipe

Here are the ingredients in the gooey but simple frosting.

• Unsalted Butter (Softened): Provides a smooth, creamy base for the frosting that blends well with the other ingredients.
• Powdered Sugar or Powdered Monk Fruit: Sweetens the buttercream, with powdered monk fruit serving as a sugar-free option for a healthier alternative.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor, balancing the sweetness of the marshmallow.
• Marshmallow Cream, Marshmallow Fluff, Sugar-Free Marshmallow Cream, or Sugar-Free Marshmallow Fluff: Forms the key marshmallowy texture and flavor; sugar-free versions are available for those looking to reduce sugar intake without sacrificing taste. By the way, the flavor difference between Marshmallow Creme and Marshmallow Fluff is negligible.
• Xanthan Gum (Optional): Helps thicken and stabilize the filling, ensuring it holds its shape.

Instructions to Make the Homemade Suzy Q Chocolate Cake

Here’s a short instructional video from my YouTube Channel.

You’ll also find step-by-step photos below to guide you through the recipe. For the full printable recipe, including exact measurements and nutrition facts, head to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease the sides of two 8- or 9-inch cake pans with nonstick baking spray. Then, line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.

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In a large bowl, sift together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional espresso powder.

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In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and a cup milk.

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Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix.

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Add the boiling water, stirring gently to combine until you have a smooth cake batter. Be careful not to overmix to ensure a fluffy texture.

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The batter will be a bit runny.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let the cakes cool completely before proceeding to the next step.

TIP: If the cakes have domed, gently press them down with a plate to level them. Alternatively, once the cakes are completely cooled, trim off the domed top with a serrated knife.

Step 3: After the Cakes Have Cooled, Make the Marshmallow Cream Filling

In the bowl of a stand mixer or with an electric mixer on high speed, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and continue beating until the mixture is smooth. Gently fold in the marshmallow creme or marshmallow fluff to create a light, fluffy filling. Be careful not to overbeat.

NOTE: For a firmer filling, add 1 level teaspoon of xanthan gum and mix it into the powdered sugar.

Step 4: Assemble the Suzy Q Cake

Place one layer on a serving plate or cookie sheet. If you’re using a cake ring to help spread the filling evenly, wrap it around the cake.

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Spread the marshmallow cream filling evenly over the first cake layer. If desired, reserve a small amount of filling to smooth the sides of the cake later.

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Then, put the second layer on top.

Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to allow the filling to set.

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Decorative Options for the Top Layer

• Before serving, use a sieve to sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the cake.
• Smooth the sides of the cake with a little bit of filling, if desired.
• For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle chocolate ganache over the top layer. To make the ganache, gently heat ¾ cup heavy cream, then add ¾ cup dark chocolate chips (6 ounces or 170 grams) and stir until smooth.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, use a sharp knife, like a chef’s knife, to cut the cake into slices. For clean slices, dip the knife into boiling water before cutting. This will help you slice smoothly and effortlessly, without pressing too hard and causing the creamy filling to squeeze out.

Cathy’s Tips for the Perfect Suzy-Q Cake

1. Use Quality Cake Pans: I’m very happy with Fat Daddio’s cake pans which help reduce doming in cakes. These pans are made from anodized aluminum, which provides even heat distribution. Unlike dark or non-anodized pans that can cause uneven baking and lead to doming, Fat Daddio’s pans heat and cool quickly, promoting a more level rise.
2. What to Do If Your Cake Domes: To flatten a domed cake, gently press down on it with a plate while it’s still slightly warm. This can help even out the surface. If the dome is more pronounced, use a serrated knife to carefully slice off the raised portion for a smooth, level finish.
3. Bake Options: If you prefer smaller portions, divide the batter into mini loaf pans to create individual-sized cakes. Once baked, slice each mini loaf in half to make two layers.
4. Marshmallow Fluff vs. Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme: The secret to the filling’s classic creamy texture and sweet flavor is Marshmallow Fluff. However, if your store only stocks Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme, don’t worry. It works wonderfully in the frosting too, and the difference in flavor is negligible!
5. Stabilize the Filling: Do you want a gooey marshmallow filling? Or would you prefer a more stable filling that stays in place? If you chose the latter, simply add 1 level teaspoon of xanthan gum to the frosting. Refrigerate the cake overnight. The next day, the marshmallow filling will be firmer.
6. For Clean Slices: Dip a chef’s knife into boiling water before slicing the cake. This allows you to cut smoothly and effortlessly without pressing so hard that the filling squeezes out.

Always fun: Jiggly Milk Jello.

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Equipment Needed for Suzy Q Cake

1. Large Mixing Bowl: To combine the dry ingredients.
2. Medium Bowl: To mix the wet ingredients.
3. Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar for the filling.
4. Two 8- or 9-Inch Cake Pans: I use two 8-inch cake pans.
5. Sieve (Optional): To sift the flour for a fluffier cake.
6. Parchment Paper: To line the cake pans for easy removal.
7. Wire Rack: To cool the cake layers completely.
8. Spatula or Spoon: To spread the marshmallow cream filling evenly.
9. Nonstick Baking Spray: To spray on the sides of the cake pans, so the layers release without sticking. Avoid using nonstick cooking spray, as it can leave a sticky residue on your pans that’s difficult to clean.
10. Cake Ring (Optional): To evenly spread the filling.

With the right tools, this Suzy-Q cake recipe will look and taste perfect every time!

Storage Tips for Suzy Q Cake

If you need to store this delicious cake, here’s what to do.

Refrigerate Your Suzy Q Cake

Refrigerate the assembled Suzy Q cake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze Your Hostess Snack Cake

For longer storage, place the cake in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, let the cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

More Fun Desserts to Enjoy

• Chocolate Kahlua Cake with Almond Flour
• Homemade Strawberry Jello
• Keto Whoopie Pies
• Mini Black Forest Cake Recipe
• Pear Sauce
• Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Cake
• Vegan Chocolate Mousse Pie

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