Hostess snack cakes were invented in the 1960s, but Ding Dong-inspired cakes are becoming more popular.
Mix cocoa powder with hot coffee and let it settle for a few minutes to intensify its flavor, then add whole milk and vanilla extract. Alternate
Alternate adding dry ingredients to wet ingredients with cocoa-coffee combination.
Bake until the tops spring back when gently touched and a tester comes out clean in two 9-inch cake pans.
Make filling. Add sugar and squeeze through a sieve after cooking whole milk, flour, and salt over medium heat until the roux is thick and pudding-like.
Make butter and vanilla creamy and light in color with a stand mixer. Add cooled roux and beat till whipped cream-like.
Put the cake together. Spread ermine filling on one cake layer, then top with another. Refrigerate until filling sets.