Suzy Q Cake Recipe: Homemade Hostess Snack Copycat

The Suzy Q cake has stood the test of time as a beloved classic treat that harks back to childhood memories for many. I often find myself reminiscing about the joy of unwrapping the familiar cellophane to reveal two layers of delectable chocolate cake with a creamy, marshmallow-like filling. This indulgence has inspired numerous delicious recipes, aiming to replicate that nostalgic taste.

Bringing this family favorite into my own kitchen, I’ve experimented with various approaches to crafting a homemade Suzy Q without compromising on its distinctive flavors. It’s a delight to recreate such an iconic snack cake, especially when the aroma of chocolate fills the air, promising a mouthwatering dessert soon to grace the table.

I appreciate the simplicity of the Suzy Q cake recipe, which proves that comfort food need not be complicated to impress. The joy it brings to family and friends when presented with this homemade version is a testament to its timeless appeal. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a treat to brighten the everyday, this homemade Suzy Q promises to be a dessert that keeps everyone asking for more.

Ingredients Overview

When making a Suzy Q cake, the ingredients are the foundation of its rich taste and texture. I’ll break down the components into two primary categories: the chocolate cake and the cream filling.

Cake Components

To prepare the chocolate cake, I typically gather all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. This usually includes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup natural cocoa powder

I also ensure the wet ingredients are at the ready:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cup milk

I line my baking pans with quality parchment paper for easy removal and to achieve a uniform cake layer. Always preheat the oven to the correct cooking temperature as per the recipe instructions.

Cream Filling Essentials

For the cream filling, I start by using a medium bowl for the initial mix and then switch to a large mixing bowl for whipping the filling to the desired fluffiness. The essentials for the cream filling include:

• 1 cup cup milk
• 5 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup cup sugar
• 1 cup vegetable shortening or butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

On occasion, I use marshmallow creme to get that authentic Suzy Q texture and taste, combining it with the sugar and fat component over high speed until it’s exceptionally fluffy.

Variations of Suzy Q Flavors

Version	Cake Flavor	Filling	Frosting
Classic	Chocolate	Vanilla Cream	Chocolate Ganache
Lemon Twist	Lemon	Lemon Cream	Lemon Glaze
Raspberry Bliss	Vanilla	Raspberry Jam	Vanilla Buttercream with Raspberry Swirl
Nutty Delight	Chocolate	Peanut Butter	Chocolate Fudge

Following the recipe steps precisely is key for the creation of a tasty and visually appealing Suzy Q cake.

Baking Tools & Preparation

Preparing the perfect Suzy Q cake requires not only a good recipe but also the right set of tools. Picking the correct utensils and prepping your workspace can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Utensils

For creating this delightful dessert, I ensure to have these specific tools on hand:

Cake Pans: A pair of 9×13 sheet pans are ideal for baking the cake layers evenly.

Electric Mixer: Essential for achieving a fluffy filling, an electric mixer saves me time and effort.

Wire Rack: A wire rack is crucial for cooling the cake layers to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Serrated Knife: I like to use a serrated knife for cutting the cooled cake with precision, avoiding any unnecessary crumbling.

Cake Spatula: An offset spatula is perfect for spreading filling and frosting smoothly.

Nonstick Cooking Spray: I always spritz my cake pans with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cake release.

For the cream filling, a small saucepan and an electric mixer help me to cook and whip up the ingredients to just the right texture. If a recipe requires finely processed ingredients, a food processor can be extremely useful, though not always necessary for a Suzy Q cake.

Pre-Baking Setup

Before I begin mixing my ingredients, I take the following pre-baking steps:

Prepare the Cake Pans: I line the bottom of my greased cake pans with wax paper and apply another coat of nonstick spray for good measure.

Preheat the Oven: I preheat my oven to the temperature specified in my recipe. Consistent heat distribution is key to an even bake.

Assemble Ingredients: I gather all my ingredients, measuring them out beforehand so they’re ready to go.

Layout Utensils: To stay organized, I lay out utensils such as the electric mixer, spatula, and serrated knife, along with any other tools I might need during the baking process.

Moreover, I always keep plastic wrap at hand to cover the cake if it needs to sit while I prepare the filling, which ensures the cake stays moist.

By having my workspace set and ingredients prepped, I am ready to focus on crafting a scrumptious Suzy Q cake that’s sure to impress.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

In my experience, crafting the perfect Suzy Q Cake relies on careful preparation and attention to detail during the mixing and baking processes.

Mixing the Batter

When I start with the cake batter, I make sure all my ingredients are at room temperature. I begin by creaming butter in a separate bowl, beating it on high speed until it’s light and fluffy. This is crucial for a delicate crumb. Then, I carefully add each of the egg yolks one yolk at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. To this mixture, I gradually blend in the dry ingredients, typically a devil’s food cake mix for that classic, rich chocolate flavor. I alternate with mixing in the milk mixture, which I’ve gently warmed on medium heat.

Baking the Cake

Once my batter is smooth and well combined, I turn my attention to preparing the pan. I pour the cake batter into a prepared pan that I’ve greased and lightly floured. Ensuring the oven is preheated, I set the cake to bake, keeping a watchful eye as it transforms. The scent of chocolate fills the air, and after fully baking, I let the cake cool completely. This prevents the fluffy filling from melting when assembled. Once the cake is cool, it can be cut into the signature Susy Q rectangles or left as a sheet for a larger serving.

Assembling the Suzy Q Cake

Once the chocolate snack cake has baked for 35-40 minutes and cooled to room temperature, I begin the rewarding process of assembling the Suzy Q Cake. It’s essential to handle the layers gently and ensure that the creamy filling is evenly spread for the best eating experience.

Layering and Filling

I take my room-temperature chocolate snack cake and slice it horizontally to create two layers, careful to keep the top of the cake intact for a neat presentation. For the filling, I prefer a creamy Suzy Q filling akin to Twinkie filling, often using a fluffy marshmallow fluff combined with butter and powdered sugar, or an ermine frosting, which involves cooking milk and flour and after that beating it into butter and sugar until it reaches a dreamy, cloud-like consistency. I spread an ample layer of this creamy filling over the bottom half of the cake, making sure to reach the edges for a perfect bite every time.

Finishing Touches

After the filling is in place, I gently lay the top of the cake over it. The goal is to ensure the layers sandwich the filling without pressing too hard, which could cause the filling to spill out the sides. For those looking for an easier option, cool whip can serve as a fuss-free alternative to homemade frosting. Lastly, I dust the top with a little powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a simple yet elegant finish.

Decoration & Serving Suggestions

When serving my Suzy Q Cake, I always aim for that perfect balance of eye-appeal and taste. Chocolate ganache drizzled on top gives the cake a glossy, upscale touch. I use a simple pattern: start at the center and move outward in spirals, allowing the ganache to gently flow over the sides.

For the frosting, I often go for a homemade milk frosting that pairs beautifully with the devil’s food cake mix base. I find that beating the frosting on high with a paddle attachment gives it a notably fluffy texture, which looks and tastes indulgent. It’s important to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

Here’s how I layer my cake: I lay one cake layer on the plate, generously spread the filling, then top it with the second cake layer. To maintain an artisanal feel, I sometimes leave the sides unfrosted, exposing the beautiful contrast between the dark cake and the light frosting.

For great recipes that stand the test of time, I always sift the cup flour not once, but three times. This assures me that the cake will be as airy and delicate as possible. These details might seem small, but they make a difference in creating a truly tasty treat.

For those looking to take their skills to the next level, why not try entering the Hostess Snack Cake Decorating Challenge? It could be the perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity and finesse for the next time you bake this delightful dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, I’ll address common queries related to crafting a Suzy Q cake from scratch – focusing on the traditional recipe, crafting the creamy filling, and comparing homemade to store-bought versions.

What ingredients are needed to make a traditional Suzy Q cake?

For a traditional Suzy Q cake, you’ll need ingredients for a moist chocolate cake such as all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, eggs, and buttermilk. The filling requires a creamy mixture of butter, powdered sugar, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla extract.

How do you prepare the cream filling similar to that in Hostess Suzy Q snack cakes?

To replicate the cream filling of Hostess Suzy Q snack cakes, beat together butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Then, gently fold in the marshmallow fluff to achieve a smooth and stable consistency.

What are the steps involved in creating the chocolate cake portion of a Suzy Q cake?

Creating the chocolate cake begins with whisking together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, mix sugar with eggs and buttermilk, then combine the wet and dry ingredients to form a batter. Pour into a prepared pan and bake until done.

Can Suzy Q cakes be made with substitutes for shortening in the recipe?

Yes, Suzy Q cakes can be made without shortening. Instead, you may use butter or oil in the cake batter. For the creamy filling, it’s important to use a good-quality butter to maintain the integrity of the texture and flavor.

How can I create a copycat version of the Suzy Q snack cake at home?

To create a copycat version of the Suzy Q snack cake at home, prepare cake according to instructions using your favorite devil’s food cake recipe, then whip up a homemade creamy filling. Assemble by sandwiching the filling between two pieces of cake cut into rectangles.

Is there a notable difference in taste between homemade Suzy Q cakes and the store-bought version?

Homemade Suzy Q cakes often have a richer and more pronounced chocolate flavor and a creamier texture in the filling, compared to the store-bought version. The freshness of homemade cakes usually provides a more indulgent tasting experience.

Craving more delicious recipes? Try our Classic Angel Food Cake