A Ding Dong snack is a popular chocolate-coated snack cake made by Hostess Brands. It consists of a soft chocolate cake filled with a creamy vanilla center and covered in a rich chocolate coating. This iconic treat has been a favorite in lunchboxes and snack aisles for decades.
Whether you’re curious about its history, ingredients, or how it compares to other snack cakes, this guide will cover everything you need to know about Ding Dongs.
The History of Ding Dong Snacks
Origins of Ding Dongs
Ding Dongs were introduced by Hostess Brands in 1967 as a response to the Ring Ding snack cake by Drakes. These small, round cakes quickly became a hit due to their moist texture, creamy filling, and chocolatey exterior.
Why Are They Called Ding Dongs?
The name Ding Dong is believed to be inspired by the sound of a doorbell, giving the snack a fun and memorable branding. However, in some regions, they were called Big Wheels due to trademark conflicts with Drake’s Ring Dings.
Ding Dongs Through the Years
Despite temporary discontinuations and rebranding efforts, Ding Dongs have remained a beloved snack for generations. Today, they are still widely available and enjoyed by snack lovers of all ages.
What Is a Ding Dong Snack?
A Ding Dong snack is a round, single-serving chocolate cake that features:
✔ Soft chocolate cake – Moist, rich, and full of cocoa flavor.
✔ Vanilla cream filling – Sweet and fluffy, balancing the chocolate.
✔ Chocolate coating – A smooth, outer layer that adds a delicious crunch.
Ding Dongs are often compared to HoHos, Ring Dings, and Swiss Rolls, but their unique thicker chocolate coating and round shape set them apart.
Ingredients of a Ding Dong Snack
The classic Ding Dong contains:
Chocolate Cake Base
✔ Enriched flour – Provides structure.
✔ Cocoa powder – Adds a deep chocolate flavor.
✔ Sugar – Sweetens the cake.
✔ Eggs – Helps bind the ingredients.
✔ Leavening agents – Makes the cake rise.
Cream Filling
✔ Vegetable oil and shortening – Creates a smooth texture.
✔ Powdered sugar – Adds sweetness.
✔ Milk and vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
Chocolate Coating
✔ Chocolate liquor or cocoa solids – Forms the outer shell.
✔ Sugar and milk solids – Adds sweetness and creaminess.
✔ Soy lecithin – Helps blend the chocolate smoothly.
These ingredients combine to create a rich, chocolatey snack with a creamy surprise inside.
How Are Ding Dongs Made?
Step 1: Baking the Chocolate Cake
The first step in making a Ding Dong snack is preparing small, round chocolate cakes using a specialized mold. These cakes are baked until they are soft and fluffy.
Step 2: Injecting the Cream Filling
Once the cakes have cooled, they are filled with a light vanilla cream using an injector, ensuring a perfectly even amount of filling in each bite.
Step 3: Coating in Chocolate
The filled cakes are then covered in a layer of melted chocolate, which quickly hardens into a thin, crisp shell that enhances both texture and flavor.
Step 4: Packaging for Freshness
After cooling, Ding Dongs are individually wrapped to maintain freshness and make them easy to grab as a snack on the go.
Why Are Ding Dongs So Popular?
Ding Dongs have remained a fan-favorite snack for decades. Here’s why:
✔ Convenient and Portable – Perfect for lunchboxes and on-the-go snacking.
✔ Delicious Chocolate Flavor – A great combination of cake, filling, and coating.
✔ Nostalgic Appeal – Many people associate them with childhood memories.
✔ Long Shelf Life – Can be stored for weeks without losing quality.
Different Variations of Ding Dongs
Over the years, Hostess has introduced several variations of Ding Dongs to cater to different tastes.
1. White Fudge Ding Dongs
✔ Features a white chocolate coating instead of traditional milk chocolate.
✔ Slightly sweeter, with a creamy vanilla taste.
2. Peanut Butter Ding Dongs
✔ Replaces the vanilla filling with creamy peanut butter.
✔ Combines a nutty, salty contrast with the rich chocolate.
3. Ding Dongs with Mint Filling
✔ Infused with a refreshing mint flavor in the cream filling.
✔ Popular around holiday seasons.
4. Chocolate Creme Ding Dongs
✔ Features a chocolate-flavored cream instead of vanilla.
✔ Ideal for those who love extra chocolate.
These variations add a fun twist to the classic Ding Dong, appealing to a broader range of snack lovers.
How to Enjoy Ding Dongs
1. Eat Them as They Are
Ding Dongs are ready to eat straight from the package. Their rich chocolate flavor makes them a satisfying standalone treat.
2. Chill Them in the Refrigerator
Many fans prefer to chill Ding Dongs in the fridge for a firmer texture and a refreshing bite.
3. Warm Them Up
Microwaving a Ding Dong for 10-15 seconds makes the chocolate slightly melty and enhances the creamy filling.
4. Use Them in Dessert Recipes
✔ Ding Dong Ice Cream Sundae – Crumble over vanilla ice cream.
✔ Ding Dong Cake Pops – Crush and mix with frosting to make bite-sized cake pops.
✔ Ding Dong Milkshake – Blend with ice cream for a rich shake.
These creative ways to enjoy Ding Dongs make them a versatile treat for any occasion.
Are Ding Dongs Healthy?
Ding Dongs are a sweet indulgence, but they should be eaten in moderation due to:
✔ High Sugar Content – Each Ding Dong contains a significant amount of sugar.
✔ Calories and Fat – The chocolate coating and cream filling add to the calorie count.
✔ Artificial Ingredients – Preservatives help extend shelf life.
For those seeking a healthier alternative, consider homemade versions using natural sweeteners and whole ingredients.
Where to Buy Ding Dongs
Ding Dongs are widely available in:
✔ Grocery Stores – Found in the snack aisle.
✔ Convenience Stores – Sold as an individual snack option.
✔ Online Retailers – Can be purchased in bulk.
Some international stores also carry imported Ding Dongs, but availability may vary.
Fun Facts About Ding Dongs
✔ They Were Once Discontinued – Hostess briefly stopped producing Ding Dongs in 2012 due to financial issues but brought them back due to demand.
✔ Different Names in Different Regions – They were called King Dons and Big Wheels in some areas.
✔ Used in Competitive Eating – Some food challenges involve eating multiple Ding Dongs in record time.
A Ding Dong snack is a classic chocolate cake with creamy filling, loved by snack enthusiasts for decades. Its rich taste, nostalgic appeal, and convenient packaging make it a go-to treat for all ages.
Whether you enjoy it straight from the package, chilled, or in creative desserts, Ding Dongs remain an iconic indulgence. If you’ve never tried one, it’s worth grabbing a pack to experience this timeless chocolate treat!