I’m not really sure I can pinpoint when hashtags took over the world, but I still remember the days where it was just a pound sign…then again, I thought hashtags were incredibly annoying when they first appeared and now I use them in every single Instagram post. A blogger’s gotta do what a blogger’s gotta do! To celebrate the all-powerful hashtag I used my FAVORITE chocolate cake recipe to make a 9-inch hashtag cake! #hashtag
Yes, you read that right. In case you needed an excuse to have more hashtags in your life, this cake is it and it’s delicious. First of all, this is the only chocolate cake recipe you will ever need and this classic vanilla buttercream is the perfect topping for every cake. To put the finishing touches on this beauty, I colored the frosting purple and added some fun sprinkles around the edges because I figured a cake shaped like a hashtag sign needed a little extra glam. Obviously.
OK, now let’s eat this hashtag. (does that sound inappropriate to anyone else?)
Scroll down for the full recipe card for homemade chocolate cake (aka the best chocolate cake ever)! ??
How to Make a Hashtag Cake
Use my to-die-for chocolate cake recipe below or use another of your favorites in two 9×9 inch cake pans! Also make one batch of my fluffy vanilla buttercream below or your other fav frosting. Let the cakes cool completely before removing from their pans and leveling the tops if needed (I like this recipe because it doesn’t dome as much).
Spread a little frosting on a cake board and carefully place your first layer on top. Fill with frosting and other filling (if desired) and place the second layer on top, preferably upside down to reduce crumbs and keep the top extra smooth.
Now comes the tough part – cutting the cake! In order to make this hashtag cake, I prepared a basic template to follow, which you can DOWNLOAD HERE to make it easier. Print it, cut out the white parts of the paper and lay it on top of your cake (it is created to fit a 9×9 inch cake). Use a knife to gently outline the edges to indicate where to cut the cake before cutting through both layers of cake with a sharp knife. Do not rush this part or you risk making mistakes or damaging the cake.
Once you’re satisfied, give the entire cake a crumb coat and move to the fridge to set. If desired, dye your frosting a fun color! I went with a light purple for the whole cake. Remove the cake from the fridge, and ice the cake with your prepared frosting, smoothing it out and filling in imperfections as needed (I recommend using an offset spatula). Next, you can decorate it by adding piping around the top or bottom or topping it with sprinkles!
It’s a little tough to cut and ice this shape but it turned out to be such a fun cake to make! I mean, how many people make a hashtag cake, you know?! Make it to celebrate pretty much any occasion just for fun and add your own little spin on the decorations.
PS – Stay tuned for Thursday’s post to see how to use your extra chocolate cake you cut away!
