Vegan Ho Hos Take Over the World
I am on a mission to spread joy around the world by resurrecting classic childhood desserts that we once feared were dead to us. I’m imagining a world where swimming pools are filled with vegan Twinkies, Ding Dongs, and Ho Hos. Guilt-free isn’t exactly the phrase that comes to mind when thinking about swimming in pools full of desserts, but at least there’s no cruelty involved.
Last weekend, I put my plan into action when I saw how badly my boyfriend wanted a vegan Ho Ho. They were mentioned every third sentence as he reminisced about how he would have them every day after school. The oh-so-subtle hint was noted.
Assembling the little cakes required a little bit of care, but it was worth the effort. I ended up reducing the amount of creamer used in the filling so that it would be a little thicker. I also refrigerated the squares for several hours before covering them with chocolate sauce, to avoid turning them into a gooey mess. After eating two in the course of about a minute, my boyfriend said they tasted just like the Ho Hos he remembers.
Based upon his reaction to the Ho Hos, I think my plan just might work. Now on to those vegan Twinkies…
For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar
Tbsp. oil or melted margarine
1 cup cold water
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Using a fork, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking soda in a large bowl.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, vinegar, and oil or margarine.
- Add the water and mix well.
- Line a baking sheet that has edges with parchment paper. Pour the batter in and spread smooth.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool.
For the Cream Filling:
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup margarine, at room temperature
2/3 cup shortening
1/2 cup plus
1 Tbsp. nondairy creamer (try Silk brand)
2 tsp. vanilla extract
- Using a mixer, whip together all the ingredients until creamy.
To Assemble:
4 cups vegan chocolate chips
- Cut the cake in half widthwise. Spread a layer of the cream filling on one side and place the unfrosted layer on top. Cut into 1-inch-by-4-inch strips.
- Heat the chocolate chips in the microwave for 20 seconds and stir. Repeat until mostly melted, then stir until completely melted. Pour over the cakes and let harden.
Makes 2 dozen cakes
