Devil Dogs Recipe – 7 Irresistible Reasons to Make These Homemade Snack Cakes

If you’ve been craving a nostalgic treat that tastes even better than you remember, this Devil Dogs recipe is here to deliver. Soft, chocolaty cakes sandwiching a creamy vanilla filling—these classic snack cakes are a homemade version of the iconic treats many grew up loving.

Baking your own homemade bakery items like Devil Dogs gives you full control over flavor, texture, and ingredients. Whether you’re reliving a childhood favorite or introducing your family to a new dessert, these cakes are the perfect blend of familiar and fresh. Plus, they’re easier to make than you might think—and far more satisfying than anything from a box.

Let’s dive into what makes these Devil Dogs such a standout among dessert items and why they’re a must-add to your baking list.

Save

What Are Homemade Devil Dogs? Classic Snack Cakes with a Creamy Twist

At their core, Devil Dogs are two oblong-shaped chocolate cakes filled with a fluffy, marshmallow-like vanilla cream. They’re similar in style to whoopie pies or gobs recipes, but with a distinct devil’s food richness and uniquely shaped sandwich form.

This homemade version uses a soft chocolate sponge that’s rich in cocoa and moist thanks to buttermilk. The filling is light, not overly sweet, and holds its shape well between the layers.

Often found in vintage lunchboxes and old-school bakeries, Devil Dog cake brings serious nostalgia—and with this recipe, a homemade upgrade that’s hard to beat.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Devil Dog Cake and Filling

Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this classic treat in your own kitchen:

For the Devil’s Food Cake:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Vanilla Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 (7 oz) jar marshmallow creme or fluff
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency

These ingredients combine to create a Devil Dogs recipe that’s rich, creamy, and indulgently soft—just like your favorite childhood snack, but even better.

Essential Tools for Making Whoopie Pies and Devil Dogs at Home

These basic baking tools make the process easy and ensure your snack cakes turn out just right:

• Mixing bowls
• Hand or stand mixer
• Piping bag or zip-top bag (for neat filling)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula (for spreading filling)

With these tools, you can shape and fill your Devil Dogs with precision and ease—just like your favorite bakery.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Homemade Devil Dogs

Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the chocolate batter
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk until a smooth batter forms.

Step 3: Shape and bake the cakes
Using a scoop or spoon, drop 2-tablespoon portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Shape them slightly into ovals with the back of the spoon.

Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the tops are set and spring back when touched. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the cream filling
Beat butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar. Add marshmallow creme and vanilla, then beat until fluffy. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until spreadable but still thick.

Step 5: Assemble your Devil Dogs
Pair the cakes into similar-sized sets. Pipe or spoon a thick layer of filling onto one half, then top with the matching piece. Press gently.

Step 6: Chill (optional)
Place filled Devil Dogs in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to help the filling set before serving.

Now you’ve got the ultimate homemade snack cakes ready to enjoy or gift!

Save

Tips for the Perfect Texture in Any Whoopie Pie Recipe or Gobs Recipe

Achieving the ideal bite—tender cake and fluffy filling—requires just a few pro techniques:

• Don’t overbake: The cakes should stay soft, not crisp
• Use buttermilk: It keeps the chocolate sponge moist and tangy
• Chill the filling slightly: It holds its shape better when assembling
• Shape with care: A light oval shape gives that signature Devil Dog look

These tips also apply to gobs recipes and whoopie pie recipe variations, which follow a similar method with different shapes or flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Homemade Bakery Items

Even simple homemade bakery items can be tricky without attention to detail. Here’s what to watch for:

• Filling too runny: Use less milk or chill before piping
• Uneven cake sizes: Use a scoop or piping bag for uniformity
• Overmixing the batter: Leads to tough cake texture
• Skipping the parchment: Cakes can stick or spread too much

Avoid these, and your Devil Dogs recipe will bake up bakery-perfect every time.

Devils Food Donut Recipe vs. Devil Dog Cake: What’s the Difference?

While both treats share the devil’s food chocolate base, they serve different dessert lovers.

• Devil Dog Cake: Soft sponge-like layers with cream filling, shaped like an elongated sandwich
• Devils Food Donut Recipe: Fried or baked donuts made with devil’s food batter, often glazed or powdered

Think of it as baked vs. fried. Both are rich, chocolaty, and comforting—but Devil Dogs offer that cake-and-filling combo that’s perfect for lunchboxes or parties.

Creative Variations: From Classic Whoopi Pies to Custom Snack Cakes

This recipe is endlessly adaptable! Try these fun spins:

• Peppermint filling: Add peppermint extract and crushed candy for holidays
• Peanut butter swirl: Mix a spoon of peanut butter into the filling
• Mini Devil Dogs: Make smaller cakes for bite-sized versions
• Whoopi pie twist: Use the same batter and shape into round sandwich cookies
• Rainbow filling: Tint the cream with food coloring for themed events

These versions turn a nostalgic treat into a fun, customizable dessert item for any occasion.

How to Store Devil Dogs for Maximum Freshness

These snack cakes store beautifully, making them perfect for make-ahead events.

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days
• Refrigerate: Up to 5 days; allow to come to room temp before serving
• Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge

They’re ideal for prepping ahead or stocking the freezer for a sweet surprise later on.

Serving Ideas for Homemade Devil Dogs and Dessert Items Like Them

Get creative with how you present and serve your Devil Dogs:

• Dust with powdered sugar for a vintage bakery feel
• Serve on tiered trays with other dessert items like brownies and cupcakes
• Add to lunchboxes for a fun homemade treat
• Wrap in parchment and twine for cute party favors
• Drizzle with chocolate glaze for an extra indulgent touch

They’re as flexible to serve as they are fun to make.

Save

FAQs About Devil Dogs, Gobs, and Whoopie Pie Traditions

Are Devil Dogs the same as whoopie pies?
They’re similar, but Devil Dogs are longer in shape and use devil’s food cake specifically.

Can I use cake mix instead of making from scratch?
Yes! Use a devil’s food cake mix and adjust consistency to keep the batter thick.

What’s the difference between gobs and whoopie pies?
In Pennsylvania, they’re called gobs. Elsewhere, whoopie pies. The ingredients are mostly the same.

Can I use marshmallows instead of marshmallow fluff?
It’s better to stick with fluff or creme for smoother filling texture.

How do I get uniform cakes?
Use a cookie scoop or pipe onto baking sheets for consistent sizing.

Conclusion: A Soft, Sweet, and Nostalgic Dessert You’ll Bake Again and Again

This Devil Dogs recipe brings back the joy of classic snack cakes—with a homemade touch that makes every bite even better. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite or baking for someone new, these cakes deliver on flavor, texture, and satisfaction.

They’re a perfect project for weekend baking, holiday trays, or a thoughtful gift from your kitchen. With easy instructions, pantry staples, and loads of nostalgia, this dessert belongs in every baking recipe book.

Try them today, and rediscover why homemade is always better.

Print