Heavenly Hash Cake

12 servings Prep: 20 m Cook: 55 m Total: 1 h 15 m Intermediate
Heavenly Hash Cake
In memory of Loretta Cormier - Heavenly Hash a favorite Easter candy that’s hard to find; so when you can’t find the candy make this cake. Tastes just like the candy! This chocolate cake with pecans and marshmallows is always requested for family dinners and celebrations. The Best Comment on this cake!! - C’est bon! A lil piece of heaven! Reminds me of the Heavenly Hash from when I was little. Not overly sweet like today’s candy. The Heavenly Hash Queen approves!

Ingredients

  • CAKE
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 (8 tablespoon) sticks margarine or butter
  • 4 tablespoon cocoa
  • 2 cups pecans
  • 1 1/2 cups self rising flour or mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 2 1/4 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt
  • FROSTING
  • 1 pound powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoon cocoa
  • 5 tablespoon milk
  • 4 tablespoon butter melted
  • 1 large bag marshmallows miniature or regular

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. Cream eggs, sugar and melted butter together until well combined.
  3. Add flour, then cocoa and pecans. Mix ingredients together until just combined.
  4. Pour batter into the prepared greased 9x13 pan.
  5. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched.
  6. While cake is baking, prepare the frosting. If using miniature marshmallows, have them ready. If using regular marshmallows, cut them in half.
  7. Remove cake from oven. Immediately place marshmallows on the hot cake (if using regular marshmallows, place them cut side down).
  8. For the chocolate frosting, melt butter in a saucepan and add the powdered sugar, cocoa, and milk.
  9. Cook frosting on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour the hot frosting over the marshmallows.
  10. Let cake cool completely before cutting to allow the frosting to set.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why did my marshmallows melt completely into the cake?

A: The marshmallows need to be added while the cake is hot but not immediately out of the oven. Let it rest for about 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven, then add the marshmallows and pour the hot frosting over them. This creates that signature gooey layer without completely melting the marshmallows.

Q: Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of measuring tablespoons?

A: Yes, 4 tablespoons of cocoa equals 1/4 cup. Using Dutch-process cocoa will give you a deeper chocolate flavor, while natural cocoa powder works perfectly fine for this traditional recipe.

Q: Why is my frosting too thick or too thin?

A: The 10-minute cooking time helps the frosting reach the right consistency to pour over the marshmallows. If it's too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time. If too thin, cook a bit longer or add more powdered sugar. It should be pourable but not watery.

Tips and Techniques

For best results, work quickly once the cake comes out of the oven - have your marshmallows prepped and your frosting ingredients measured and ready to go. The hot cake and hot frosting work together to create that signature gooey Heavenly Hash texture. Cut the cake only after it’s completely cooled to get clean slices that show off the marshmallow layer.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • margarine or butter: all butter
  • self rising flour: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour mixed with 2 1/4 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp salt
  • miniature marshmallows: regular marshmallows cut in half
  • pecans: walnuts or almonds

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Electric mixer or large mixing bowl and whisk
  • Medium saucepan for frosting
  • Knife for cutting marshmallows if using regular size

Historical Context

Heavenly Hash candy was originally created in the 1920s and became especially popular as an Easter treat in the South. The combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts was considered a heavenly indulgence, hence the name. When the candy became harder to find in stores, resourceful Southern cooks created cake versions to keep the beloved flavor combination alive for family celebrations.