Originally launched on March 18th, 1967, Hostess Ding Dongs are celebrating 40 years this week as one of America's favorite treats. According to their website, Ding Dongs, (also known as King Dons and Big Wheels depending where you are from) were named for the chiming bells used in vintage Hostess commercials. They have been a staple in children's lunch boxes for decades, and more recently have been the focus of wedding and other celebratory cakes.

I'll be honest, since I've never really been much of a chocolate fan I'm probably one of the very few people on this continent that has never actually ever tasted one. I know, you're going to tell me they are rich, creamy, and delicious - I'll have to take your word on it. Though adding additional sugary-sweet products to already-prepared desserts sounds a little excessive to me, in the spirit of their anniversary I'll leave you with a recipe that features this chocolaty snack cake.

Ding Dong Dessert Sandwich

Ingredients:

1 box Hostess Ding Dongs
4 oz. cream cheese
3/4 c. powdered sugar
6 oz. whipped topping
1 small pkg. white chocolate (chocolate or vanilla) instant pudding
1 ½ c. milk
1 pkg. chocolate chips

Directions:

Mix powdered sugar, whipped topping and cream cheese in a bowl. Set aside in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. In a separate bowl, prepare instant pudding according to directions and place in refrigerator for 5 minutes.

Next, slice the Ding Dongs in half and lay them cream-side-up on a plate or serving dish lined with wax paper. Layer pudding in the middle of half a Ding Dong and spread out to the edge of the snack cake. Add a layer of chocolate chips and a final layer of cream cheese, whipped topping and powdered sugar mixture. Place the other half of the Ding Dong on top of the layers. Add a final layer of cream cheese, whipped topping and powdered sugar mixture with chocolate chips on top.

Place in freezer overnight before serving.

(Recipe and images via Hostesscakes.com)