Irresistible Homemade S’mores Poke Cake Recipe: Your Ultimate Guide to Gooey Chocolate & Toasted Marshmallow Perfection

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this incredible S’mores Poke Cake recipe, a dessert that brings all the beloved flavors of a campfire classic right into your kitchen. Imagine layers of moist, tender cake infused with luscious chocolate, generously topped with gooey, melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows, and finished with the satisfying crunch of graham crackers. It’s a decadent treat that captures the essence of s’mores without the need for a bonfire, making it perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to special celebrations.

If you’re a fan of the classic s’mores combination – crispy graham crackers, rich chocolate, and toasted marshmallows – then this s’mores cake recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite. The “poke cake” method ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor, as the chocolate and marshmallow filling seeps deep into the cake, creating an incredibly moist and flavorful experience. The fun toppings of graham cracker crumbs, extra chocolate pieces, and fluffy mini marshmallows truly complete this irresistible dessert.

Beyond this fantastic cake, there are countless ways to enjoy the iconic s’mores flavor. For those who love variety, consider whipping up Oven Baked S’mores for a quick fix, indulge in the unique experience of Deep Fried S’mores, or bake a batch of delightful S’mores Cookies. This particular s’mores cake recipe is also a wonderful addition to any list of Easy Camping Desserts, even if you’re just enjoying it from your backyard. While you’re exploring unique cake ideas, you might also like the intriguing Fireball Poke Cake for an adult twist.

Why We Adore This S’mores Poke Cake

There’s something truly special about s’mores, and this cake perfectly encapsulates that magic in every single bite. It’s not just a cake; it’s an experience. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite:

• Unbeatable Flavor Profile: It masterfully blends the sweet, toasty notes of marshmallows, the rich depth of chocolate, and the comforting texture of graham crackers. Each element works in harmony to deliver that unmistakable s’mores taste.
• Decadent and Gooey: Thanks to the “poke cake” method, the moist cake is permeated with a luscious chocolate and marshmallow filling, ensuring a wonderfully gooey texture throughout. This isn’t just a cake with frosting; it’s a cake infused with flavor.
• Easy to Make: Starting with a convenient white cake mix makes this recipe surprisingly simple to prepare, even for novice bakers. The layers come together effortlessly, leading to impressive results with minimal stress.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just a casual dinner, this s’mores cake is a guaranteed hit. Kids and adults alike will be clamoring for a second slice of this delightful dessert.
• Visually Appealing: With its beautifully layered appearance and generous toppings, this cake doesn’t just taste amazing – it looks spectacular too, making it a centerpiece for any dessert table.

For an even more intense chocolate experience, consider pairing this cake with a warm, gooey S’mores Dip on the side – talk about chocolate heaven!

Gathering Your S’mores Cake Ingredients

Creating this spectacular s’mores cake starts with a list of simple, readily available ingredients. Many of these might already be staples in your pantry, making this a convenient dessert to whip up whenever a craving strikes. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• White Cake Mix: This forms the foundational layer of our s’mores cake. Using a boxed mix simplifies the baking process immensely, allowing you to focus on the delicious fillings and toppings. Remember to also gather all the additional ingredients typically required to prepare the cake mix as directed on its package (usually eggs, oil, and water).
• Regular Marshmallows: These are essential for the gooey chocolate-marshmallow filling and for the classic s’mores topping. We’ll be melting some down, so size isn’t critical for the filling, but for the topping, mini marshmallows are often preferred for ease of eating and visual appeal.
• Chocolate Chips: A generous amount of chocolate chips contributes to the rich, molten chocolate layer that permeates the cake. You can opt for semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate chips, depending on your preference for sweetness and intensity. Mini chocolate chips can also be used for a more even distribution within the filling.
• Unsalted Butter: A tablespoon of unsalted butter helps create a smooth, rich consistency for our chocolate-marshmallow filling, preventing it from sticking and burning as it melts. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall sweetness of the cake.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient is a true MVP in this recipe! It’s used in two crucial ways: first, it’s stirred into the melted chocolate-marshmallow mixture to add incredible richness and ensure it’s pourable and penetrates the cake. Secondly, it’s incorporated into the luscious cream cheese frosting, adding a delightful sweetness and silky texture. A critical note: make sure you grab sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk. The cans often look similar and are located near each other in the grocery store, but they are not interchangeable in this recipe.
• Cream Cheese: For the heavenly, tangy-sweet frosting layer, softened cream cheese is a must. It needs to be at room temperature before you start mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free frosting. This typically means letting it sit out for about 30-60 minutes.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this finely milled sugar is vital for creating a smooth, light, and airy cream cheese frosting. It dissolves easily, preventing any grainy texture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This adds a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor and a beautiful brown hue to our cream cheese frosting, perfectly complementing the s’mores theme.
• Heavy Cream: Whipping cream helps to lighten the cream cheese frosting, making it wonderfully fluffy and easy to spread. It also contributes to the rich mouthfeel of the frosting.
• Toppings: This is where the magic truly happens and the cake transforms into an undeniable s’mores masterpiece! We highly recommend having plenty of graham crackers (crushed for sprinkling and maybe some larger pieces for garnish), milk chocolate (chopped into small pieces or shaved), and plenty of mini marshmallows. These toppings provide essential texture and flavor contrasts, making the cake look incredibly pretty and taste even better.

Having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start baking will ensure a smooth and enjoyable cooking process!

How to Make S’mores Poke Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Get ready to create a show-stopping dessert with this detailed guide to making your S’mores Poke Cake. Follow these steps carefully for a delicious result!

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Cake. Begin by following the instructions on your chosen white cake mix box. This typically involves combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water, then pouring the batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake the cake according to the package directions until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool partially on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. It should still be warm, but not piping hot, for the next step.

Step 2: Poke the Holes. This is the “poke” in “poke cake”! Using the end of a wooden spoon (the round handle works perfectly) or a wooden skewer, systematically poke holes all over the warm cake. Aim for holes that are deep enough to reach the bottom but not so wide they tear the cake apart. The more holes you poke, and the slightly larger they are, the better the filling will penetrate, ensuring every bite is infused with gooey goodness. Ensure an even distribution of holes across the entire surface.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate-Marshmallow Mixture. In a medium saucepan, combine the chocolate chips, marshmallows, and tablespoon of unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over low heat. The key here is to melt everything slowly and gently to avoid burning the chocolate or marshmallows. Stir continuously with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture is completely smooth and all the components are fully melted and integrated. This should create a wonderfully gooey and shiny chocolate base for your filling.

Step 4: Incorporate Sweetened Condensed Milk. Once the chocolate and marshmallows are smoothly melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully pour in ¾ cup of the sweetened condensed milk. Stir this mixture vigorously until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is uniform in texture and color. The sweetened condensed milk adds another layer of sweetness and creates that irresistible, thick, and pourable consistency that will seep beautifully into the cake.

Step 5: Fill the Cake. Immediately pour the warm chocolate-marshmallow mixture over the poked cake. Use a spoon or an offset spatula to gently spread the mixture across the entire surface. Crucially, take your time to ensure that the rich, gooey filling is pushed down into all the holes you created earlier. This step is essential for infusing the cake with maximum flavor and moisture.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Using a hand mixer (or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment), beat these ingredients together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps. Ensure the cream cheese is truly at room temperature for the best results, as cold cream cheese will yield a lumpy frosting.

Step 7: Blend the Final Frosting Components. To the smooth cream cheese mixture, add the remaining sweetened condensed milk and the heavy whipping cream. Continue to mix with your hand mixer until the frosting is light, fluffy, and completely smooth. Be careful not to overmix, which can sometimes thin the frosting too much. The consistency should be spreadable but still hold its shape.

Step 8: Spread the Decadent Frosting. Gently spread this rich chocolate cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake, covering the chocolate-marshmallow layer completely. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth, attractive finish across the entire surface of the cake. Once frosted, place the cake in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld beautifully. Chilling also makes it easier to slice.

Step 9: The Grand Finale: Toppings! This is a crucial step for maintaining texture! Right before you are ready to serve the cake, generously sprinkle the crushed graham crackers, chopped chocolate bars, and mini marshmallows over the top. It’s important not to add these toppings too far in advance, especially the graham cracker crumbs, as they can become soggy if left on the cake for too long. Freshly added toppings ensure that satisfying crunch and visual appeal.

Step 10: Serve and Savor. Once adorned with its delightful toppings, slice the S’mores Poke Cake and serve it immediately. Watch as everyone enjoys the rich layers of chocolate, gooey marshmallow, and crunchy graham cracker! It’s truly a dessert that brings smiles to every face.

Pro Tips for S’mores Cake Success

• Don’t Overbake the Cake: A slightly underbaked cake is better than an overbaked one, especially since it will absorb liquid. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as the toothpick test is clean.
• Consistent Holes are Key: When poking holes, try to make them fairly even in size and depth. This ensures that the chocolate-marshmallow filling is distributed consistently throughout the cake.
• Low and Slow Melting: When melting the chocolate chips, marshmallows, and butter, always use low heat and stir constantly. This prevents scorching, especially for the marshmallows and chocolate, which can seize or burn easily.
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For the smoothest frosting, it’s absolutely essential that your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature. This will prevent lumps and ensure an airy, spreadable consistency.
• Chill for Best Results: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Chilling allows the filling to set, the frosting to firm up, and all the flavors to deepen and meld together, resulting in a cleaner slice and a more enjoyable texture.

Storing Your S’mores Cake for Freshness

Proper storage is key to keeping your S’mores Poke Cake delicious and fresh. Because of its creamy frosting and gooey fillings, refrigeration is necessary.

Store the cake inside an airtight container with a lid. If you have cake pans that come with a dedicated lid, those are perfect for easy storage and transportation. Alternatively, you can use a regular 9×13 inch baking dish and cover it tightly. If your pan does not have a lid, heavy-duty plastic wrap is your best friend. Make sure to seal it very tightly, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the frosting if possible to prevent air exposure. You might even want to add an additional layer of aluminum foil on top of the plastic wrap for extra protection against freezer burn or absorbing fridge odors.

Keep in mind that this cake can be wonderfully ooey and gooey due to all the delicious chocolate and marshmallow layers. The marshmallow and melted chocolate can become quite sticky. For this reason, if you’re planning to take this cake to a potluck, a picnic, or someone’s home, you might consider baking it in a disposable aluminum pan. This makes clean-up a breeze and means you won’t have to worry about retrieving your good baking dish later!

When properly stored in the refrigerator, this S’mores Poke Cake will last for up to 4-5 days. However, for the absolute best taste and texture, especially with the crunchy toppings, it’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days.

Can You Prepare This Cake in Advance?

Yes, you can absolutely prepare most of this S’mores Poke Cake in advance, which makes it an excellent option for entertaining! However, there’s one crucial step you’ll want to save for the last minute to ensure the best texture and visual appeal: the toppings.

The cake itself, with its infused chocolate-marshmallow filling and cream cheese frosting, can be made a day or even two days ahead of time. Once the cake is completely cooled and frosted, simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to truly meld and the cake to become wonderfully moist. While the cake will last up to 5 days in the fridge, it’s best served initially within 24-48 hours for optimal freshness and taste. I would suggest not making this any sooner than a day ahead if possible, to really capture that fresh cake experience.

If you need to make this further in advance, you can bake the plain cake (without any fillings or frosting) and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze it for up to a month. Then, on the day before serving, thaw the cake (if frozen) and proceed with poking the holes and adding the chocolate-marshmallow layer and the cream cheese frosting. Once those layers are on, refrigerate until serving.

The Golden Rule for Toppings: Do not add the graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chunks, or marshmallows until just before serving. If you sprinkle them on too early, especially the graham crackers, they will absorb moisture from the cake and become soft and soggy, losing their delightful crunch. Timing is everything for that perfect s’mores texture!

Exciting Variation Ideas for Your S’mores Cake

While the classic S’mores Poke Cake is absolutely delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize and elevate this dessert to suit your preferences or the occasion. Get creative with these variation ideas:

• You Can Also Broil the Top of the Cake for Toasted Marshmallows: For an authentic s’mores experience, consider lightly toasting the marshmallows on top. After you’ve added the mini marshmallows as a topping, you have two great options:
  • Under the Broiler: Place the cake under a preheated broiler for just 30-60 seconds. Keep a very close eye on it – marshmallows can go from perfectly golden to burnt in an instant. Do not walk away! This method will give you that lovely, slightly charred and gooey toasted marshmallow taste.
  • With a Kitchen Torch: If you own a kitchen torch, this is a fantastic and more controlled way to toast the marshmallows. Simply wave the flame gently over the marshmallows until they reach your desired level of golden-brown perfection. This method provides excellent control and a beautiful finish.

  The toasted marshmallow topping not only tastes incredible but also adds a stunning visual appeal to the cake, truly mimicking a campfire s’more. Just be cautious as mentioned!

• Marshmallow Size: We typically use mini marshmallows for the topping because they’re easier to bite into and distribute evenly, creating a beautiful mosaic of fluffiness. However, if you prefer, you can certainly use regular-sized marshmallows. For a more dramatic effect, you could even cut larger marshmallows in half.
• Cake Mix Flavors: Don’t feel limited to white cake mix! For a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, try using a chocolate cake mix or even a devil’s food cake mix as your base. This will create an even more decadent dessert that chocolate lovers will adore. A yellow cake mix could also provide a nice contrast to the chocolate layers. Using a boxed cake mix always keeps it simple and convenient.

• Drizzle Chocolate Sauce: To amp up the chocolate factor even further, consider drizzling some additional chocolate syrup or a homemade chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, either before or after adding the other toppings. This adds an extra layer of richness and a beautiful sheen.

• Use Chocolate Cake Throughout: As mentioned, using a chocolate cake mix provides an excellent foundation. But for the ultimate chocolate indulgence, you could even try making a homemade chocolate cake from scratch. Just be aware that this will make the cake incredibly rich and perhaps a bit more time-consuming to prepare. Chocolate fans will undoubtedly love this option, but it will certainly be a super-rich treat!

• Seasonal Marshmallows and Festive Touches: If you’re making this cake around the holidays or for special occasions, seasonal marshmallows can add a fun and festive touch. Imagine topping your cake with heart-shaped marshmallows for Valentine’s Day, festive Christmas tree or star shapes for Christmas, or pumpkin shapes for Halloween/Thanksgiving. You can also look for flavored marshmallows – peppermint flavored mini marshmallows are often available around the holidays and would add a delightful twist. Just a word of caution: generally, avoid broiling shaped seasonal marshmallows as they can melt unevenly or lose their decorative form quickly.
• Add Different Candy Bars or Sweets: Instead of just plain chocolate pieces, crush up your favorite chocolate candy bars like Hershey’s, Snickers, or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups to sprinkle on top.
• Nutty Crunch: For an added layer of texture and flavor, finely chop some toasted pecans or walnuts and sprinkle them along with the graham crackers.
• A Hint of Espresso: A teaspoon of instant espresso powder added to the chocolate-marshmallow filling can deepen the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.

More S’mores Recipes to Explore

If you just can’t get enough of that classic s’mores flavor, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of s’mores-inspired desserts waiting to be discovered. Here are some more fantastic recipes to try that capture the essence of campfire goodness:

• S’mores Cupcakes Recipe: Individual portions of s’mores perfection, perfect for parties.
• S’Mores Campfire Cones: A fun, customizable treat that kids and adults will love making (and eating!) around a fire.
• Frozen S’mores: A cool and refreshing twist on the classic, ideal for warmer weather.
• Fun S’Mores Parfait Recipe: Layers of s’mores goodness in a glass, elegant yet incredibly easy.
• S’mores Rice Krispie Treats: A chewy, crispy, and marshmallowy dessert that comes together quickly.
• Oreo S’mores: A delightful fusion of two favorite treats for an extra chocolatey experience.

Discover More Easy Cake Recipes

Love easy and delicious cakes? Me too! Poke cakes are particularly fantastic because they’re simple to make yet deliver incredible flavor and moisture. If you enjoyed this S’mores Poke Cake, you’ll definitely want to check out some of these other effortless cake recipes:

• Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe: A classic for chocolate lovers, infused with rich chocolatey goodness.
• Caramel Chocolate Poke Cake: The perfect combination of sweet caramel and decadent chocolate.
• Cinnamon Roll Cake: All the flavors of a warm cinnamon roll in a convenient cake form.
• Boston Cream Poke Cake: A simplified version of the classic Boston Cream Pie, made easy with the poke cake method.
• Lime Jell-O Poke Cake Recipe: A refreshing and zesty cake, perfect for a lighter dessert.
• Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake: (Duplicate link, refers to the same great recipe as above!) A double dose of gooey caramel and rich chocolate.

Now it’s your turn to bring the joy of s’mores to life with this incredible cake! Give this recipe a try, and you might just find yourself a new favorite dessert. Please leave a comment below and let us know how your S’mores Poke Cake turns out!