Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake: The Ultimate Indulgence for Chocolate Lovers

Few things compare to the magic that happens when you combine chocolate cake, gooey ganache, and fluffy marshmallow topping. If you’re a chocolate lover, then this Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake is a dream come true. The cake is rich and decadent, with every bite infused with the flavors of chocolate, sweetness, and a light, airy marshmallow topping. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. This dessert doesn’t just look beautiful; it offers an array of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds). From the rich and moist chocolate cake base to the creamy, smooth ganache filling and fluffy marshmallow whipped cream topping, every element of this cake is designed to please your palate and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Print

The Magic of Poke Cakes

If you’re unfamiliar with poke cakes, let’s take a moment to explore what makes this dessert so special. A poke cake gets its name from the process of “poking” holes in the cake after it’s baked. These holes are then filled with a luscious filling—often a ganache or pudding. The result is a cake that’s not only moist but also infused with flavor throughout, rather than just on the surface. What makes the Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake particularly irresistible is the way it balances rich, dark chocolate with sweet, light marshmallow. The chocolate cake is soaked in a decadent ganache filling, which penetrates every hole and adds layers of flavor. Then, the cake is topped with a generous layer of fluffy marshmallow whipped cream that provides a light and airy contrast to the dense cake and rich chocolate filling. Finally, the ganache is drizzled over the top in artistic swirls, creating a beautiful finish.

Why You Should Make Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake

There are so many reasons why you should try making this Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake. Not only is it incredibly easy to make (even beginners can pull it off), but it’s also an incredibly versatile dessert. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a holiday celebration, or just as a treat for yourself and your loved ones, this cake will always be a hit. One of the best things about this cake is that it is made using a boxed cake mix. While some might think that using a mix is a shortcut, it’s the perfect foundation for a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end bakery. By using a boxed cake mix, you save time while still achieving the same rich flavor and texture as you would from scratch. The addition of homemade chocolate ganache and marshmallow whipped cream, however, adds a homemade touch that elevates the entire dessert. Moreover, this cake is customizable. While the original recipe calls for Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake Mix, you can experiment with different flavors of cake. You can also swap ingredients for variations of flavor profiles, like using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet or adding a bit of coffee to the ganache for a more intense chocolate flavor. With a few tweaks, you can make this cake your own.

Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need

To create a Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake that’ll leave everyone wanting more, you’ll need some basic ingredients that come together to make this dessert a treat for the senses.

For the Cake:

• 15.25 oz box Devils Food Chocolate Cake Mix, plus ingredients listed on the box (usually water, eggs, and oil): This chocolate cake mix is the backbone of the dessert, providing a rich, moist base that holds up well when infused with ganache. You could choose a different cake mix, but Devil’s Food Cake offers the richest chocolate flavor and best texture for this recipe.

For the Chocolate Ganache Filling:

• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk: This is one of the key ingredients that gives the ganache its smooth and creamy texture. The sweetness and thickness of the condensed milk are perfect for creating a rich filling that soaks into the cake.
• 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate provides the perfect balance of sweetness and richness in the ganache. It’s not too sugary but still satisfies the chocolate lover’s craving for a rich, flavorful filling.
• 1/3 cup heavy cream: Heavy cream helps to melt the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk into a smooth and pourable ganache. It adds a luxurious texture and enhances the creaminess of the ganache.

For the Marshmallow Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Heavy cream is essential for whipping up the light, fluffy texture of the topping. It’s what gives the marshmallow cream its volume and silky finish.
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar: Powdered sugar dissolves quickly and helps to stabilize the whipped cream, ensuring that it holds its shape once it’s spread on the cake.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: Vanilla adds a hint of flavor to the whipped cream, making it a bit more aromatic and complex.
• 7 oz. (about 2 cups) marshmallow fluff: This is the ingredient that transforms the whipped cream into marshmallow whipped cream. Marshmallow fluff adds both sweetness and a light, airy texture that complements the chocolate cake.

For the Chocolate Ganache Swirls:

• 1/2 cup chocolate chips: These are melted down into a rich ganache that’s used to create the swirling effect on top of the cake.
• 3 Tablespoons heavy cream: This helps to thin the chocolate ganache to the perfect consistency for piping and swirling over the cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (or follow the instructions on the cake mix box for the correct temperature). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan to ensure that the cake comes out easily. Next, prepare the cake mix according to the instructions on the box. This typically involves mixing the cake mix with water, eggs, and oil. Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake the cake for the recommended time (usually 30 minutes), checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. The toothpick should come out clean, meaning the cake is ready to come out of the oven.

Step 2: Poking the Cake
Once the cake has cooled slightly, it’s time to poke it. Take the handle of a wooden spoon (or another round object) and gently poke holes all over the warm cake. Make sure the holes go all the way down to the bottom of the cake. This will allow the chocolate ganache to seep into the cake, making every bite filled with rich flavor.

Step 3: Making the Ganache Filling
To make the chocolate ganache filling, combine the sweetened condensed milk, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Once the ganache is ready, pour it over the top of the cake, ensuring that it fills all the holes you made earlier. Use a spatula to spread the remaining ganache over the top of the cake, smoothing it into an even layer. Let the cake cool for about an hour before transferring it to the refrigerator.

Step 4: Making the Marshmallow Whipped Cream Topping
While the cake is cooling, it’s time to make the marshmallow whipped cream topping. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks begin to form. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Once the whipped cream is ready, fold in the marshmallow fluff until it is fully incorporated. This will give the whipped cream a marshmallow flavor and a light, airy texture. Spread this fluffy topping generously over the cooled cake.

Step 5: Adding the Chocolate Ganache Swirls
To create the beautiful swirls on top of the cake, melt the remaining chocolate chips and heavy cream together in the microwave until smooth. Transfer the ganache to a zip-lock bag and cut off the corner. Pipe the ganache in lines over the marshmallow topping. Using a toothpick or skewer, swirl the ganache to create a marbleized effect that looks stunning and tastes just as good.

Step 6: Refrigerating the Cake
Once the cake is fully assembled, place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This will allow the ganache to set and the whipped cream topping to firm up. The cake is best served chilled, so be sure to give it time to rest in the fridge before serving.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

This Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake is perfect for any occasion, but here are a few tips and variations to enhance your experience:

• Pair it with a Scoop of Ice Cream: While the cake itself is rich and indulgent, a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side takes it to the next level.
• Make it Extra Special with Berries: Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake. Sprinkle them on top or serve them on the side.
• Customize the Cake Mix: Feel free to swap out the Devil’s Food Cake Mix for other types of cake mix, such as a classic yellow cake or a decadent red velvet. The ganache and marshmallow topping will pair beautifully with any cake flavor.

Conclusion

If you love chocolate and marshmallows, this Marshmallow Chocolate Poke Cake will quickly become your go-to dessert. It’s the perfect combination of rich chocolate cake, smooth ganache, and fluffy marshmallow topping, all in one decadent dessert. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it with your family at home, this cake is sure to delight everyone who tries it. The great thing is that it’s not only easy to make but also offers endless possibilities for customization, so you can make it your own. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to indulge in the ultimate chocolatey delight. Your taste buds will thank you!