Introduction

Indulge in the cozy flavors of winter with this Hot Cocoa Poke Cake. It’s a rich chocolate cake infused with gooey marshmallow and topped with fluffy hot cocoa whipped cream—a perfect treat for chilly days or any time you crave a comforting dessert.

A close-up image of a large piece of chocolate cake with two clear layers, the bottom layer is dark, moist chocolate cake with a light cream or marshmallow filling scattered inside, while the thick top layer is light brown, creamy, and fluffy. The top is covered with smooth dark chocolate sauce dripping slightly down the sides. Large, white marshmallows and small, dark chocolate chips are scattered on top of the sauce and around the white plate. The background is softly blurred with warm, cozy colors and a white marbled surface under the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box
2 cups marshmallow creme
1 Tbsp. water
2 cups heavy cream
2 packets hot cocoa mix
1/4 cup marshmallow bits
2 Tbsp. chocolate shavings

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350ºF and grease a 9″x13” pan. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package directions and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes.
Step 2: Once cooled slightly, poke the cake all over using the bottom of a wooden spoon. In a small bowl, microwave the marshmallow creme and water for 10 seconds, then stir until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the cake, filling the holes.
Step 3: To make the whipped topping, combine heavy cream and hot cocoa mix in a large bowl. Using a hand mixer, beat until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes. Spread the whipped cream over the cake and garnish with marshmallow bits and chocolate shavings. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For an extra chocolate boost, sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top along with the marshmallow bits.
If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the hot cocoa mix to one packet.
Use regular whipped cream and fold in the hot cocoa powder gently if you want a lighter texture.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the whipped topping, it’s best enjoyed fresh but it can be gently reheated at room temperature to take the chill off before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up of a square piece of chocolate cake on a white plate showing three layers: the bottom is a rich, dark chocolate sponge layer, the middle is a creamy white layer with some melted gooey chocolate dripping down, and the top is a light brown whipped cream layer. On top of the cake, there are several small white marshmallows and dark chocolate chips scattered, with streaks of shiny chocolate syrup drizzled over them. In the background, more pieces of the same cake and a white bowl filled with chocolate chips sit on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of box mix?

Absolutely! Any chocolate cake recipe will work well, just ensure it’s fully cooled before poking and adding the marshmallow mixture.

What can I substitute for marshmallow creme?

If you don’t have marshmallow creme, you can melt marshmallows with a little water or milk on the stove until smooth, then use that as a substitute.

Hot Cocoa Poke Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 220 reviews

This Hot Cocoa Poke Cake is a delightful chocolate dessert that combines a moist chocolate cake base with creamy marshmallow filling and a rich hot cocoa whipped topping. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this cake is easy to make and beautifully decorated with marshmallow bits and chocolate shavings for an indulgent treat that tastes like a cozy cup of hot cocoa.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

1 box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box (usually eggs, oil, water)

Marshmallow Filling

2 cups marshmallow creme
1 Tbsp. water

Whipped Cocoa Topping

2 cups heavy cream
2 packets hot cocoa mix (about 3.5 to 4 oz total)

Garnish

1/4 cup marshmallow bits
2 Tbsp. chocolate shavings

Instructions

Prepare and Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and grease a 9″ x 13″ baking pan. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions—this typically includes combining the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water—and pour the batter into the greased pan. Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly.
Poke the Cake and Add Marshmallow Filling: Using the bottom of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the baked cake, making sure to reach through to the bottom. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the marshmallow creme and water, then microwave for 10 seconds and stir until smooth. Pour this marshmallow mixture evenly over the cake, ensuring it fills the holes. This creates a sweet, gooey texture inside the cake.
Make the Hot Cocoa Whipped Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy cream and hot cocoa mix. Using a hand mixer, whip the mixture on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This whipped topping is rich and fluffy with a delicious cocoa flavor.
Frost and Garnish the Cake: Spread the hot cocoa whipped cream evenly over the marshmallow-filled cake. Finally, garnish the top with marshmallow bits and chocolate shavings to add texture and enhance the hot cocoa theme. Chill the cake slightly if desired and serve.

Notes

Ensure the heavy cream is cold before whipping for best results.
You can substitute homemade marshmallow creme if preferred.
Chocolate shavings can be made using a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If marshmallow bits are unavailable, mini marshmallows can be chopped and toasted for garnish.

Keywords: Hot Cocoa Poke Cake, Chocolate Cake, Marshmallow Cake, Hot Cocoa Dessert, Easy Chocolate Cake