Campfire Delight Cake

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with this incredible S’mores Poke Cake recipe – a truly irresistible twist on everyone’s favorite campfire treat. Imagine layers of moist, tender cake infused with rich chocolate, enveloped in gooey marshmallows, and crowned with crunchy graham crackers and more chocolate. This dessert captures everything you adore about classic s’mores, transforming it into an effortless and utterly decadent cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

If the thought of biting into a s’mores-flavored dessert makes your mouth water, then this poke cake recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. From the exceptionally moist cake base to the delightful medley of toppings, every element of this treat is designed to impress. Guests of all ages will adore the combination of crushed graham crackers, rich milk chocolate pieces, and fluffy mini marshmallows generously scattered over the top. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that delivers big on flavor and fun, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a sweet weeknight indulgence.

Craving even more s’mores goodness? Explore other fantastic s’mores-inspired creations like Oven Baked S’mores, Deep Fried S’mores, and S’mores Cookies. This poke cake is also a fantastic option for Easy Camping Desserts, offering all the joy of s’mores without the campfire fuss. For those who love a boozy treat, you might also enjoy making a Fireball Poke Cake.

Why You’ll Love This S’mores Poke Cake

This S’mores Poke Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture that brings smiles to every face. It’s the quintessential way to enjoy the beloved s’mores experience in a more refined and easily shareable cake form. Each bite is a harmonious blend of ultra-moist cake, luscious melted chocolate, and irresistibly gooey marshmallows. The “poke” technique is key here, allowing the decadent chocolate-marshmallow filling to seep into every crevice of the cake, ensuring that every forkful is packed with rich, sweet flavor. It’s a truly decadent treat that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering, from casual backyard barbecues to festive holiday parties. For an extra chocolatey kick, consider adding a side of S’mores Dip!

Ingredients for Your S’mores Cake

Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards creating this masterpiece. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, often utilizing pantry staples for maximum convenience and flavor.

• White Cake Mix: This forms the delicious foundation of our cake. You’ll also need all the additional ingredients specified on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water) to prepare it as directed.
• Regular Marshmallows: These are crucial for creating that authentic gooey s’mores layer. While mini marshmallows are great for topping, regular-sized marshmallows melt beautifully into the cake.
• Chocolate Chips: You can opt for either regular or mini chocolate chips, depending on your preference. Milk chocolate chips will yield a sweeter, creamier flavor, while semi-sweet can provide a nice contrast.
• Unsalted Butter: A tablespoon of butter helps achieve a smooth, rich consistency when melting the chocolate and marshmallows.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is a magical ingredient that adds incredible richness and a velvety texture to both the chocolate filling and the creamy cheesecake topping. Be sure to double-check and grab sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk, as the cans can often look similar and are usually shelved close together.
• Cream Cheese: Softened at room temperature, cream cheese is essential for creating the wonderfully smooth and tangy cheesecake layer that balances the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallow.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar helps create a silky-smooth and sweet cream cheese frosting.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This provides a deep, rich chocolate flavor to the cream cheese layer, enhancing the overall chocolatey profile of the cake.
• Heavy Cream: Whipping cream helps lighten and aerate the cream cheese frosting, making it wonderfully fluffy and easy to spread.
• Toppings: This is where the visual appeal and textural contrast really come alive! We highly recommend using crushed graham crackers, chunks of milk chocolate (or chocolate bars broken into pieces), and fluffy mini marshmallows to truly capture that classic s’mores look and taste. These toppings not only make the cake look incredibly festive but also add essential crunch and chewiness.

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

Creating this S’mores Poke Cake is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these simple steps for a truly memorable dessert!

Step 1: Bake the Cake Base. Begin by preparing your chosen cake mix according to the package instructions. Once baked, allow the cake to cool partially on a wire rack. This partial cooling is important before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Poke the Holes. Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, use a wooden skewer, the back of a wooden spoon, or even a chopstick to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Ensure the holes are evenly spaced and penetrate deeply into the cake, as these will be filled with our luscious s’mores mixture, ensuring flavor in every single bite.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate-Marshmallow Filling. In a saucepan over low heat, combine the chocolate chips, marshmallows, and unsalted butter. Stir continuously to prevent scorching. The goal is to achieve a smooth, molten mixture without burning the chocolate or marshmallows.

Step 4: Incorporate Condensed Milk. Once the chocolate and marshmallows are fully melted and smooth, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in approximately ¾ cup of the sweetened condensed milk until thoroughly combined. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and a wonderfully rich, creamy texture to the filling.

Step 5: Fill the Cake. Pour the warm chocolate-marshmallow mixture evenly over the poked cake. Use a spoon or an offset spatula to gently spread it around, ensuring that the luscious mixture seeps into all the holes. This is the “poke” magic happening, infusing the cake with incredible flavor.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer. In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. This will form the next delightful layer of our cake.

Step 7: Finish the Cream Cheese Frosting. Add the remaining sweetened condensed milk and the heavy whipping cream to the cream cheese mixture. Continue mixing with your hand mixer until the frosting is light, airy, and perfectly smooth. This creates a wonderful, rich, yet balanced topping.

Step 8: Frost the Cake. Gently spread the chocolate cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled chocolate-marshmallow layer of the cake. Ensure it covers the entire surface, creating a smooth and inviting top. Refrigerate the cake for at least one hour before serving to allow the layers to set.

Step 9: Add the Toppings (Just Before Serving!). This step is crucial for optimal texture. Right before you plan to serve the cake, generously sprinkle the crushed graham crackers, pieces of milk chocolate, and mini marshmallows over the top. Adding them too early can cause the graham crackers to become soggy, diminishing their delightful crunch.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy! Slice into your magnificent S’mores Poke Cake and prepare for a chorus of delighted “oohs” and “aahs.” Each slice promises a symphony of flavors and textures, making this a truly memorable dessert.

Storage Tips for S’mores Cake

Proper storage is essential to keep your S’mores Poke Cake tasting fresh and delicious. Once cooled and topped, the cake should be stored in an airtight container with a lid. Cake pans that come with their own lids are incredibly convenient for this purpose, simplifying both storage and transport. If your pan doesn’t have a lid, tightly wrap the cake with plastic wrap, ensuring a good seal. For extra protection against air and odors, you might even consider adding a layer of aluminum foil over the plastic wrap.

Due to the rich, gooey nature of the marshmallow and chocolate layers, this cake can be quite sticky. This delightful stickiness also means it can be a bit messy, both when serving and cleaning up. For this reason, many find it convenient to use a disposable aluminum pan. This is especially practical if you’re taking the cake to a potluck, a friend’s house, or a party, as it minimizes cleanup stress.

Can You Make This S’mores Cake in Advance?

Yes, you can certainly prepare this S’mores Poke Cake in advance, which is a huge time-saver when hosting! However, there’s one golden rule: always wait to add the toppings until just before serving. If you add the graham crackers and marshmallows too early, the graham crackers will absorb moisture from the cake and become soggy, losing their desirable crunch. The marshmallows can also become overly soft or sticky.

While the cake can last up to 5 days when stored properly in the refrigerator, it truly tastes best and has the optimal texture when served within 24 hours of assembly. For peak freshness, we recommend not making the cake more than a day ahead of time.

If you need to get a head start, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance and store the plain cake (unpoked and unfrosted) in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped. Then, on the day of your event, you can proceed with poking the holes, adding the chocolate and cream cheese layers, and finally, topping it just before serving.

Variation Ideas for Your S’mores Cake

This S’mores Poke Cake recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste or for special occasions. Here are some fantastic variation ideas to spark your creativity:

• Toasted Marshmallow Topping: For an authentic campfire touch, consider broiling the top of the cake after you’ve added the mini marshmallows. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown, lightly charred appearance and that irresistible fresh-roasted marshmallow taste. Just be extremely cautious and keep a very close eye on the cake while broiling, as marshmallows can burn quickly. It only takes a minute or two! Alternatively, if you own a kitchen torch, it’s a fantastic tool for evenly toasting the marshmallows to perfection without heating the entire oven.
• Marshmallow Size Matters: While we typically use mini marshmallows for the topping because they’re easier to bite and create a more delicate look, you can absolutely use regular-sized marshmallows if that’s what you have on hand or prefer. They will still toast beautifully and provide that classic gooey texture.
• Cake Mix Flavors: Don’t limit yourself to white cake mix! For an even more intense chocolate experience, try using a chocolate cake mix as your base. Kids especially love this extra dose of chocolate! Using a boxed cake mix keeps it simple and convenient, no matter the flavor.
• Extra Chocolate Drizzle: For the ultimate chocolate lover, a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce over the finished cake (before or after adding the other toppings) will take this dessert to another level of indulgence.
• Decadent Chocolate Cake Base: For a truly rich and over-the-top S’mores cake, swap out the white cake mix for a rich chocolate cake mix. This option is a chocolate fan’s dream, creating a deeply flavored base that pairs perfectly with the s’mores elements. Be warned, it will be incredibly rich and satisfying!
• Seasonal Marshmallows: Make this cake festive for holidays or special occasions by incorporating seasonal marshmallows! Imagine topping it with heart-shaped marshmallows for Valentine’s Day, little tree or star shapes for Christmas, or even pumpkin shapes for Fall. You can also experiment with flavored marshmallows, such as peppermint-flavored mini marshmallows, which are often available around the holiday season. Remember, if using shaped or flavored marshmallows, it’s generally best not to broil them, as they might not toast evenly or could alter the flavor.

More Irresistible S’mores Recipes to Try

If you can’t get enough of that classic s’mores flavor, you’re in luck! Here are even more delightful s’mores-inspired recipes to satisfy your cravings:

• S’mores Cupcakes Recipe
• S’Mores Campfire Cones
• Frozen S’mores
• Fun S’Mores Parfait Recipe
• S’mores Rice Krispie Treats
• Oreo S’mores

More Easy Cake Recipes You’ll Adore

Love easy and delicious cakes? Check out these other fantastic poke cake and simple cake recipes that are sure to become new favorites:

• Chocolate Poke Cake Recipe
• Caramel Chocolate Poke Cake
• Cinnamon Roll Cake
• Boston Cream Poke Cake
• Lime Jell-O Poke Cake Recipe
• Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake

Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s your turn to create this show-stopping S’mores Poke Cake! We’d love to hear how it turned out. Please leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts once you make it. Happy baking!