Sweet dreams are truly made of this magnificent S’mores Poke Cake! If you’re searching for an extraordinary yet easy s’mores dessert that promises pure indulgence, look no further. This luscious, fluffy, and creamy cake is a symphony of flavors and textures, bringing the nostalgic joy of a campfire s’mores right into your kitchen. Prepare to be enchanted by layers of moist chocolate cake, rich pudding, velvety chocolate mousse, ethereal marshmallow whipped cream, glossy chocolate ganache, crunchy graham cracker bits, and an abundance of toasted marshmallows.

Imagine a dessert so delightful, it will make your eyes roll back in your head with pleasure. This Chocolate Ganache S’mores Cake is not just a treat; it’s an experience, destined to be the star attraction of any gathering, real life event, or even your sweetest dreams. Its impressive appearance and unforgettable taste make it perfect for potlucks, family celebrations, or simply a decadent weekend indulgence.

What is a S’mores Poke Cake and Why is it Irresistible?

A poke cake is a baking marvel where a freshly baked cake is “poked” with holes, typically using the handle of a wooden spoon. These holes are then filled with a liquid or semi-liquid mixture, such as pudding, condensed milk, or fruit purees, allowing the cake to absorb the flavors and moisture, resulting in an incredibly tender and flavorful dessert. The S’mores Poke Cake takes this concept to a whole new level by infusing it with all the beloved elements of classic s’mores.

What makes this particular s’mores cake so utterly irresistible? It’s the harmonious blend of contrasting textures and complementary flavors. The deep chocolate cake base provides a comforting foundation, which is then permeated by a silky chocolate pudding. On top, a light and airy chocolate mousse adds another dimension of chocolate decadence. The marshmallow whipped cream delivers that iconic s’mores sweetness and cloud-like texture, perfectly balanced by the rich, bittersweet chocolate ganache. Finally, the crunch of graham cracker bits and the chewiness of mini marshmallows provide the authentic campfire feel, creating a dessert that is both sophisticated and fun.

The Delectable Layers of Your Dream S’mores Cake

Each component of this S’mores Poke Cake plays a crucial role in creating a truly unforgettable dessert experience. Let’s break down the layers that make this cake a culinary masterpiece:

1. The Moist Dark Chocolate Cake Base

Starting with a simple dark chocolate cake mix provides a convenient yet delicious foundation. Once baked, this cake transforms, becoming incredibly moist and tender as it soaks up the subsequent pudding layers. The dark chocolate flavor is robust enough to stand up to the other sweet components, ensuring a balanced taste in every bite.

2. Rich Chocolate Pudding Infusion

The magic of the poke cake begins here. After the cake is baked and still warm, a generous amount of instant chocolate pudding is poured over it, seeping into every hole. This step ensures that the cake is not only moist but also deeply infused with a creamy, intense chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth. This initial pudding layer makes the cake undeniably moist and adds a luscious core.

3. Velvety Chocolate Mousse Pudding Layer

For an added touch of elegance and lightness, half of the remaining chocolate pudding is whipped with Cool Whip. This creates a fluffy, mousse-like consistency that adds a delicate yet rich chocolate layer on top of the pudding-soaked cake. It’s lighter than pure pudding but still packed with satisfying chocolate flavor, reminiscent of a classic chocolate mousse.

4. Fluffy Marshmallow Whipped Cream

This is where the “s’mores” truly shine! A heavenly blend of marshmallow cream and Cool Whip creates a light, airy, and intensely sweet topping that perfectly captures the essence of toasted marshmallows. This cloud-like layer provides a delightful contrast to the dense cake and pudding, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is characteristic of a genuine s’mores treat.

5. Glossy Chocolate Ganache Drizzle

No s’mores dessert is complete without a generous amount of chocolate. Our homemade chocolate ganache, made from heavy cream, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and butter, adds a rich, shiny, and deeply chocolatey finish. It’s poured warm, creating beautiful drizzles and pools of intensely flavorful chocolate that elevate the cake to gourmet status.

6. Crunchy Graham Cracker Bits and Mini Marshmallow Toppings

To complete the s’mores experience, the cake is generously adorned with crushed graham crackers, providing that signature sandy crunch. Mini marshmallows are scattered across the top, some catching the warmth of the ganache to become slightly gooey, delivering authentic marshmallow flavor and chewiness. These toppings are not just for decoration; they add essential texture and flavor to every bite, making it a truly immersive s’mores experience.

Essential Ingredients for Your S’mores Poke Cake Adventure

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable S’mores Poke Cake. Here’s what you’ll need for each decadent layer:

Cake Layer

• 1 box Dark Chocolate Cake Mix + water, vegetable oil, and eggs as directed on the cake mix box.

1st Chocolate Pudding Layer

• 2 (3.9 ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mixes (divided)
• 4 cups milk

2nd Chocolate Mousse Pudding Layer

• Half of the reserved chocolate pudding prepared from the step above
• 2 cups Cool Whip (optional, for a mousse-like texture)

Marshmallow Cream Layer

• 1 (8 oz.) tub Cool Whip
• 2 cups marshmallow cream

Chocolate Ganache

• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon butter

Topping Extras

• 6-10 Graham Crackers, broken into bits
• ½ – 1 cup Mini Marshmallows

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting the Perfect S’mores Poke Cake

Creating this magnificent S’mores Poke Cake is easier than you might think. Just follow these detailed instructions for a dessert that will impress everyone!

Cake Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing and flouring it, or by spraying it thoroughly with a non-stick baking spray. This ensures your cake releases easily.
2. Prepare the dark chocolate cake mix according to the package directions, combining it with the specified amounts of water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
3. Bake the cake as per the instructions on the cake mix box. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the cake firm up slightly before the next step.
4. While the cake is still warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a similar round object to poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Ensure the holes are evenly spaced and go deep enough to allow the pudding to seep in effectively.
5. During this 5-minute cooling window, prepare the instant chocolate pudding mix with 4 cups of milk, whisking until smooth but before it begins to thicken significantly.
6. Carefully pour half of the prepared chocolate pudding mixture evenly over the warm, poked cake. Make sure the pudding seeps into all the holes. Gently tap the bottom of the pan on your counter a few times to encourage the pudding to fully absorb into the cake.
7. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled and the pudding has completely set.

Assembling the Layers

8. For the second chocolate mousse pudding layer, take the reserved other half of the chocolate pudding mixture. Add 2 cups of Cool Whip to it and gently whisk them together until light and fluffy. This step creates a delightful, mousse-like texture for an extra indulgent layer. If you prefer a denser chocolate layer, you can skip the Cool Whip and use plain pudding. Set this aside.
9. Next, prepare the marshmallow cream layer. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 cups of marshmallow cream with 1 tub (8 oz.) of Cool Whip. Beat lightly with a mixer on low speed until just combined and smooth. If your marshmallow cream is too stiff, you can microwave it for 20-30 seconds to soften before mixing. Set this aside.
10. To make the chocolate ganache, combine ½ cup heavy cream and 1 tablespoon butter in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in the microwave until the cream just boils. Remove from the microwave, add ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, and let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. Then, whisk until the ganache is smooth, shiny, and fully emulsified. Set aside to cool slightly.
11. Retrieve the chilled cake from the refrigerator. Evenly spread the second chocolate mousse pudding layer (pudding and Cool Whip mixture) over the top of the cake.
12. Following this, carefully spread the marshmallow/Cool Whip layer on top of the chocolate mousse layer, creating a thick, fluffy blanket.
13. Finally, it’s time for the signature s’mores toppings! Sprinkle the graham cracker bits generously over the marshmallow layer. Drizzle about half of the prepared chocolate ganache over the graham crackers. Scatter the mini marshmallows on top, then drizzle the remaining chocolate ganache over everything. For an extra touch, you can add a few more graham cracker crumbs.
14. Place the assembled S’mores Poke Cake back into the refrigerator to set up for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time is crucial for all the layers to firm up and for the flavors to meld beautifully.

Pro Tips for S’mores Poke Cake Perfection

• Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before poking and adding the first pudding layer is important. Too hot, and the pudding might just melt away; too cool, and it won’t absorb as effectively.
• Poking Technique: Use the handle of a wooden spoon for larger, more consistent holes. Ensure you poke deep enough to allow significant pudding absorption, but not all the way through the cake base.
• Pudding Consistency: The first pudding layer should be poured when it’s still somewhat liquid, just beginning to thicken. This helps it seep into the cake’s holes efficiently.
• Ganache Gloss: For a perfectly smooth and shiny ganache, ensure your heavy cream is hot enough to melt the chocolate chips completely before whisking. Whisk gently until smooth; over-whisking can incorporate air bubbles.
• Chill Time is Key: Do not underestimate the importance of chilling. This cake needs ample time in the refrigerator for the layers to set properly, the flavors to develop, and the cake to achieve its ideal texture. Aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
• Serving Suggestions: This S’mores Poke Cake is fantastic on its own. For an extra special treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream. You can also lightly torch the top layer of marshmallows with a kitchen torch just before serving for an authentic toasted marshmallow flavor and appearance.

S’mores Poke Cake Variations to Spark Your Creativity

While the classic S’mores Poke Cake is divine, feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Different Cake Flavors: Try a yellow cake mix or even a vanilla cake for a lighter base. A red velvet cake could also add a festive twist.
• Alternative Pudding: While chocolate is traditional, a butterscotch or caramel pudding could offer an interesting flavor profile.
• Toasted Marshmallows: For a true campfire experience, use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the mini marshmallows on top just before serving.
• Candy Boost: Crumble up some Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, chopped Snickers, or M&Ms into the topping layers for extra texture and flavor.
• Homemade Whipped Cream: If you prefer, substitute the Cool Whip with freshly made whipped cream for an even richer texture.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or pecans to the graham cracker topping for an added layer of crunch and flavor.

The Story Behind S’mores: A Timeless Treat

The beloved s’mores, a portmanteau for “some more,” has been a campfire staple for generations. Its origins are often attributed to the Girl Scouts, with the first recorded recipe appearing in their 1927 publication “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts.” The simple combination of toasted marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers quickly became a favorite, embodying the warmth, camaraderie, and simple joys of outdoor gatherings. This S’mores Poke Cake pays homage to that classic treat, bringing its comforting flavors indoors, allowing you to enjoy the magic of s’mores anytime, anywhere.

Imagine this delectable s’mores cake anytime of the year! Prepared in a 9×13 inch pan, there’s plenty to go around for a family or potluck! Everyone is going to love it! Just plan in advance on more than one piece for you, yourself and I. So, that’s three pieces…mmm-kay. Dream and Drool on! S’Mores Poke Cake Rocks!

More S’mores Ideas and Related Recipes!

• S’more Chocolate Chip Gooey Bliss Cookies
• Best Marshmallowy S’mores Rice Krispies
• 20 Delightfully Gooey Chocolatey S’more Desserts
• OMG S’mores Bars
• Reese’s S’mores Graham Cracker Candy
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Malt Poke Cake
• S’mores Pie
• Super Easy S’mores Bars

Whether it’s for a potluck, a family gathering, or just a treat for yourself, this **luscious s’mores cake** is guaranteed to be a hit. Its ease of preparation combined with its spectacular taste and appearance makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to dive into the wonderful world of this S’mores Poke Cake; your taste buds will thank you!