Who says s’mores are just for the campfire? This S’mores Poke Cake packs all the gooey, chocolate-marshmallow-graham cracker goodness of your favorite summertime treat into one ridiculously easy dessert. Chill it, slice it up, and watch everyone come running for a piece (no sticky fingers required!).
While we love roasting marshmallows by the fire, this cake gives you all the classic flavors with none of the sticky fingers. The marshmallow fluff layer melts into the chocolate pudding on the cake just enough to give that gooey texture, and the Cool Whip on top keeps it light and fluffy.
Jackson is a huge s’mores fan (we make them at the gazebo any chance we get), so it’s no surprise he went wild for this cake. The first time we sliced it up, he yelled it “the best cake ever!” — and I think he might be right.
But what is a poke cake?
If you’ve never made a poke cake before, you’re in for a treat. Poking holes all over the cake and pouring chocolate pudding on top lets it soak in, making every bite extra moist and rich.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the s’mores flavor without the fire: No need to light up the grill or build a campfire to get your s’mores fix.
- So easy & semi-homemade: Starts with a chocolate cake mix and simple toppings, but looks and tastes totally special.
- Perfect make-ahead dessert: It needs time to chill, so you can prep it the day before and pull it out when it’s time to wow your guests.
- A guaranteed kid (and grown-up) favorite: Chocolate, pudding, marshmallow fluff, graham crackers… what’s not to love?
Ingredients For S’mores Poke Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) devil’s food chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 large box (5.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding
- 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow fluff
- 1 container (16 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Ingredient amounts and entire recipe directions in recipe card below with print option!
Which Brands Did I Use For This S’mores Poke Cake?
Sometimes when it comes to Semihomemade recipe that use packaged foods to create meals, the brands of items can make or break a dish. I don’t think this ALWAYS happens but I do know that not all packaged items are created equally.
Chocolate Cake – I used Duncan Hines
Instant Chocolate Pudding – Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding & Pie Filling Mix
Marshmallow Fluff – Jet Puffed Marshmallow Crème
Whipped Topping – Cool Whip, thawed
Mini Chocolate Chips – Toll House mini chocolate chips
Everything else was Food Lion Brand or No Brand
How To Make S’mores Poke Cake:
- Bake cake:
Prepare cake mix with eggs, oil, and water as directed. Pour into a 9×13 pan and bake. Let cool completely.
- Poke & pour:
Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes all over the cake.
-
Mix cold milk with instant pudding. Pour slowly over the cake, letting it soak in.
- Cool & layer:
Chill cake completely in the fridge.
-
Microwave marshmallow fluff for 10 sec to soften. Gently spread over cake (spray spatula with nonstick spray!).
- Finish & chill
Spread Cool Whip on top. Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers & chocolate chips.
-
Chill at least 2 hours before serving.
Suggestions:
- Spray your spoon or spatula with nonstick spray when spreading the marshmallow fluff so it doesn’t turn into a sticky mess.
- You may need to heat the marshmallow fluff in the microwave to make it easier to spread but only heat it for about 10 seconds, you don’t want to make a huge sticky mess!
- Don’t skip the chill time. It helps the pudding soak in and makes everything soft and lovely.
- Swap it up: Try adding mini marshmallows on top or a drizzle with chocolate syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will this cake keep?
Store it covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s actually even better the next day once all the flavors meld together.
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of fluff?
Marshmallow fluff spreads best over the cake. Regular marshmallows won’t give the same layer. If you want, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top and give them a quick torch to toast.
Do I have to use instant pudding?
You don’t have to, but I like how easy it is.
A Little Note
If you want extra marshmallow flavor, add 2 jars of marshmallow fluff over the pudding.
MORE Smores Recipes:
- Smore Popcorn Snack Mix
- No Churn S’mores Ice Cream
- Chocolate Banana S’mores Dip
- Homemade S’mores Poptarts
S’mores Poke Cake
S’mores Poke Cake
Who says s’mores are just for the campfire? This S’mores Poke Cake packs all the gooey, chocolate-marshmallow-graham cracker goodness of your favorite summertime treat into one ridiculously easy dessert. Chill it, slice it up, and watch everyone come running for a piece (no sticky fingers required!).
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) devil’s food chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 large box (5.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding
- 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow fluff
- 1 container (16 oz) Cool Whip, thawed
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Bake cake:
Prepare cake mix with eggs, oil, and water as directed. Pour into a 9×13 pan and bake. Let cool completely.
Poke & pour:
Use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes all over the cake.
Mix cold milk with instant pudding. Pour slowly over the cake, letting it soak in.
Cool & layer:
Chill cake completely in the fridge.
Microwave marshmallow fluff for 10 sec to soften. Gently spread over cake (spray spatula with nonstick spray!).
Finish & chill
Spread Cool Whip on top. Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers & chocolate chips.
Chill at least 2 hours before serving.
If you make this recipe, snap a picture and share it on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #semihomemaderecipes — We love to see what you’re making from the blog!
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Welcome to this year’s #SummerDessertWeek event hosted by Angie from Big Bear’s Wife. We’ve got 10 spectacular bloggers/ blogs creating some of the best summer desserts this week and sharing the recipes! We will be sharing our recipes on our blogs (some of those recipe links posted in this post) and on social media with the hashtag #SummerDessertWeek
We hope you’ll find some new favorite recipes this week and have fun with us as we celebrate summer!
- S’mores Cake from SemiHomemade Recipes
- Blackberry Crumble Pie from Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Frosted Lemonade Charlotte Russe from Sweet ReciPEAs
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