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Decadent Hot Chocolate Cake

Indulge in the Ultimate Hot Cocoa Cake: A Rich and Decadent Treat

Craving the warm, comforting flavors of hot chocolate in cake form? Look no further! This Hot Cocoa Cake recipe is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. Imagine a moist, decadent chocolate cake, deeply infused with the taste of your favorite hot cocoa, topped with a layer of melted, gooey marshmallows and finished with a creamy, irresistible hot chocolate frosting. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience.

Delicious Hot Cocoa Cake with a slice cut out, revealing its moist interior.
A perfectly sliced Hot Cocoa Cake, ready to be devoured.

The secret to this cake’s extraordinary flavor lies in the generous use of hot cocoa mix, both in the cake batter and the frosting. The hot cocoa mix lends a unique, milky chocolate taste that’s both familiar and intensely satisfying. It’s a flavor that’s hard to describe, but once you taste it, you’ll understand why this cake is so special.

But the best part? The marshmallows! Plump, pillowy marshmallows are added to the cake layers just before they finish baking, creating a melty, gooey layer that adds an extra dimension of sweetness and texture. Get ready for a burst of marshmallow goodness with every bite.

A single slice of Hot Cocoa Cake on a plate, showcasing its layers of chocolate, marshmallow, and frosting.
A tempting slice of Hot Cocoa Cake, ready for its close-up.

Essential Tips for Baking the Perfect Hot Cocoa Cake

To ensure your Hot Cocoa Cake turns out as delectable as the one pictured, here are some expert tips and tricks:

  • Measure Flour Accurately: Avoid scooping flour directly from the bag, as this compacts it and results in a dry cake. Instead, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. For even more precise results, use a kitchen scale.
  • Bloom the Chocolate: In this recipe, hot water, cocoa powder, and hot cocoa mix are heated together. This “blooming” process intensifies the chocolate flavor, creating a richer, more complex taste. Don’t skip this step!
  • Master the Marshmallow Melt: Timing is crucial when adding the marshmallows. They should be added to the cake layers in the last few minutes of baking, allowing them to melt and become gooey without burning. After removing the cake from the oven, gently press down on the marshmallows to create an even layer.
  • Craft the Perfect Hot Chocolate Fudge Sauce: The hot chocolate fudge sauce used in the frosting takes about 5 minutes of simmering to reach the desired consistency. It should resemble the hot fudge sauce you find in grocery stores – thick, rich, and intensely chocolatey.

These tips will help you achieve cake baking perfection. With a little attention to detail, you’ll be enjoying a slice of heaven in no time.

Chocolate cake batter in a mixing bowl, ready to be poured into cake pans.
Ensuring a smooth batter is key to a moist and tender cake.
Marshmallows arranged on top of a cake layer before baking.
Creating an even layer of marshmallows guarantees deliciousness in every bite.

The process is simple. You have to prepare and bake three layers of cake. The hot cocoa flavor really comes through when you are blooming the cocoa powder with the hot water. The batter will be thin. Do not worry! That is how the cake is supposed to look. Divide the cake evenly between the three layers. Two minutes before the cake is done you will take the cake out and add ten marshmallows evenly on top of two cake layers.

Melted marshmallows being gently pressed down on a cake layer.
The satisfying step of squishing down the melted marshmallows.
Hot chocolate fudge sauce being added to frosting.
Adding the hot chocolate sauce to the frosting intensifies the chocolate flavor.

Once the marshmallows are baked they are going to be hot! That is why you take your finger and squish the marshmallows down. That way they stay put when frosting the cake. Let the cake cool completely. While the cake is cooling prepare the frosting. The frosting requires you to make a simple hot chocolate sauce that you will add to the frosting.

Hot chocolate frosting being spread on a cake layer with melted marshmallows.
The luscious hot chocolate frosting adds the perfect finishing touch.

Making sure the sauce has cooled down to room temperature. You don’t want to melt the butter in the frosting. Once the cake and frosting are completely done. Place the first cake layer on a plate. Frost with the frosting and repeat with another cake layer. Add the last cake layer on top. Frost the rest of the cake.

Beautifully decorated Hot Cocoa Cake on a wooden board.
A finished Hot Cocoa Cake, ready to impress.

More Delicious Holiday Cake Recipes to Try

Looking for more festive cake ideas? Here are a couple of other tempting recipes:

  • Sugar Cookie Cake: A delightful twist on a classic holiday treat.
  • Red Velvet Christmas Cake: A vibrant and elegant cake perfect for the holiday season.

These recipes are sure to add a touch of holiday cheer to your baking repertoire.

A bite missing from a slice of Hot Cocoa Cake, highlighting its irresistible texture.
One bite, and you’ll be hooked!

This Hot Cocoa Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a cold day. Its rich chocolate flavor, gooey marshmallows, and creamy frosting make it the perfect treat for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that will delight your senses and warm your heart. Enjoy!

If you loved this recipe, please leave astar review! Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.

Split open hot cocoa cake on a wood board.

Hot Cocoa Cake

By Stephanie Rutherford

This hot cocoa cake is like hot chocolate in cake form. It is a chocolate cake with hot chocolate mix. Two the cake layers are topped with marshmallows. It is topped with hot chocolate frosting.


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Prep Time:

45 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Decorating Time:

1 hour

Total Time:

2 hours

10 minutes

Servings:

16
slices

Ingredients

Hot Chocolate Cake



  • 2
    cups
    All-purpose flour



  • 1/4
    cup
    Cornstarch



  • 2
    tsp
    Baking powder



  • 1/2
    tsp
    Baking soda



  • 1
    tsp
    Salt



  • 1
    cup
    Oil,
    canola or vegetable



  • 1 3/4
    cup
    White granulated sugar



  • 1
    tsp
    Pure vanilla extract



  • 4
    Large eggs,
    room temperature



  • 1
    cup
    Buttermilk,
    room temperature



  • 1
    cup
    Water



  • 1
    cup
    Unsweetened cocoa powder,
    sifted



  • 1/3
    cup
    Hot cocoa mix



  • 20
    Marshmallows

Hot Chocolate Frosting



  • 3/4
    cup
    Heavy cream



  • 2/3
    cup
    Hot cocoa mix