Chocolate S’mores Pudding Cake

Name: Chocolate S’mores Pudding Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 48 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 box chocolate cake; 1 (3.9 ounce) box instant chocolate pudding; 2 cups milk; 1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed; 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow cream; 3 full size Hershey chocolate bars, chopped; 1 cup graham cracker chunks; 1 cup miniature marshmallows

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED July 17, 2018 · UPDATED August 23, 2020 · 89 Comments

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A graham cracker crust, chocolate pudding, and a marshmallow topping make this Chocolate S’mores Pudding Cake the perfect summer dessert for picnics and parties.

By now you know that I love all things s’mores, but I still do not love the sticky mess that comes from kids roasting marshmallows.

Even with older children comes the scariness of a pointy stick and fire. It must be the mom in me that cringes when those two things get together. I realize that I am not alone in this aversion to how s’mores are made when I talk with friends.

But there is something about the summer, and the need for all things s’mores. I have been having fun creating s’mores that do not need campfires to be enjoyed this summer.

These S’mores Cookie Cups were one sweet treat that I can’t wait to make again.

One of my favorite summer time desserts is the poke cake. Poke cakes have been around for quite a long time, but every so often I have a comment wanting to know what it means.

What is a Poke Cake?

A poke cake is exactly what it sounds like. You bake a cake and then while it is warm, you POKE it with a fork or the end of a wooden spoon.

This creates holes or pockets for a filling to collect. Sweetened condensed milk, Jell-O, or pudding are usually the three things you drizzle into those holes.

Since graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows are the three components of a good s’mores, I made sure this chocolate poke cake had plenty of each.

This cake starts with a graham cracker crust that you bake the cake on top of. I happen to like cake mixes, so that is all I ever use for poke cakes. If you want to make a homemade chocolate cake, feel free too.

How to make a pudding cake:

Make and bake a chocolate cake mix. (full recipe at bottom of post)
Let the cake cool about 10 minutes. Then poke it with the end of a wooden spoon. Be careful not to push through the crust on the bottom.
Whisk together the pudding mix and milk and pour it into the holes in the cake before it sets up too much.
Use the back of the spoon to gently smooth and press the pudding into the holes. Gently tap the cake pan on the counter to help the pudding settle into the holes.
Let it cool for about 30 minutes on the counter, then place it in the refrigerator until chilled.

How to top a Chocolate S’mores Pudding Cake:

Stir together a jar of marshmallow cream and one container of Cool Whip. Go ahead and taste a spoonful because I know you want to. I did too!!!
Spread it on top of this Chocolate S’mores Pudding Cake. FYI it’s also amazing on this Peanut Butter Fudge Poke Cake.
Top the cake with some chopped up Hershey’s candy bars, graham crackers, and marshmallows because more s’mores goodness is always a good idea.

Now enjoy your summer s’mores without the danger of getting your eye poked out or sitting on a sticky marshmallow-ed chair. It’s a summer win!!!

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More easy s’mores recipes:

S’mores Cheesecake Fluff Salad – this easy fluffy dessert salad is loaded with marshmallows, chocolate chunks, and graham crackers
Milk Chocolate S’mores Fudge – pockets of gooey marshmallows & crunchy graham crackers give this chocolate fudge a fun s’mores flair
S’mores Coffee Milkshake from Shugary Sweets – coffee and marshmallow goodness turn this milkshake into a fun summer drink
No Bake S’mores Mousse Jars from Love from the Oven – jars of pudding, graham crackers, and Cool Whip make a fun and easy dessert

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