Name: Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour; ½ cup cocoa powder; 1 cup sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup hot water; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup marshmallow fluff; ½ cup butter, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 42 reviews

If you are a chocolate lover who adores the nostalgic warmth of a cup of hot cocoa, you are in for a real treat with this Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Frosting Recipe. Imagine a moist, rich chocolate cake that perfectly captures the essence of hot cocoa, topped with a cloud-like whipped marshmallow frosting that melts in your mouth. This dessert combines cozy flavors and textures in a way that is comforting, indulgent, and utterly delightful. Whether you’re looking for a fun winter dessert or a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, this cake brings the magic and sweetness of hot cocoa to life in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear rectangular glass baking dish holds a dessert with two main layers visible from the top: the bottom layer is dark brown and looks like a cooked cake, while the top layer is a thick, fluffy, white layer spread unevenly over the cake, showing some areas of the cake through small gaps. The white layer has a soft texture with small dimples scattered around. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Frosting Recipe is surprisingly simple when it comes to ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the rich cocoa powder that gives the cake its deep chocolatey taste to the marshmallow fluff that makes the frosting exquisitely light and fluffy, every item is essential.

1 ½ cups flour: The foundation of the cake providing structure and softness.
½ cup cocoa powder: For that unmistakable rich chocolate flavor that mimics hot cocoa perfectly.
1 cup sugar: Adds sweetness that balances the cocoa’s natural bitterness.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay tender.
½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the cake and frosting.
1 cup hot water: Intensifies the cocoa’s richness and keeps the cake moist.
½ cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps the cake soft longer than butter would.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to both cake and frosting flavors.
1 cup marshmallow fluff: The star of the frosting, lending a marshmallow-y sweetness with incredible lightness.
½ cup butter, softened: Provides creaminess and structure to the frosting.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve the perfect smooth frosting consistency.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking pan to ensure the cake won’t stick. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly is important to avoid lumps and to create an even crumb. Next, add the hot water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry mix. Stir gently but thoroughly until you get a smooth, glossy batter—this hot water truly deepens the chocolate flavor, making the cake incredibly tender.

Step 2: Bake Your Hot Cocoa Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The edges will slightly pull away from the pan, signaling that the magic is done. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan to ensure your frosting doesn’t melt on contact.

Step 3: Whip Up the Marshmallow Frosting

While the cake is cooling, it’s time to make that luscious whipped marshmallow frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the marshmallow fluff and softened butter together until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue to beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. This frosting is what elevates the cake to a truly whimsical treat, light as air yet intensely sweet and rich.

Step 4: Frost and Finish

Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the whipped marshmallow frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. For a finishing touch, sprinkle a little cocoa powder or scatter mini marshmallows on top to mimic that irresistible mug of hot cocoa we all love. This presentation not only looks inviting but also adds a little textural contrast.

How to Serve Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Frosting Recipe

A white frosted cake with four thick dark brown chocolate layers, separated by creamy white filling. The top is covered with fluffy white marshmallows, drizzled with thin lines of dark chocolate sauce. The cake sits on a round white marble plate with a white marbled surface in the background. Silver Christmas decorations are around the plate, and a woman's hand lifts a slice from the cake, showing the inside layers clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a dusting of cocoa powder, a few mini marshmallows, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate can add visual appeal and extra flavor that echoes the cake’s inspiration perfectly. For an extra festive touch, consider adding crushed peppermint candies or a sprinkle of cinnamon to make it feel even more like a cozy winter treat.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a warm cup of coffee or tea. The creamy coldness of the ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the rich chocolate and sweet marshmallow frosting. For a brunch setting, fresh berries alongside the cake add a refreshing burst of color and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual slices on rustic wooden boards for a casual gathering, or cut the cake into small squares and place them in pretty cupcake liners to create charming bite-sized treats for a party. You can also layer pieces of this cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream in clear glasses to make spectacular dessert parfaits that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Frosting Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresh a bit longer, refrigeration is your friend. Just make sure it is tightly covered to prevent the frosting from drying out—stored in the fridge, it can last up to 5 days.

Freezing

This cake freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Note that the frosting may slightly lose its fluffiness but will still taste delicious.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, place individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as the marshmallow frosting can melt quickly. Enjoying it this way brings out the comforting hot cocoa flavor even more vividly.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate chips in the cake batter?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can add lovely pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake, making it even more decadent. Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan.

Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Frosting Recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It contains no meat or gelatin, but always double-check ingredients like marshmallow fluff to make sure they meet your specific dietary preferences.

Can I make the frosting without butter?

Butter gives the frosting its creamy texture, but if you need a substitute, you can try using margarine or shortening. Keep in mind this might change the flavor slightly but will still result in a tasty frosting.

What can I do if I don’t have marshmallow fluff?

In a pinch, you can make homemade marshmallow frosting using melted marshmallows and cream or try using a fluffy cream cheese frosting for a different twist. However, the marshmallow fluff really makes this recipe shine.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Using hot water and vegetable oil helps keep the cake moist and tender. Also, be careful not to overbake it; check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off. Storing the cake properly also helps maintain its moisture.

Final Thoughts

There is something so incredibly satisfying about this Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Frosting Recipe. It perfectly blends the nostalgic flavors of a warm cup of hot cocoa with the joy of cake, topped by the fluffiest marshmallow frosting you can dream of. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience the cozy joy it brings. Whether it’s a winter evening treat, a birthday surprise, or simply a way to brighten your day, this cake is sure to become one of your all-time favorites!

Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Frosting Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need