If you have a soft spot for all things chocolate and crave a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, the Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Recipe will quickly become your new favorite indulgence. This rich, moist chocolate cake perfectly captures the essence of cozy mugs of hot cocoa, layered with a pillowy whipped marshmallow frosting that’s as light as a cloud. Every bite is a celebration of fluffy sweetness balanced by deep cocoa flavor, making it the ultimate winter dessert guaranteed to impress friends and family alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass baking dish containing a dessert with two visible layers. The bottom layer is a dark brown cake with a soft, slightly crumbly texture. On top is a thick, fluffy white layer of marshmallow or meringue spread unevenly, with small rounded peaks and some thin spots revealing the cake beneath. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each item plays a vital role: from the cocoa powder that delivers chocolatey depth to the marshmallow fluff that turns the topping irresistibly airy. With these essentials, you’re on the path to a cake that tastes just as cozy as it looks.

All-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake structure and lightness.
Cocoa powder: Adds the rich chocolate flavor that makes this cake truly decadent.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering.
Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise and stay tender.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate intensity.
Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide moisture and richness.
Milk (dairy or non-dairy): Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and prevents dryness without flavor interference.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the chocolate.
Hot water or hot coffee: Intensifies the chocolate flavor while thinning the batter for a smooth crumb.
Heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream): The base of the whipped marshmallow topping, giving it lightness and creaminess.
Marshmallow fluff/cream: Elevates the frosting with its signature sweet, fluffy texture.
Optional garnishes: Mini marshmallows, cocoa powder, hot fudge drizzle, or chocolate shavings for that extra wow factor.

How to Make Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and greasing two 8-inch round cake pans. Lining them with parchment paper will ensure your cake layers release easily and keep their perfect shape for assembly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. This creates a uniform base, ensuring every bite is perfectly chocolaty with no clumps.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Combine

Whisk in the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth batter. It may look thick initially, but that’s where step 4 comes in.

Step 4: Incorporate Hot Water or Coffee

Slowly stir in 1 cup of hot water or hot coffee. The batter will thin out, but this step is critical for a moist, tender crumb and to deepen the chocolate flavor, especially if you opt for coffee.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Pop them into the oven and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before moving on to frosting.

Step 6: Make the Whipped Marshmallow Topping

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold in the marshmallow fluff and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until you have stiff, glossy peaks. This whipped marshmallow topping is the star component that delivers that fluffy, sweet finish.

Step 7: Assemble Your Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Recipe

Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous layer of the whipped marshmallow topping on top, then add the second layer and frost its top thickly. Dust with cocoa powder and adorn with mini marshmallows or chocolate shavings for a visually stunning presentation.

How to Serve Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Recipe

The image shows a tall, round chocolate cake with five visible layers of dark chocolate sponge separated by creamy white frosting. The top of the cake is covered with a thick layer of fluffy white frosting and piled high with small white marshmallows drizzled with dark chocolate sauce. The cake is placed on a white marble surface with silver Christmas decorations around it, adding a festive touch. A portion of the cake is cut out, showing the neat layers inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can take your Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Recipe from delightful to unforgettable. Dusting cocoa powder lightly on top enhances the chocolaty aroma, while mini marshmallows add a playful, inviting touch. For extra decadence, drizzle warm hot fudge right before serving—every bite will feel like velvety, melty heaven.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream to contrast the rich chocolate. For a non-dairy option, try fresh berries or a crisp apple salad to add a refreshing brightness that cuts through the creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this cake on a rustic wooden board for a cozy winter vibe or place it under a glass cake dome to highlight the fluffy marshmallow topping. You can also slice into neat, small squares for a party platter, allowing guests to enjoy bite-sized sweet moments that evoke that comforting hot chocolate feeling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake stays wonderfully moist when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep it covered to prevent the whipped marshmallow topping from drying out or absorbing other odors. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers (without frosting) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely in the fridge before frosting with the whipped marshmallow topping for the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

Because this cake tastes best chilled or at room temperature, reheating is generally not recommended; however, if desired, warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften the whipped marshmallow before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute dairy milk with your favorite non-dairy milk like almond or oat, and swap heavy whipping cream for coconut cream. The cake and whipped topping remain just as luscious and flavorful.

Is it necessary to use hot coffee instead of water in the batter?

Not at all! Hot water works perfectly and still produces a moist cake, but coffee enhances the chocolate notes and adds a subtle richness, making it a lovely option if you enjoy a deeper flavor.

How do I ensure my whipped marshmallow topping holds stiff peaks?

Make sure your heavy cream (or coconut cream) and bowl are cold before you start whipping. Beat until the cream forms soft peaks before folding in marshmallow fluff carefully, and then whip again until stiff peaks are achieved without overwhipping.

Can this cake be made ahead for a party?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and keep them wrapped at room temperature or refrigerated. Prepare the whipped marshmallow topping on the day of serving for the best texture and freshness.

What can I use instead of marshmallow fluff if I can’t find it?

If marshmallow fluff isn’t available, you can make your own marshmallow cream by whipping egg whites and sugar syrup or substitute with a homemade meringue for a similar light, sweet topping.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Hot Cocoa Cake with Whipped Marshmallow Recipe that makes it stand out from everyday desserts. It’s cozy, comforting, and decadently chocolatey with a fluffy marshmallow cloud on top that feels like a celebration in every slice. Whether for an intimate gathering or a holiday feast, this cake invites everyone to savor a sweet moment together. Trust me, once you try it, it will become your go-to winter treat to share and cherish.