6 Boxed Cake Mix Desserts You Need to Try
6 Boxed Cake Mix Desserts You NEED to Try is a easy American recipe that serves 12. 185 calories per serving. Recipe by Julia Pacheco on YouTube.
Prep: 9 min | Cook: 37 min | Total: 56 min
Cost: $26.67 total, $2.22 per serving
Ingredients
- as needed Non-Stick Cooking Spray (spray a 9×13 inch baking dish)
- 1 box Chocolate Cake Mix (about 15.5 oz, any brand)
- 1 box Chocolate Pudding Mix (instant, any brand)
- 1 packet Hot Cocoa Mix (instant, unsweetened or sweetened)
- 1.75 cup Milk (whole or 2% for best texture)
- 0.5 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (sprinkle on top before baking)
- 1 cup Mini Marshmallows (adds classic s'mores topping)
- 2 tablespoons Chocolate for Drizzle (melted; can use chips or bars)
Instructions
Prepare Baking Dish
Generously spray the 9×13 inch baking dish with non‑stick cooking spray.
Time: PT2M
Add Dry Mixes
Dump the entire box of chocolate cake mix, the box of chocolate pudding mix, and the packet of hot cocoa mix into the prepared dish.
Time: PT2M
Add Milk
Pour 1 ¾ cups of milk over the dry ingredients.
Time: PT1M
Mix Batter
Stir vigorously with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture resembles a smooth cake batter, with no dry pockets.
Time: PT3M
Add Chocolate Chips
Evenly sprinkle ½ cup of semi‑sweet chocolate chips over the top of the batter.
Time: PT1M
Bake
Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggle‑y.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: 350°F
Add Marshmallows
Remove the cake from the oven and immediately scatter 1 cup of mini marshmallows over the hot surface.
Time: PT1M
Broil Marshmallows
Switch the oven to the broil setting and broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely, until the marshmallows turn golden brown.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Broil
Drizzle Chocolate
Melt 2 tablespoons of chocolate in the microwave (30‑second bursts) and drizzle over the warm cake.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 185
- Protein
- 2g
- Carbohydrates
- 28g
- Fat
- 8g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: vegetarian
Allergens: wheat, dairy, soy, eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Non-Stick Cooking Spray: butter, vegetable oil
- Instead of Chocolate Cake Mix: homemade chocolate cake batter
- Instead of Chocolate Pudding Mix: instant chocolate pudding powder
- Instead of Hot Cocoa Mix: cocoa powder + sugar
- Instead of Milk: almond milk, soy milk
- Instead of Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: dark chocolate chunks, milk chocolate chips
- Instead of Mini Marshmallows: regular marshmallows cut into small pieces
- Instead of Chocolate for Drizzle: chocolate ganache, caramel sauce
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 Inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Oven with Bake and Broil Settings
- Microwave‑Safe Bowl (for melting chocolate) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mix batter until smooth with no dry spots.
- Broil marshmallows carefully to avoid burning.
- Drizzle melted chocolate while the cake is still warm for a glossy finish.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality semi‑sweet chocolate chips for richer flavor.
- For extra s'mores authenticity, add a thin layer of crushed graham crackers on top before the final chocolate drizzle.
- If you prefer a gooier center, reduce the bake time by 5 minutes; the cake will be softer when hot.
Troubleshooting
Cake is dry or crumbly.
Add an extra ¼ cup of milk and ensure the batter is fully mixed before baking.
Marshmallows burn during broiling.
Broil on the lowest setting and watch continuously; remove as soon as they turn golden.
Cake does not set in the center.
Increase bake time by 5‑7 minutes and check with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover and store up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes after freezing.
Room temperature: Best eaten the same day; can sit uncovered for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the batter up to step 5, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- The baked cake can be stored refrigerated and reheated in the microwave for 30 seconds per serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of S'mores Dump Cake in American cuisine?
S'mores Dump Cake adapts the classic campfire treat—graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows—into a quick oven‑baked dessert, reflecting the American love for easy, nostalgic sweets that can be made with pantry staples.
What are the traditional regional variations of S'mores Dump Cake in the United States?
While the basic recipe is consistent nationwide, some regions add crushed graham crackers to the batter, use peanut butter cups, or swap chocolate chips for white chocolate to reflect local flavor preferences.
How is S'mores Dump Cake traditionally served in American households?
It is usually served warm, cut into squares, and enjoyed straight from the baking dish or plated with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
During what occasions is S'mores Dump Cake commonly prepared in American culture?
It is popular at backyard barbecues, holiday gatherings, game nights, and any casual get‑together where a quick, crowd‑pleasing dessert is needed.
What makes S'mores Dump Cake special or unique in American dessert tradition?
Its simplicity—just dumping a few boxed mixes and a few toppings—combined with the iconic s'mores flavor makes it a uniquely convenient twist on a beloved classic.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making S'mores Dump Cake?
Common errors include under‑mixing the batter, which leaves dry pockets, and over‑broiling the marshmallows, which can turn them black and bitter. Also, using too little milk can make the cake dry.
Why does this S'mores Dump Cake recipe use hot cocoa mix instead of plain cocoa powder?
The hot cocoa mix adds both cocoa flavor and a touch of sugar, ensuring the cake has a balanced sweetness without needing to measure extra sugar separately.
Can I make S'mores Dump Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Bake the cake, let it cool, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before adding fresh marshmallows and chocolate drizzle.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the S'mores Dump Cake is done?
The edges should be set and lightly browned, the center slightly jiggle‑y, and the top should be glossy from the melted chocolate chips. After broiling, the marshmallows should be golden and puffed.
What does the YouTube channel Julia Pacheco specialize in?
The YouTube channel Julia Pacheco focuses on simple, family‑friendly recipes that require minimal prep and cleanup, often featuring dump‑style cakes, quick desserts, and practical kitchen hacks.
How does the YouTube channel Julia Pacheco's approach to American comfort desserts differ from other cooking channels?
Julia Pacheco emphasizes ultra‑easy, one‑dish recipes that use store‑bought mixes and pantry staples, whereas many other channels showcase more elaborate techniques or from‑scratch preparations.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
