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Desserts · Part 3 of 3: Tips & recipe card

Easy Crockpot Chocolate S’mores Dump Cake Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

A top-down view of a black slow cooker filled with a freshly prepared chocolate s'mores dump cake.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
8
Includes 10 min resting

Tips for success

To enhance the s'mores experience, consider serving each portion with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, molten chocolate cake and the cold ice cream creates a sophisticated dessert experience.

If you find the cake is browning too quickly on the edges, you can place a clean kitchen towel under the lid to absorb excess condensation, which prevents the cake from becoming overly soggy during the final stages of the cooking process.

For a more intense chocolate flavor, you can sprinkle a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the cake mix before pouring the butter. This adds an extra layer of richness to the final dish.

Always ensure the slow cooker is on a flat, stable surface and that the power cord is not hanging over the edge of the counter. After the cooking time is complete, allow the cake to rest for at least ten minutes to let the sugars set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Variations

  • Peanut Butter Twist: Add a half-cup of creamy peanut butter dollops over the marshmallow layer before adding the cake mix for a rich, nutty flavor profile that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
  • Spiced Graham Base: Mix a teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the graham cracker crumbs before layering them to add a warm, spiced aroma that complements the sweetness of the marshmallows.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Not recommended, as the texture of the marshmallows and cake will degrade upon thawing.
Reheat
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds until warm and gooey.

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. Keep the container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, it is best to portion them out and warm them gently in the microwave to restore the gooey, molten texture of the marshmallows and chocolate.

This recipe is best served fresh, but you can prepare the layers in the slow cooker insert ahead of time and store the insert in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

When you are ready to cook, simply pour the melted butter over the cold layers and start the cooking process as directed. Note that starting with cold ingredients may add 15 to 30 minutes to the total cooking time, so monitor the cake closely.

Serving ideas

Serve the cake warm directly from the slow cooker for a casual, family-style presentation. Use a large serving spoon to scoop portions into bowls, ensuring everyone gets a mix of the graham cracker base, the gooey marshmallow center, and the chocolate cake top. Because the cake is quite rich, smaller portions are often sufficient, though it is easily customizable based on the appetite of your guests.

If you are hosting a larger group, you can place the slow cooker on a buffet table set to the 'warm' setting to keep the cake at the perfect temperature throughout the event.

Provide extra toppings like whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize their bowls. The combination of textures makes this dessert a standout choice for gatherings, providing a comforting, nostalgic flavor that is always well-received.

Frequently asked questions

Can this be made in a smaller slow cooker?
Yes, but ensure the slow cooker is at least 3 quarts to prevent the ingredients from overflowing as the cake rises. If the cooker is smaller, the cake will be deeper and may require an additional 30 minutes of cooking time to ensure the center sets properly.
Why does the cake look powdery on top?
This usually happens when the melted butter is not distributed evenly over the cake mix. To prevent this, pour the butter in a slow, steady stream, moving the glass across the entire surface of the cake mix to ensure full saturation.
Can a different type of cake mix be used?
Absolutely. While chocolate is traditional for s'mores, yellow, white, or even funfetti cake mixes work well with the marshmallow and graham cracker base. Adjust the cooking time by a few minutes if using a lighter cake mix, as they can sometimes cook slightly faster.
Recipe card

Easy Crockpot Chocolate S'mores Dump Cake

Prep 5 minCook 2 hRest 10 minTotal 2 h 15 minServes 8
A top-down view of a black slow cooker filled with a freshly prepared chocolate s'mores dump cake.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 package (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Spread the graham cracker crumbs evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker insert. This creates a solid foundation for the other ingredients and provides that classic s'mores crunch.
  2. Scatter the mini marshmallows uniformly over the layer of graham cracker crumbs. There is no need to press them down, as they will expand and melt during the cooking process.
  3. Sprinkle the dry chocolate cake mix evenly over the marshmallows. Do not mix or stir the ingredients, as the 'dump' method relies on the layers remaining distinct during the initial heating phase.
  4. Pour the melted butter evenly over the dry cake mix, ensuring as much of the powder as possible is moistened. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for two hours until the cake is set and the center is bubbling.
Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories
420
Protein
3.5 g
Carbohydrates
62 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
1.2 g
Sugar
42 g
Sodium
380 mg
Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.
Recipe by Clara Weller (pen name) · Allquickyrecipes · https://recipes.allquickyrecipes.com/easy-crockpot-chocolate-smores-dump-cake/part-3