Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Ooey Gooey Cake is the kind of dessert that makes people stop mid-bite, look up, and ask, “Can I have another piece?” It’s rich, deeply chocolatey, unapologetically gooey, and wrapped in pure comfort. With a fudgy chocolate base, a molten caramel center, and toasted marshmallows on top, this cake checks every indulgent box.

I first made this cake on a chilly weekend evening when I wanted something cozy but didn’t feel like pulling out every baking tool I own. One pan, a handful of pantry staples, and minimal effort later, the house smelled like a bakery—and the cake disappeared even faster than it cooled. The best part? It looks and tastes like a bakery-style dessert, but it’s incredibly easy and forgiving. This is the dessert you bring to potlucks, holidays, or slow weekends when you want maximum joy with minimum stress.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Ooey Gooey Cake

Rich, Gooey, and Ultra-Decadent Texture

This cake is all about contrast—in the best way possible. The bottom layer bakes into a dense, brownie-like chocolate base that holds everything together, while the top stays irresistibly molten. As it bakes, the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sink slightly into the cake, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout.

The marshmallows on top are the real showstopper. They puff up, turn golden, and develop that signature stretchy, gooey finish that makes every bite feel indulgent. Add in melted chocolate chips, and you’ve got layers of texture that feel rich, cozy, and completely satisfying.

Simple Pantry Ingredients

One of my favorite things about this cake is how approachable it is. There’s no fancy chocolate tempering or specialty ingredients required here. The chocolate cake mix shortcut keeps things stress-free while still delivering big flavor.

Everything you need—eggs, butter, caramel sauce, marshmallows—is easy to find at any grocery store, which means this cake is perfect for last-minute baking plans or spontaneous dessert cravings.

Easy Dessert for Any Skill Level

If you’ve ever worried about overmixing, overbaking, or complicated techniques, this cake is for you. There’s no mixer required, no tricky steps, and no pressure to be perfect. You simply mix, press, pour, sprinkle, and bake.

Even beginner bakers can feel confident here. The recipe is forgiving, flexible, and designed to turn out delicious every single time—even if you’re baking after a long day.

Perfect for Customizing

This recipe is a fantastic base for creativity. You can easily add chopped nuts for crunch, swirl in peanut butter, or swap the chocolate chips for flavored ones. It’s also easy to adapt for holidays—think festive sprinkles, seasonal candies, or a drizzle of extra caramel right before serving.

Whether you’re baking for a party or tailoring it to your family’s favorites, this cake plays well with customization.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients and Their Role

Chocolate cake mix – This forms the foundation of the cake, creating a rich, fudgy, brownie-like base without extra measuring or fuss.
Eggs – They provide structure and help bind the base so it’s sturdy but still soft.
Unsalted butter (melted) – Adds richness and creates that dense, indulgent texture we love in ooey gooey desserts.
Sweetened condensed milk – The secret to the ultra-creamy, gooey center. It melts into the cake and keeps everything soft and luscious.
Caramel sauce – Brings buttery sweetness and depth, balancing the chocolate with warm caramel notes.
Mini marshmallows – These create the gooey, toasted topping that makes this cake truly irresistible.
Chocolate chips – Melt into pockets of chocolate throughout the cake for extra richness in every bite.
Powdered sugar (optional) – A light dusting adds a bakery-style finish and just a hint of sweetness on top.

This simple lineup comes together to create a dessert that feels indulgent, comforting, and celebratory—exactly what an ooey gooey cake should be.

How to Make Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Ooey Gooey Cake

Step-by-Step Instructions

This Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Ooey Gooey Cake comes together in a way that feels almost too easy for how indulgent the final result is. Think cozy kitchen vibes, minimal cleanup, and that moment when you peek through the oven door and see marshmallows puffing and caramel bubbling—pure joy.

Start by preheating your oven and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This cake is wonderfully gooey, so good prep now means easy slicing later.

In a large bowl, mix the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and melted butter until the mixture becomes thick and fudgy. It will look more like a soft brownie dough than traditional cake batter—that’s exactly what you want. This dense base is what holds all that gooey goodness.

Next, press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or lightly greased hands to smooth it into the corners, creating a sturdy, even layer.

Slide the pan into the oven and par-bake the base just until it’s set but not fully baked. This short bake time gives the base structure while keeping it tender and soft underneath.

Remove the pan from the oven and pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the warm base. It will slowly seep into the cake, promising that signature molten center. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top—don’t worry about perfection here, those swirls bake beautifully.

Now for the fun part: scatter the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips evenly over the surface. As the cake bakes, the caramel will bubble, the chocolate will melt into pockets, and the marshmallows will turn golden and irresistibly gooey.

Return the pan to the oven and bake until the top is lightly golden and the center is still soft and molten. The edges should be set, but the middle should jiggle slightly when gently shaken.

Let the cake cool for a short time before slicing. This gives the layers a chance to settle while keeping that warm, ooey gooey center intact.

What to Serve with Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Ooey Gooey Cake

Suggested Pairings

This cake shines on its own, but the right pairing can turn it into a truly unforgettable dessert moment.

Drinks

Hot coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness
Cold milk for a classic, comforting combo
Hot chocolate for full-on chocolate lover vibes

Desserts & Toppings

Vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm cake
Light, fluffy whipped cream for contrast
Extra caramel drizzle for those who believe more is more

Occasion Pairings

A stunning addition to holiday dessert tables
Easy to transport and serve at potlucks
Perfect for family movie nights or cozy weekends at home

Variations and Substitutions

Nut-Free or Nut-Lovers Version

For a nut-free version, simply keep the recipe as written—it’s already a crowd-pleaser. If you love a little crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking. The contrast between gooey caramel and toasted nuts is absolutely delicious.

Extra Chocolate Lover’s Upgrade

If chocolate is your love language, this variation is for you. Swap some of the chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks, or drizzle melted chocolate over the baked cake. You can even use a chocolate caramel sauce for an extra layer of richness.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and double-check that your caramel sauce and chocolate chips are certified gluten-free. The texture stays wonderfully gooey, and no one will guess it’s gluten-free.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature Storage

If your kitchen isn’t too warm, this cake can be stored at room temperature for short periods. Once fully cooled, cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it on the counter for up to 24 hours. The cake will stay soft and gooey, making it perfect for next-day snacking or casual gatherings.

Refrigeration Tips

For longer storage, refrigeration is your best friend. Cover the cake tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The cake will firm up slightly when chilled, but a quick warm-up in the microwave brings back that irresistible gooey texture and melted caramel goodness.

Freezing and Make-Ahead Instructions

This cake freezes surprisingly well. Slice it first, then wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge or warm gently in the microwave. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dessert for holidays and parties.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Don’t overbake — the center should still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pan
Use high-quality caramel sauce for deeper flavor and smoother texture
Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes before slicing so layers can settle
Line the pan with parchment paper if you want easy lifting and clean slices
Reheat slices briefly in the microwave for maximum gooeyness and melted marshmallows

These little details make the difference between a good cake and a truly unforgettable one.

Related Desserts

Gooey Brownie Pie — Fudgy dessert with molten center and chocolate richness.
Baileys Chocolate Poke Cake — Ultra-moist chocolate cake with creamy ganache topping.
Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie — Warm and gooey dessert with classic chocolate chip goodness.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel works beautifully here. Just make sure it’s pourable and not too thick so it spreads evenly over the cake.

Why is my ooey gooey cake too runny?
This usually means it was underbaked. The center should be soft but not liquid. Letting the cake cool slightly also helps it set while staying gooey.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake is great made a day ahead. Store it covered in the fridge and reheat before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Can I use brownie mix instead of cake mix?
You can, but expect a denser, richer base. The cake mix version gives a softer contrast to the gooey topping.

How do I know when ooey gooey cake is done baking?
The edges should be set, the top lightly golden, and the center slightly jiggly—not wet, just molten.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Ooey Gooey Cake is everything a dessert should be: indulgent, comforting, and wonderfully easy to make. From its fudgy chocolate base to its bubbling caramel and golden marshmallow topping, every bite feels like a celebration. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again—whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself on a cozy night in.

I can’t wait for you to try it. If you do, leave a comment, share a photo, or tell me how you made it your own. Pin this recipe, share it, and enjoy every gooey bite! 🍫✨