Description
This Devil’s Food Zingers Cake is a rich, moist chocolate cake filled with a fluffy whipped marshmallow cream and topped with a smooth, luscious chocolate buttercream. Inspired by the classic Zingers snack cake, this homemade version delivers indulgent layers of decadent devil’s food cake, a pillowy marshmallow filling, and silky chocolate frosting for a perfect dessert to impress your guests or savor on any occasion.
Ingredients
Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) devil’s food cake mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Whipped Marshmallow Cream Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow fluff
Chocolate Buttercream
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream (plus more as needed)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch cake pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use an electric hand mixer to beat the ingredients at medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and glossy, remembering to scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 22-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Prepare Holes: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for 20 minutes. Then, using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes about 1 inch apart evenly across the cake surface.
- Cool Completely: Let the cake cool fully before adding the filling to ensure it sets well.
- Make Whipped Marshmallow Filling: In a large bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat with a mixer at medium-high speed until stiff soft peaks form. Gently fold in the marshmallow fluff until smooth and fluffy.
- Fill the Cake: Spoon or pipe the marshmallow filling into the holes and spread it evenly over the cake’s top using an offset spatula. Using a piping bag with a snipped corner can help fill holes completely.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the cake pan with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the filling to settle and firm up.
- Prepare Chocolate Buttercream: Beat softened butter in a large bowl or stand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until creamy and whipped. Add powdered sugar and cocoa powder and mix on low speed to incorporate.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Adjust consistency by adding more cream if necessary.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the chocolate buttercream evenly over the chilled cake on top of the marshmallow layer using an offset spatula with light pressure.
- Create Decorative Texture: Use a fork or the tip of an offset spatula to gently drag lengthwise lines through the frosting, mimicking the ridged chocolate topping of a classic Devil’s Food Zinger.
- Final Chill: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours to set the frosting well before serving.
- Serve: Slice the cake straight from the refrigerator and let each piece sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving for the best soft texture. Enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the marshmallow filling to avoid melting.
- If the chocolate buttercream is too thick, add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired spreadable consistency.
- Using a piping bag to fill the holes allows for better control and ensures even filling.
- Letting the cake slices sit at room temperature before serving enhances the cake’s softness and flavor.
- You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk for a slightly tangier and richer cake flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American