
Discover a delightful twist on the beloved snack cake with these homemade chocolate bars. Using simple pantry ingredients and a box cake mix, create indulgent layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy marshmallow filling, and smooth chocolate ganache topping.
The magic happens in the careful layering process and proper chilling time between components.
Key Ingredients
- For Base Layer:
- Box Chocolate Cake Mix: Standard 15.25 oz size
- Butter: Unsalted, softened
- Eggs: Large, room temperature
- Water: As package directs
- Vegetable Oil: As package directs
- For Cream Layer:
- Marshmallow Fluff: One 7 oz jar
- Butter: Unsalted, room temperature
- Confectioners Sugar: For stability
- Vanilla Extract: Pure, not imitation
- Salt: Just a pinch
- For Topping:
- Chocolate Chips: Premium semisweet
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Full-fat only
Step-by-Step Method
- 1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 9x13 pan with parchment paper, leaving excess on sides. Mix and bake cake according to box directions, about 25 minutes. Cool completely on rack.
- 2. Make Chocolate Topping:
- Heat cream and pour over chocolate chips. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Chill until spreadable.
- 3. Prepare Filling:
- Cream butter until fluffy. Add sugar gradually, then mix in marshmallow and vanilla until smooth and light.
- 4. Layer Components:
- Spread marshmallow mixture over cooled cake. Chill 30 minutes. Top with chocolate mixture, spreading evenly.
- 5. Final Setting:
- Refrigerate one hour until firm. Lift using parchment edges and slice into bars.

Storage Tips
Keep bars refrigerated in sealed container up to 5 days. Allow 10-15 minutes at room temperature before serving. Freeze individually wrapped bars up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Glass of cold milk
- Fresh brewed coffee
- Scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- Mixed berry garnish
- Fresh whipped cream
- Warm hot chocolate
Recipe Variations
Try these creative twists:
- Yellow or white cake base
- Peanut butter cream filling
- Bittersweet chocolate topping
- Mint-flavored filling
- Toasted coconut garnish
- Pink strawberry base

Recipe Success
The key to perfect bars lies in proper timing and temperature control. Take care with each layer to achieve the ideal texture combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it okay to make these in advance?
- Definitely! They keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- → What’s the purpose of using parchment?
- Using it makes lifting the bars out and slicing them a total breeze.
- → Can I freeze these for later?
- Yep, you can freeze them for up to 2 months if they’re airtight.
- → Can I switch out the chocolate cake mix for another flavor?
- Sure, although chocolate keeps the signature Ding Dong taste.
- → Why chill between adding layers?
- It ensures the layers set up nicely and slice cleanly.