The “Smoking Guy� meme, also known as “This Is Fine� or “Smoking Dog,� is a humorous internet image of a dog sitting calmly in a room engulfed in flames, saying “this is fine.� This recipe article shows you how to recreate the meme as a fun, edible treat—a chocolate cake shaped like the dog’s head, with a lit cigarette (a candy stick) and a red frosting fire. It’s a playful dessert for meme lovers and party hosts, and it’s easier than it looks.
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz / 432 g) chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed on the box)
- 1 cup (240 ml) water (for cake mix)
- 3 large eggs (for cake mix)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (for cake mix)
- 2 cups (480 ml) chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup (240 ml) red frosting (for flames)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) yellow frosting (for flames)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange frosting (for flames)
- 1 black licorice twist (or black fondant) for the dog’s nose
- 2 white candy melts (or white frosting dots) for the eyes
- 1 chocolate-covered pretzel stick (for the cigarette)
- 1 marshmallow (for the cigarette tip, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions: in a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, eggs, and oil. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely (about 30 minutes).
- Once the cake is completely cool, place it on a serving plate. Trim the top if it’s domed, so the cake sits flat.
- Spread a thin layer of chocolate frosting over the top and sides of the cake to create a crumb coat. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
- Apply a second, thicker layer of chocolate frosting, smoothing it with an offset spatula. This will be the dog’s brown fur.
- To make the face: use the black licorice twist to form a small oval nose in the center of the cake, near the top. Place the two white candy melts above the nose for the eyes. You can pipe a tiny dot of chocolate frosting on each candy melt for the pupils.
- For the cigarette: insert the chocolate-covered pretzel stick into the cake at the mouth position (just below the nose), angling it slightly upward. If using a marshmallow, press it onto the end of the pretzel to look like the lit tip.
- Create the flames: using the red, orange, and yellow frostings, pipe small peaks and swirls around the edges of the cake and over the top, as if the dog is sitting in a fire. You can use a piping bag with a star tip, or simply spread with a knife for a more abstract look.
- Refrigerate the finished cake for at least 15 minutes to set the frosting before serving.
Tips
- Substitutions: If you don’t have chocolate cake mix, use your favorite from-scratch chocolate cake recipe (about 2 cups / 400 g flour, 1 1/2 cups / 300 g sugar, etc.). For the cigarette, you can use a thin breadstick or a rolled wafer cookie instead of a pretzel.
- Storage: This cake is best eaten within 2 days. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm.
- Common mistake: Don’t skip the crumb coat—it prevents crumbs from mixing into the final frosting layer. Also, make sure the cake is fully cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt.
- Make ahead: You can bake the cake a day ahead and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Frost it the next day.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Smoking Guy cake as a centerpiece at a meme-themed party, a Halloween gathering, or a casual movie night. Cut it into wedges and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk. It’s also fun to serve alongside other internet-inspired treats, like “distracted boyfriend� cupcakes or “woman yelling at cat� cookies.
Variations
- Vanilla version: Use a vanilla cake mix and white frosting, and color the flames with gel food coloring. The dog’s fur can be a light tan.
- Cupcake version: Bake the cake as 12 cupcakes instead of a single layer. Frost each cupcake with brown frosting, add a small face, and place a tiny candy cigarette on top. Bake for 18–20 minutes.
- Healthy-ish twist: Use a whole-wheat cake mix and reduce the frosting amount, but note the texture will be denser.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The frosting may soften at room temperature, so keep it chilled until serving. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake (wrapped tightly in plastic and foil) for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake flavor? Yes, any flavor works. Chocolate is classic because the dog is brown, but vanilla or red velvet also work—just adjust the frosting color.
How do I make the cigarette look more realistic? Use a thin pretzel stick and dip the tip in melted white chocolate, then roll it in brown sugar to mimic the lit ash. Or use a candy cigarette (if available) for a more authentic look.
Can I make this without a round pan? Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) pan and cut out a circle using a bowl as a guide. You can also make a sheet cake and just frost the entire surface with flames.
Is the cigarette edible? Yes, the pretzel stick and marshmallow are fully edible. If you use a candy cigarette, check the ingredients—some are not meant to be eaten in large quantities.
How do I get clean slices? Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This helps the frosting stay neat.
Can I make this gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your frosting and decorations are gluten-free. The texture may be slightly crumblier, but it will still taste great.
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