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S’mores Cake

Think you know s’mores? Think again. This towering S’mores Cake hides gooey marshmallow fluff, molten chocolate ganache, and graham cracker crunch between every decadent layer. One slice in, and you’ll never look at dessert the same way. Look no further for the ultimate rich and decadent S’mores Cake.

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Ingredients to Make S’mores Cake Recipe

S’mores Cake is a show-stopping dessert that transforms any occasion into a celebration. This recipe pays homage to the three crucial components that makes s’mores so addictive. With layers of rich chocolate cake, toasted marshmallow frosting, and graham cracker crunch, it’s everything you love about the classic campfire treat, reimagined as an elegant, indulgent layer cake. Yes, it takes a few extra steps to create, but don’t let that scare you off. Every layer is worth it, and the final result is as impressive as it is delicious. Whether you’re a weekend baker, planning a bake sale or fundraiser, baking for a birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving or any holiday, this cake is guaranteed to steal the spotlight. Ingredients you’ll need to make a S’mores Cake: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

  • Flour – All purpose flour forms the base of the cake batter.
  • Leavening – Baking powder and salt give lift to the cake layers.
  • Cocoa – Unsweetened cocoa powder gives the cake layers their chocolaty flavor.
  • Sugar – Granulated sugar for sweetness.
  • Oil – Vegetable oil for moisture.
  • Liquid – Buttermilk or whole milk thins the batter.
  • Whole Eggs – Large eggs stabilize the homemade chocolate cake batter.
  • Flavoring – Vanilla extract balances the flavor of the chocolate.
  • Between the Layers – Graham cracker crumbs and marshmallow cream (marshmallow fluff).
  • Marshmallow Buttercream – Marshmallow fluff, powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar) and vanilla extract.
  • Chocolate Ganache – Milk chocolate chips and heavy cream.
  • Garnishes – Fun size Hershey candy bars, marshmallow creme, mini marshmallows, large marshmallows and broken or crushed graham crackers. To decorate with swirls of marshmallow creme as pictured see the Cook’s notes in the recipe card.

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How to Make the BEST S’mores Cake Recipe

  • Heat Oven and Prepare the Cake Pans – Prepare four 8-inch round cake pans with baking spray.
  • Sift Dry Ingredients – Whisk to sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.
  • Combine the Wet Ingredients – Use a mixer to beat the butter, oil, and granulated sugar until smooth and light then add the eggs.
  • Add the Flour Mixture to the Bowl – Gradually add the sifted flour mixture alternating with the milk until fully combined.
  • Transfer Cake Batter to the Pans – Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  • Oven – Bake per the ook time in the recipe or until a toothpick can be inserted into the center comes back clean.
  • Cool Completely – Cool cake layers in the pans on a cooling rack while making the frosting.
  • Make the Frosting –  Use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to beat together the butter, marshmallow creme, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar until completely combined.
  • Make the Chocolate Ganache – Pour warm heavy cream over the chocolate chips. Let sit to let the chocolate melt. Stir until smooth.
  • Assemble the Cake –  Stack layers with a generous layer of plain marshmallow creme between each layer and sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs.
  • Marshmallow Buttercream – Frost the top and sides of the cake with marshmallow buttercream.
  • Ganache – Pour the ganache over the top of the cake and use the tip of an icing spatula to gently spread into an even layer allowing some ganache to drip down the sides. Gently press reserved graham cracker crumbs around the bottom of the cake.
  • Decorate the Top of the S’mores Cake: You can top the cake with toasted swirls of marshmallow cream (See Cook’s note as pictured.) or use mini marshmallows or large marshmallows piled on top. Decorate with chocolate candy bars (i.e. Hershey bars) or drop dollops of marshmallow creme adding graham crackers for decoration.

Kitchen Equipment to Make S’mores Layer Cake

  • A stand mixer or hand mixer.
  • Large bowl and medium bowl.
  • Measuring cups and spoons.
  • Small saucepan to heat the heavy cream and a heat proof bowl for the chocolate ganache.
  • A large whisk for sifting the dry ingredients.
  • Offset spatulas for frosting the cake.
  • Four 8-inch baking pans or three 9-inch pans.
  • Wire cooling rack and icing spatulas.
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Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Chocolate – You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips in place of milk chocolate for the ganache.
  • Eyeball the Layers – When adding the graham cracker crumbs to the layers, you can use anywhere from 1/4-1/3 cup of crumbs. Have extra on hand and add more or less to suit your fancy.
  • Garnishes – To garnish this cake you can have fun! To garnish as pictured, use a large open star tip (Wilton 1M) to pipe generous swirls of homemade marshmallow cream and then toast it using a pastry torch.
  • Easy Marshmallow Topping – If you prefer, you can pile marshmallows on top and then toast them with a kitchen torch or pop the cake under the broiler just until they’re toasted. Don’t walk away! Drizzle the marshmallows with additional melted chocolate or arrange mini Hershey bars and graham crackers on top.

Storage and Leftovers

  • Leftovers – Store leftover s’mores cake in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Freezer – The cake layers will store frozen for up to 3 months for make ahead preparation. You can then assemble the cake prior to serving. Cool the cake completely then wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw the layers in the fridge prior to assembling the cake.

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More Layer Cake Recipes to Make

delicious-smores-cake-recipe

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S’mores Cake

Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Chill time6 hours
Total Time6 hours 55 minutes
Course: Cakes, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: best-smores-cake, smores-cake-recipe, smores-layer-cake
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 701kcal

Ingredients

  • Cake:
  • 2 3/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa power
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk or whole milk
  • Marshmallow Buttercream:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 7 oz container Marshmallow Cream
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • Chocolate Ganache:
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • S'mores Filling: (Between the Layers)
  • 2 7 oz containers marshmallow cream
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs divided use
  • Topping Suggestions: Mini marshmallows or large marshmallows, fun size Hershey bars, additional marshmallow cream, graham crackers

Instructions

  • To Make the Cake: Preheat the oven to 350° F. Prepare four 8-inch round cake pans with baking spray. Set aside.
  • In a medium mixing bowl use a whisk to sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
  • In a separate large bowl use an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat the butter, oil, and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until smooth and light. Add the eggs, mixing until combined.
  • On medium speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the bowl alternating with the buttermilk milk. Beat just until fully combined.
  • Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  • Transfer pans to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes back clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans on a wire rack while making the frosting.
  • Make the Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting: In a large mixing bowl use an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed to beat together the softened butter, marshmallow creme, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy about 2 minutes. Lower the speed of the mixer and gradually add the powdered sugar until completely combined.
  • To Make the Chocolate Ganache: Add the chocolate chips to a heat proof bowl. In a small saucepan, add the heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium high heat then immediately remove from the heat and pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Allow to sit for a couple minutes to let the chocolate melt. Mix until smooth and combined.
  • To Assemble the Cake: Stack the cake layers on a cake stand or plate. Spread a generous layer of plain marshmallow creme between each layer, sprinkle marshmallow cream with 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs.
  • Use a large offset spatula to spread a thin even layer of the marshmallow buttercream on top and sides of the cake to create a crumb coat. Place the cake in the freezer for 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.
  • Once crumb coat is set, remove from freezer and frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream.
  • Pour Chocolate Ganache: Pour the ganache over the top of the cake and use the tip of an icing spatula to gently spread into an even layer allowing some ganache to drip down the sides. (Pro Tip: You can use a piping bag to get a cleaner drip.) Gently press reserved 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs around the bottom of the cake.
  • To Decorate S'mores Cake: You can top the cake with toasted swirls of marshmallow cream (See Cook's note as pictured.) or use mini marshmallows or large marshmallows piled on top. Decorate with chocolate candy bars (i.e. Hershey), or drop dollops of marshmallow creme adding graham crackers for decoration.

Notes

To Make Homemade Marshmallow Fluff for the Top: (This is optional but holds its shape better than store bought fluff for piping.)
Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon cream of tartar
 
Directions:
  • Combine the sugar, egg whites, vanilla extract, and cream of tartar in a large mixing bowl.
  • Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, or use a double broiler. Whisk for 4-6 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved and the egg whites are warm. Remove from the heat.
  • Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture on high speed for about 4-6 minutes or until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  • Add the homemade marshmallow fluff to a piping bag with a large open star tip (using homemade marshmallow fluff holds its shape better for this part).Pipe dollops of fluff around the edge of the cake then use a pastry torch to toast the fluff until golden.
More Tips:
    • Chocolate – You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips in place of milk chocolate chips for the ganache.
    • Eyeball the Layers – When adding the graham cracker crumbs to the layers, you can use anywhere from 1/4-1/3 cup of crumbs. Have extra on hand and add more or less, to suit your fancy.
    • Garnishes – To garnish this cake you can have fun! To garnish as pictured, use a large open star tip (Wilton 1M) to pipe generous swirls of homemade marshmallow cream and then toast it using a pastry torch. Homemade is more stable for piping.
    • Marshmallow Topping – If you don’t want to go to the trouble of homemade fluff, you can pile marshmallows on top and then toast them with a kitchen torch or pop the cake under the broiler just until they’re toasted. Don’t walk away! Drizzle the marshmallows with additional melted chocolate and arrange mini Hershey bars and graham crackers on top. Have fun and make it your own!
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 701kcal | Carbohydrates: 103g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 164mg | Potassium: 175mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 73g | Vitamin A: 734IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 2mg
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2 Comments

  1. I want to make this cake! It sounds delicious! A question, in the ingredients list, you say whole milk, then in the directions you say butter milk….. which is it?

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