Irresistibly Gooey S’mores Cake Recipe for Campfire Lovers

Memories of childhood campfires dance through this decadent s’mores cake that blends nostalgic flavors into a delightful dessert.

Graham cracker layers mingle with rich chocolate and fluffy marshmallow cream, creating a sweet symphony.

Gooey marshmallow frosting promises to transport you back to summer nights under starry skies.

Chocolate drizzles and toasted marshmallow peaks make this cake a show-stopping centerpiece for any gathering.

Comfort and indulgence merge in each delectable slice, inviting you to savor a classic treat reimagined.

Soft, moist, and irresistibly tempting, this cake will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab a fork and let the adventure begin!

Smores Cake Add-On Ideas You’ll Love

• Gluten-Free Graham Base: Replace traditional graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies like almond or coconut flour-based options.
• Vegan S'mores Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use dairy-free chocolate, and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute regular sugar with stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or coconut sugar to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Chocolate Lovers' Version: Incorporate dark chocolate chips into the graham cracker base and add extra chocolate layers between cake stages for intense chocolate enthusiasts.

Smores Cake — Everything You Wanted to Know

• Can I make this s'mores cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake layers and graham cracker crust 1-2 days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and assemble just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

• What chocolate works best for this cake?

Milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal. Use high-quality chocolate like Ghirardelli or Lindt for the richest flavor in your cake and frosting.

• How do I get the perfect marshmallow topping?

Use a kitchen torch for the best caramelized marshmallow effect. If you don’t have a torch, you can broil the marshmallows in the oven for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

• Is this cake good for birthday parties?

Absolutely! This s’mores cake is a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults love. Its nostalgic flavor and impressive look make it perfect for celebrations and gatherings.

Reasons to Love Every Slice of Smores Cake

• Designed to wow guests at birthdays, summer gatherings, or potlucks, this cake brings the beloved campfire treat into an impressive layer cake format that guarantees smiles.
• Combines nostalgic graham cracker base with classic chocolate and marshmallow flavors that children and adults will absolutely adore, creating a fun and interactive dessert experience.
• Requires less than an hour from start to finish, allowing you to create a stunning dessert without spending hours in the kitchen, ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious results.

What Smores Cake Is Made Of

• Graham Cracker Crumbs, Sugar, Melted Butter: Classic s'mores foundation with sweet and buttery notes, creating a crisp and flavorful crust that mimics traditional graham cracker base.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and soft texture for the cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor reminiscent of classic s'mores.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for light and fluffy cake texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake remains moist and tender.
• Milk: Adds liquid and helps create smooth cake batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic baking flavor.

• Marshmallow Fluff, Marshmallows: Classic s'mores element that creates gooey, sweet layers.
• Chocolate: Dark or milk chocolate for authentic s'mores flavor, best when high-quality.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create smooth chocolate ganache or frosting.
• Chocolate Chips: Optional extra chocolate element for more intense flavor.

Smores Cake — Here’s How It Comes Together

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), creating the perfect warm environment for baking.

Step 2: Create Graham Cracker Base

• Graham cracker crumbs
• Sugar
• Melted butter

Mix thoroughly until the mixture reaches a consistent texture and appears well-blended.

Step 3: Form Cake Pan Foundation

Carefully press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of two 9-inch cake pans, ensuring an even and smooth surface.

Step 4: Initial Baking Process

Bake the graham cracker base for 8 minutes, allowing it to set and develop a light golden color. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Cake Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Buttermilk
• Vanilla extract

Whisk dry ingredients in one bowl, then combine wet ingredients in another. Slowly incorporate wet mixture into dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and free of lumps.

Step 6: Pour Cake Batter

Carefully pour chocolate cake batter over the graham cracker base in each cake pan, distributing evenly.

Step 7: Bake Chocolate Layers

Return cake pans to oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Create Marshmallow Frosting

• Marshmallow fluff
• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until light and fluffy, creating a smooth and spreadable consistency.

Step 9: Assemble Cake Layers

Once cake layers have completely cooled, spread marshmallow frosting between layers and over the entire cake.

Step 10: Torch and Decorate

Use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the marshmallow frosting, mimicking the classic s’mores campfire experience. Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings or graham cracker crumbs.

Pro Techniques for Getting the Smores Cake Texture Right

• Perfectly Press Crust: Use the back of a measuring cup to evenly compact graham cracker mixture into cake pans for a uniform, smooth base.
• Prevent Crumbling Disaster: Let graham cracker crust cool completely before adding cake batter to ensure structural integrity and clean cake removal.
• Moisture Magic: When mixing cake batter, don't overmix to keep the texture light and fluffy, which prevents dense, tough cake layers.
• Chocolate Intensity Hack: Use high-quality dark chocolate for the ganache to elevate the s'mores flavor profile and create a rich, decadent finish.
• Marshmallow Swirl Strategy: Toast marshmallow topping briefly with a kitchen torch for authentic campfire flavor and beautiful caramelized appearance.

Storing Smores Cake Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftover s'mores cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness.
• Remove frozen cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain the cake's texture.
• Warm individual slices in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the cake's soft texture and enhance the marshmallow's gooey quality.

Best Matches for Serving Smores Cake

• Pair this s'mores cake with a rich, dark chocolate stout that echoes the cake's deep cocoa notes and enhances the marshmallow sweetness.
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the cake's intense flavors and provide a cool, smooth counterpoint.
• Mix a boozy hot chocolate or bourbon-spiked marshmallow cocktail that captures the nostalgic campfire essence of the dessert.
• Enjoy with a bold espresso or coffee with a hint of cinnamon to complement the graham cracker base and chocolate layers.

Smores Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible s’mores cake brings campfire magic straight to dessert lovers’ tables. Graham cracker layers, rich chocolate ganache, and toasted marshmallow frosting create a nostalgic sweet treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk (or milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) hot coffee or hot water

Crust and Topping Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85 g) butter, melted
• ½ cup chocolate ganache or melted chocolate
• Mini marshmallows (for toasting)
• Crushed graham crackers

Marshmallow Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 4 large egg whites
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare a foundational crust by thoroughly combining graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the mixture achieves a consistent, slightly moistened texture.
2. Carefully distribute the prepared graham cracker mixture evenly across the base of two 9-inch cake pans, pressing firmly to create a compact, uniform layer.
3. Transfer the cake pans to a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C) and bake the crust for precisely 8 minutes, ensuring a golden and lightly toasted foundation.
4. Remove the baked crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely, maintaining its structural integrity for the subsequent cake layers.
5. While the crust cools, prepare the cake batter with meticulous attention to creating a smooth, well-integrated mixture that will complement the graham cracker base.
6. Gently pour the prepared cake batter over the cooled graham cracker crust, ensuring an even distribution that covers the entire surface without disturbing the foundational layer.
7. Return the filled cake pans to the oven, baking until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and the cake demonstrates a perfect rise and golden-brown surface.
8. Once baked, extract the cakes and permit them to cool completely on a wire rack, allowing them to settle and develop a stable structure.
9. Create a decadent marshmallow frosting by whipping the ingredients to a light, fluffy consistency that will provide a luxurious topping for the cake.
10. Apply the marshmallow frosting generously across the cake layers, creating swirls and peaks that mimic the classic s’mores aesthetic.
11. For the final touch, use a kitchen torch to lightly caramelize the marshmallow frosting, achieving a golden-brown finish reminiscent of a campfire-roasted marshmallow.

Notes

• Toast graham cracker crumbs briefly before mixing to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the crust.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to ensure smooth, even cake batter and better rising.
• Carefully line cake pans with parchment paper for easy cake removal and preventing sticking.
• Consider using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a more intense, sophisticated flavor profile that balances the sweetness of marshmallow topping.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 240 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg