S’mores Cake Recipe

I am beyond excited to share this irresistible S’mores Cake recipe with you! Imagine all the nostalgic flavors of classic s’mores – that perfect blend of crunchy graham cracker, rich chocolate, and gooey marshmallow – baked into layers of moist, decadent cake. This S’mores Cake captures everything we love about the campfire treat in an elegant, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy s’mores without the campfire fuss, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite indulgence!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This S’mores Cake is surprisingly simple to make thanks to a handful of essential ingredients that each contribute something special. From crumbly cookies for texture to luscious chocolate and fluffy marshmallow buttercream, every item plays a starring role in building those familiar, crave-worthy flavors.

• Digestive biscuits or graham crackers: Provide the iconic crunchy base and a subtle sweetness, acting like edible sandpaper for texture.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to both the crust and the cake layers, keeping everything wonderfully tender.
• Eggs: Help bind ingredients and give the cake structure with a light crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly, balancing cocoa’s slight bitterness.
• Buttermilk: Adds a gentle tang and activates baking soda for a fluffy cake rise.
• Oil: Boosts moistness, ensuring the cake stays soft for days.
• Cocoa powder: Brings deep chocolate richness and that unmistakable dark hue.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Strong brewed coffee: Intensifies chocolate flavor without overpowering.
• All-purpose flour: The cake’s foundation, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Work together to give the cake a perfect rise and light texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• Heavy cream and dark chocolate: Essential for making a luscious, silky chocolate filling and ganache that melt in your mouth.
• Marshmallow creme/fluff or homemade marshmallow creme: Adds that iconic gooey sweetness, both in the buttercream and as a toasted topping.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the marshmallow buttercream perfectly.

How to Make S’mores Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Crust

Start by crushing those digestive biscuits or graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor – this is your crunchy base that will mimic the classic s’mores crust. Mix the crumbs with melted butter (and sugar if using grahams) until well combined, then press this mixture evenly into two greased springform pans. Refrigerate the crusts while you move on to the cake batter – this will help the crust set nicely.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

Combine your flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This blend shapes the chocolatey foundation, ensuring every bite has delicious crumb and just the right lift.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and pale, which adds airiness to your cake. Stir in vanilla, oil, buttermilk, and hot brewed coffee to deepen the chocolate flavor and keep things moist and tender.

Step 4: Combine Batter and Bake

Gently mix your dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed to keep the batter light but fully incorporated. Pour the batter evenly into the pans lined with cookie crust and the plain pan for your top layer. Bake 20 to 30 minutes at 180°C (350°F), checking with a toothpick until it comes out clean—remember, the layer without crust might bake quicker! Cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Filling

Create your dreamy chocolate filling by melting chopped dark chocolate with hot heavy cream, stirring gently until smooth. Blend in butter for extra creaminess, then let it thicken at room temperature for about 30 minutes so it spreads like a dream between layers.

Step 6: Prepare the Marshmallow Buttercream

Whip unsalted butter with powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla until creamy. Fold in marshmallow creme or fluff, beating until light and fluffy—this luscious frosting will bring those s’mores flavors to life on your cake.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Melt dark chocolate with hot heavy cream the same way as your filling, stirring slowly until perfectly smooth. This ganache will add rich, glossy finishing touches on your cake or act as a decadent drizzle.

Step 8: Assemble the S’mores Cake

Level your cooled cake layers as needed, then flip the cookie crust layers so the crunchy side is on top. Start with a crust layer, spread a third of your marshmallow buttercream over it, creating a border, and fill that border with the chocolate filling. Repeat for the second crust layer, then place the plain cake layer on top and slather the remaining buttercream on the top and sides. Chill for 30 minutes to set before topping with chocolate ganache and marshmallow creme. Toast the marshmallow top gently with a kitchen torch for that perfect golden, slightly charred finish.

How to Serve S’mores Cake

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, add some mini marshmallows, a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers, or chocolate shavings on top of the toasted marshmallow creme. These toppings enhance the campfire vibe and add a bit of texture that’s just irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair your S’mores Cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance out the rich, decadent flavors. A simple fresh berry compote can provide a bright, fruity contrast that keeps things fresh and exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into generous wedges and serve individual portions atop small graham cracker crumbs or on rustic wooden platters to evoke that campfire feeling. For smaller gatherings, create mini versions of this cake in ramekins or mason jars layered with cake, chocolate filling, and marshmallow buttercream for an adorable twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This cake stays moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying leftovers without any loss of quality.

Freezing

If you want to preserve your S’mores Cake longer, freeze it uncovered in the freezer for a couple of hours to firm up, then wrap well in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before serving to retain that fresh-baked texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently at room temperature or give them a quick blast in the microwave (10 to 15 seconds) to soften the chocolate and marshmallow layers. Be careful not to overheat and lose the delicate texture that makes this S’mores Cake so special.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought marshmallow fluff instead of making homemade?

Absolutely! Store-bought marshmallow fluff can save time and works wonderfully in the buttercream. Making it from scratch is fun, but not necessary if you’re short on time.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free biscuits and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free cakes sometimes need slight adjustments.

Can I make the cake layers a day ahead?

Definitely. Baking the cake layers the day before assembly helps save time on the big day. Just store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature or in the fridge.

What’s the best way to toast the marshmallow buttercream topping?

A kitchen torch gives you the best control and that perfect golden finish. If you don’t have one, a brief broil in the oven works but watch closely to prevent burning.

Can I substitute milk for buttermilk in this recipe?

You can, by making your own buttermilk substitute with 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit 5 minutes before using. This keeps the cake tender and helps with rise.

Final Thoughts

This S’mores Cake is an absolute game-changer, turning everyone’s favorite campfire treat into an elegant dessert that easily steals the show. The rich chocolate, buttery crust, fluffy marshmallow buttercream, and toasty topping all come together for the ultimate nostalgic indulgence. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear how this cake becomes your go-to for celebrations and cozy nights in!

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