The Ultimate S’mores Cake Recipe: Campfire Magic in Every Bite

Sweet s’mores cake brings memories of crackling campfires and starlit summer nights, where marshmallow magic meets decadent chocolate charm.

Childhood nostalgia enhances into a delightful dessert that captures the essence of outdoor adventure and comfort.

Layers of rich graham cracker goodness intertwine with smooth chocolate and pillowy marshmallow cream, creating a sensory experience that transports you beyond ordinary cake boundaries.

Robust flavors dance together, promising a delectable journey through familiar yet sophisticated taste profiles.

Rustic elements blend seamlessly with sophisticated pastry techniques, elevating this classic treat into a gourmet masterpiece.

Texture and taste harmonize in a celebration of comfort and indulgence that beckons dessert lovers from all walks of life.

This cake represents more than just a recipe—it’s an edible story of warmth, connection, and delicious memories.

Why Everyone Loves a S’mores Cake Moment

• Create a Nostalgic Dessert Twist: This s'mores cake transforms the classic campfire treat into an elegant layer cake that brings childhood memories flooding back with every decadent bite.
• Indulge in Luxurious Texture Layers: Enjoy the perfect combination of crunchy graham cracker base, rich chocolate cake, silky marshmallow buttercream, and smooth chocolate ganache that creates an irresistible symphony of textures.
• Master Impressive Baking Techniques: This recipe allows home bakers to showcase professional-level skills by creating homemade marshmallow creme, complex chocolate ganache, and perfectly balanced cake layers that look and taste absolutely stunning.
• Celebrate Special Moments Deliciously: Perfect for birthdays, summer gatherings, or any celebration where you want to wow guests with a show-stopping dessert that combines familiar comfort flavors with sophisticated baking craftsmanship.

What You’ll Need for S’mores Cake

• Graham Crackers or Biscuits: Crunchy base with classic graham flavor, choose fresh and crisp..
• Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds rich taste, use unsalted for better control..
• Sugar: Optional sweetener for graham cracker crust, enhances overall flavor..
• Flour: Provides structure to the cake, use all-purpose for consistent texture..
• Cocoa Powder: Gives deep chocolate flavor, choose high-quality dark cocoa..
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents for cake's rise and softness..
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors..

• Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the cake, use room temperature..
• Vanilla: Adds warm, sweet flavor, use pure extract for best taste..
• Oil: Keeps cake moist, neutral vegetable oil works well..
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tender crumb, ensures soft texture..
• Coffee: Deepens chocolate flavor, enhances cake's richness..

• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, rich ganache and filling, use high-fat content cream..
• Chocolate: Provides intense chocolate flavor, choose good quality dark or semi-sweet..
• Butter: Adds richness to filling and buttercream, use unsalted..
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes buttercream, sift for smooth texture..
• Marshmallow Fluff: Gives signature marshmallow flavor, store-bought works perfectly..
• Egg Whites: Creates stable, glossy marshmallow creme,.

Steps for That Ooey-Gooey S’mores Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab three 8-inch springform pans and give them some love with butter and flour. Line the bottom with parchment paper for smooth cake removal.

Step 2: Create the Graham Cracker Base

Crush those graham crackers into fine sandy crumbs. Mix with melted butter and a touch of sugar. Press this delightful mixture into two of your prepared pans. Pop them in the fridge to chill out.

Step 3: Mix the Chocolate Cake Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Rich cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• A pinch of salt

Whisk them together until perfectly combined.

Step 4: Blend the Wet Cake Ingredients

• Vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil
• Buttermilk
• Smooth coffee

Gradually fold in your dry ingredient mixture.

Step 5: Bake the Chocolate Cake Layers

Pour the batter into your prepared pans. Slide into the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.

Step 6: Craft the Chocolate Filling

Warm up some cream and pour it over chocolate. Let it sit for a moment, then stir until silky smooth. Mix in butter and let it thicken.

Step 7: Whip Up the Marshmallow Buttercream

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Tiny pinch of salt

Fold in marshmallow fluff until light and fluffy.

Step 8: Create the Chocolate Ganache

Heat cream and pour over chocolate. Stir until it becomes a glossy, perfect sauce.

Step 9: Make Homemade Marshmallow Creme

Cook a mixture of water, sugar, and corn syrup to 240°F. Whip egg whites to soft peaks, then slowly stream in the hot syrup. Whip until it’s thick and glossy. Add a splash of vanilla.

Step 10: Assemble Your Spectacular Cake

Layer the cakes with buttercream and chocolate filling. Coat the entire cake with marshmallow buttercream. Chill in the refrigerator. Pour ganache over the top for a dramatic finish.

Tips to Nail the Marshmallow Melt

• Crush Crackers Finely: Use a food processor to grind graham crackers into uniform, fine crumbs for a smooth cake base.
• Prevent Dry Cake: Don't overbake; check cake doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center that comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Control Ganache Consistency: Let chocolate ganache cool slightly before pouring to achieve the perfect dripping texture.
• Master Egg White Technique: Whip marshmallow creme carefully, ensuring egg whites reach soft peaks before gradually adding hot syrup.
• Chill for Clean Layers: Refrigerate cake between layers to help set buttercream and create crisp, defined cake edges.

Store or Serve Leftover S’mores Cake

• Refrigerate: Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Freeze: Slice cake into individual portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Serve: Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying. Gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and enhance flavors.

Toppings That Work with S’mores Cake

• Pair with Campfire Nostalgia Beverage: Rich dark roast coffee or smoky bourbon perfectly complements the cake's graham cracker and chocolate layers, evoking warm childhood memories around a campfire.
• Match with Creamy Comfort Drink: Cold milk or vanilla milkshake balances the cake's intense chocolate and marshmallow flavors, creating a smooth and indulgent tasting experience.
• Enhance with Fruity Contrast: Tart raspberry liqueur or fresh raspberry coulis cuts through the cake's sweetness, adding a bright and refreshing dimension to each rich bite.
• Elevate with Textural Companion: Crunchy toasted almond brittle or caramel popcorn provides a delightful textural contrast to the cake's soft, gooey marshmallow and silky chocolate layers.

Remix Ideas for the S’mores Cake Base

• Graham Cracker Chocolate Swirl: Replace vanilla cake with chocolate graham cracker base, incorporate chocolate swirls throughout batter for extra richness and depth of flavor.
• Nutty Marshmallow Dream: Add chopped roasted almonds or pecans between cake layers, sprinkle crushed nuts on top for crunchy texture and enhanced nutty undertones.
• Salted Caramel S'mores: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce between cake layers, creating a decadent contrast with classic marshmallow and chocolate elements.
• Berry Campfire Fusion: Incorporate fresh raspberries or strawberry compote between layers, adding bright fruity notes that complement the traditional s'mores profile.

Smores Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Gooey marshmallow and rich chocolate unite in this irresistible s’mores cake, celebrating classic campfire flavors. Graham cracker crust and silky ganache layers invite you to savor a delightful dessert that whispers sweet memories of summer nights.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients (Main):

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) granulated sugar
• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 240 grams (1 cup) buttermilk
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 120 ml (½ cup) oil
• 120 grams (1 cup) cocoa powder

Base and Binding Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) digestive biscuits or graham crackers
• 90 grams (3.17 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

Supplementary Ingredients:

• 240 ml (1 cup) hot strong brewed coffee (or water)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (if using graham crackers)

Chocolate Filling Ingredients:

• 120 grams (4.2 ounces) quality dark chocolate, finely chopped
• 80 grams (2.8 ounces) heavy cream
• 30 grams (1 ounce) unsalted butter

Marshmallow Buttercream Ingredients:

• 200 grams (7.05 ounces) marshmallow creme/fluff
• 200 grams (7.05 ounces) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare your workspace by preheating the oven and setting up three springform pans with parchment paper and a light butter coating.
2. Transform graham crackers into fine crumbs, blend with melted butter to create a compact base layer for two cake pans, then refrigerate to set the crust firmly.
3. Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl, ensuring an even distribution of cocoa, flour, baking soda, and salt for a consistent cake texture.
4. Create a rich cake batter by whisking eggs and sugar until they become pale and fluffy, then incorporate vanilla, oil, buttermilk, and coffee for depth of flavor.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, maintaining a smooth consistency without overmixing.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, ensuring uniform cake layers.
7. Bake the cakes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, typically around 25 minutes, then allow them to cool completely on wire racks.
8. Craft the chocolate filling by carefully heating cream and pouring it over chocolate, stirring until a silky smooth texture develops, then incorporate butter for richness.
9. Whip the marshmallow buttercream by beating butter until creamy, gradually adding powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, then folding in marshmallow fluff for a light, airy texture.
10. Prepare the chocolate ganache by gently heating cream and blending it with chocolate until perfectly smooth and glossy.
11. For homemade marshmallow creme, carefully cook sugar syrup to the precise temperature, then slowly stream it into whipped egg whites, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes thick and lustrous.
12. Assemble the cake by layering the graham cracker-based cakes with alternating chocolate filling and marshmallow buttercream.
13. Apply a smooth buttercream coat to the entire cake, then chill to set the frosting.
14. Finish by drizzling the prepared ganache over the cake, allowing it to cascade elegantly down the sides.
15. Optional: Add dollops of marshmallow creme and use a kitchen torch to create a caramelized, toasted marshmallow effect for a dramatic presentation.

Notes

• Perfect for chocolate and marshmallow lovers, this decadent cake transforms classic campfire flavors into an impressive dessert.
• Prepare all components in advance to streamline the assembly process and reduce day-of stress.
• Graham cracker crust adds authentic s’mores texture and creates a delightful crunch between cake layers.
• Homemade marshmallow creme elevates the recipe from standard to spectacular, offering a rich, glossy finish.
• Temperature control is crucial when making marshmallow creme and ganache to ensure smooth, professional results.
• Torching marshmallow creme creates that signature caramelized s’mores flavor and stunning visual presentation.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 502
• Sugar: 56 g
• Sodium: 178 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg