S’mores Cake Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and fond memories of cozy campfire nights, this S’mores Cake is your new best friend. Combining the classic flavors of crispy graham crackers, rich chocolate, and fluffy marshmallow in a layered cake, it captures everything we love about s’mores but in an indulgent, elegant dessert perfect for any celebration. With moist chocolate layers, a buttery biscuit crust, luscious chocolate filling, and a dreamy marshmallow buttercream topped with a toasted fluff, this S’mores Cake is an experience you’ll want to savor bite after bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Despite sounding complicated, the ingredients in this S’mores Cake are straightforward and familiar, yet each plays a vital role in bringing out the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and that signature s’mores warmth.

• Digestive biscuits or graham crackers: The crumbly base that gives the cake its classic s’mores crunch and buttery flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Melts into the crumb crust and keeps the cake moist and rich.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure to the cake layers.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering, ensuring the chocolate shines.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and tenderness to the cake crumb.
• Oil: Keeps the cake ultra moist and soft.
• Cocoa powder: The heart of the chocolate flavor that deepens the cake’s richness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the cocoa.
• Strong brewed coffee (or water): Intensifies the chocolate without making it taste like coffee.
• All-purpose flour: Provides a light yet sturdy base for the cake layers.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Help the cake rise perfectly fluffy and tender.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and brightens all flavors.
• Heavy cream: Essential for making the silky chocolate filling and ganache.
• Dark chocolate: High-quality chocolate brings depth to fillings and toppings.
• Marshmallow creme/fluff: Gives the cake its signature marshmallow sweetness and amazing fluffiness.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the buttercream smoothly without grittiness.
• Lemon juice or cream of tartar: Stabilizes the marshmallow fluff, ensuring perfect texture.

How to Make S’mores Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Crust

Start by finely processing digestive biscuits or graham crackers and mixing them with melted butter to create a crumbly crust. This will form the delicious crunchy base for two of your cake layers. Press the crumbs firmly into the bottoms of two prepared pans, then refrigerate to set while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cake Batter

Whisk together your dry ingredients – flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt – in one bowl. In another, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy, then incorporate vanilla, oil, buttermilk, and hot coffee. Slowly mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Pour this velvety batter evenly over the biscuit crusts in your pans, and into a third pan without a crust for the top layer. This ensures your S’mores Cake has that iconic layered look and texture.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Bake your cakes for 20 to 30 minutes, making sure to check doneness with a toothpick. The pan without the biscuit crust may bake a few minutes faster, so keep a close eye on it. Once baked, allow them to cool in their pans briefly before transferring onto wire racks to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly is key for easy frosting later.

Step 4: Create the Chocolate Filling

Heat heavy cream until almost boiling and pour over finely chopped dark chocolate, letting it sit then gently stirring until smooth and glossy. Blend in butter for creaminess, and let the filling thicken at room temperature until it’s perfect for spreading. This rich filling adds an extra layer of indulgence to the S’mores Cake that chocolate lovers will adore.

Step 5: Whip Up the Marshmallow Buttercream

Beat softened butter until smooth, add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla, then fold in marshmallow fluff until the buttercream becomes light and fluffy. This light marshmallow buttercream is the sweet cloud that holds the whole cake together, giving it that unmistakable campfire treat feel with every creamy bite.

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Similar to the filling, pour hot cream over chopped chocolate and stir until luxuriously smooth. This shiny ganache will be drizzled later for that irresistible gleam and extra chocolate punch, crowning your cake beautifully.

Step 7: Assemble the S’mores Cake

Use a cake leveler to even out the layers if needed. Place the first crusted cake layer upside down on your serving plate so the biscuit crust sits on top. Spread a third of the marshmallow buttercream, form a border to hold in the chocolate filling, then spoon in some filling carefully. Repeat with the second crusted layer, again crust side up, then spread more buttercream and chocolate filling. Finally, top with the plain cake layer, upside down, and cover the entire cake with remaining buttercream. Chill for 30 minutes to set before adding the final touches.

Step 8: Add the Marshmallow Topping and Ganache

Spread or pipe marshmallow creme generously on top, then toast gently with a kitchen torch until golden and caramelized. Pour chocolate ganache over the cake or drizzle artistically. This final step adds the traditional toasted marshmallow flavor that makes the S’mores Cake truly unforgettable.

How to Serve S’mores Cake

Garnishes

To make your S’mores Cake look even more irresistible, scatter some mini marshmallows, crushed graham crackers, or shaved dark chocolate on top. These little touches add texture and enhance that campfire vibe, making each slice picture-perfect.

Side Dishes

This cake is a showstopper on its own, but if you want to complement it, consider serving with fresh berries for brightness or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for creamy contrast. A drizzle of salted caramel sauce also pairs wonderfully with the layers of chocolate and marshmallow.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake in tall wedges to show off those beautiful layers, or make mini individual cakes in ramekins by layering biscuit crumbs, cake, marshmallow buttercream, and chocolate filling. Adding a sparkler or edible gold dust turns this cake into a party centerpiece that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted and assembled, your S’mores Cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days while maintaining the moistness of the cake and the fluffiness of the marshmallow buttercream.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, allowing the layers and textures to soften naturally.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled or room temperature, avoid reheating. If you want the marshmallow topping a little softer, bringing it to room temperature for about 30 minutes will make cutting and serving much easier.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Store-bought marshmallow fluff works perfectly in this recipe and can save you time. Just ensure it’s at room temperature before folding into your buttercream for smooth mixing.

What type of chocolate should I use for the filling and ganache?

Choose high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content. It balances sweetness and gives that rich chocolate depth perfect for the filling and ganache layers.

Can I substitute the buttermilk in the cake batter?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle. This homemade substitute adds the acidity needed to react with the baking soda for a light crumb.

How do I avoid the marshmallow topping from melting too much?

Toast the marshmallow creme with short bursts of the kitchen torch rather than continuous flame. This method gives that perfect golden color without melting or causing the topping to run.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour and digestive biscuits for gluten-free versions. Just ensure your substitutes have similar properties so the texture remains soft and crumbly as intended.

Final Thoughts

Making this S’mores Cake is like capturing the magic of campfire evenings and turning it into an elegant dessert you can enjoy anytime. Its layers of crunchy, creamy, and fluffy textures combined with rich chocolate and marshmallow flavors make every forkful a moment of pure joy. I can’t wait for you to bake it, share it, and make some delicious memories along the way!

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