S’mores Chocolate Cake

Get ready to experience the best of both worlds with this S’mores Chocolate Cake! Imagine the gooey, toasted marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers of your favorite campfire treat—now transformed into an indulgent cake. This dessert is everything you love about s’mores, but in a decadent, layered cake version that’s perfect for any celebration or simply when you want to enjoy something extraordinary. With chocolatey layers, fluffy marshmallow frosting, and a graham cracker crumble, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look at s’mores the same way again!

Why You’ll Love S’mores Chocolate Cake

Here’s why this cake is going to steal the show at your next get-together:

Decadent Layers: A rich, fudgy chocolate cake base topped with layers of marshmallow frosting and a graham cracker crumble. It’s every layer of a s’more you could dream of!

Comforting and Cozy: There’s something about s’mores that just feels cozy and nostalgic. This cake captures all those feelings, making it perfect for celebrations, cozy nights, or whenever you need a sweet escape.

No Campfire Needed: You get all the gooey, delicious marshmallow goodness without the need for a campfire. It’s s’mores, no fire required!

Perfect for Sharing: This cake is made for sharing, and it’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or even just a fun weekend treat with friends.

Customizable: You can tweak this recipe by adding extra layers, swapping the frosting, or experimenting with different fillings. Whether you like it extra chocolatey or extra marshmallow-y, it’s easy to adjust to your liking.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cake for structure and texture.
• Cocoa Powder: For that rich, chocolatey flavor we’re all craving.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise to perfect fluffiness.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds the right amount of sweetness to the cake.
• Eggs: For binding and a rich, smooth texture.
• Buttermilk: Ensures a moist, tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake soft and moist.
• Vanilla Extract: For a warm, comforting background flavor.
• Hot Water: To enhance the richness of the chocolate.

For the Marshmallow Frosting:

• Marshmallow Fluff: The key ingredient for a fluffy, sweet frosting.
• Butter: For a creamy base.
• Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and to thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds extra flavor to the frosting.
• Heavy Cream: For a smooth and spreadable consistency.

For the Graham Cracker Crumble:

• Graham Crackers: Crushed to create that authentic s’mores flavor.
• Butter: Binds the graham cracker crumbs together for a crumbly topping.
• Sugar: Just a bit of sugar to add a touch of sweetness to the crumble.

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:

• Heavy Cream: For a smooth and glossy ganache.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Melted into the cream for a silky, rich chocolate topping.

(Note: Specific measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure the cake comes out easily.
2. Make the Chocolate Cake
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Finally, add the hot water and stir until the batter is well combined (it will be thin, but that’s okay!).
3. Bake the Cake
   Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Marshmallow Frosting
   While the cakes are cooling, make the marshmallow frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until fluffy. Add the marshmallow fluff and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream to reach a spreadable consistency.
5. Make the Graham Cracker Crumble
   In a small bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until everything is well combined, and set it aside.
6. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
   To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a separate bowl, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
7. Assemble the Cake
   Once the cakes are fully cooled, place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of marshmallow frosting on top, followed by a sprinkle of graham cracker crumble. Top with the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining marshmallow frosting.
8. Add the Ganache
   Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle with additional graham cracker crumble for that perfect s’mores touch.
9. Serve and Enjoy
   Let the cake set for a few minutes to allow the ganache to firm up slightly. Slice, serve, and prepare for a deliciously nostalgic treat!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~450
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 210mg
Total Carbohydrates: 62g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 45g
Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
Cooling Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

How to Serve S’mores Chocolate Cake

• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream would complement this cake perfectly.
• At Parties: This cake is a total crowd-pleaser and makes a fantastic centerpiece for birthdays, BBQs, or any celebration.
• On Its Own: The cake is rich enough to stand on its own, but a drizzle of chocolate syrup wouldn’t hurt!

Additional Tips

• Cake Layers: If you don’t have 9-inch pans, you can use 8-inch pans, but the layers may be thicker, so adjust the baking time.
• Marshmallow Frosting Tip: If the frosting is too runny, add a little extra powdered sugar to thicken it.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this cake.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A1: Yes! You can make the cake layers ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add the frosting and ganache just before serving.

Q2: Can I use store-bought marshmallow fluff?
A2: Absolutely! Store-bought marshmallow fluff works perfectly for the frosting and saves you time.

Q3: Can I make this cake without the ganache?
A3: You can! If you prefer a lighter finish, simply skip the ganache and top the cake with more marshmallow frosting or whipped cream.

Q4: How do I store leftover cake?
A4: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q5: Can I use dark chocolate for the ganache?
A5: Yes, dark chocolate can be used for a more intense, less sweet flavor. It will still be delicious!

Q6: Can I add anything else to the cake?
A6: You can mix in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a bit of cinnamon for added flavor in the cake layers.

Q7: Can I freeze this cake?
A7: Yes, you can freeze the cake layers and the frosting separately. Assemble and frost the cake once you’re ready to serve it.

Q8: Can I make this cake in a different shape?
A8: Of course! You can use a square or rectangular pan, or even make cupcakes with the batter.

Q9: How do I make the frosting fluffier?
A9: To make the frosting fluffier, beat it for a few extra minutes to incorporate more air into the mixture.

Q10: Can I make the graham cracker crumble without butter?
A10: The butter helps bind the crumble, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, you could use coconut oil or skip it, though the texture might change slightly.

Conclusion

This S’mores Chocolate Cake brings all the nostalgic flavors of your favorite campfire treat into a show-stopping dessert. With layers of fudgy chocolate cake, gooey marshmallow frosting, and crunchy graham cracker crumble, this cake is an absolute indulgence that will make you fall in love with s’mores all over again. It’s rich, it’s delicious, and it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Print