S’mores Cake Recipe – A Campfire-Inspired Dessert!
There’s something magical about the combination of gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers.
Traditionally enjoyed around a campfire, s’mores have become a timeless treat for all ages.
But what if you could bring that same cozy charm to your dessert table in cake form? Enter the S’mores Cake, a decadent twist on the classic favorite.
Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful dessert at home.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients List
Below is a detailed breakdown of ingredients for different serving sizes. Feel free to adjust based on the number of people you’re serving.
| Ingredient | For 6 People | For 12 People | Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup | 2 cups | Gluten-free flour mix |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 2 cups | Coconut sugar |
| Cocoa powder | ½ cup | 1 cup | Dark cocoa powder |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | Double-acting baking powder |
| Eggs | 2 | 4 | Flax eggs (for vegan option) |
| Milk | 1 cup | 2 cups | Almond milk, oat milk |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup | 1 cup | Melted coconut oil |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | Almond extract |
| Marshmallows | 1 cup (mini) | 2 cups (mini) | Vegan marshmallows |
| Graham crackers | 1 sleeve (crushed) | 2 sleeves (crushed) | Digestive biscuits |
| Chocolate bars | 2 (broken into pieces) | 4 (broken into pieces) | Dark chocolate chunks |
Tools of the Trade: Cooking Instruments
Here’s a list of tools you’ll need to bake and assemble your S’mores Cake. Alternatives are provided for convenience.
| Tool | Purpose | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing bowls | For combining ingredients | Large reusable containers |
| Whisk | To blend wet and dry ingredients | Electric hand mixer |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement | Kitchen scale |
| 9-inch round cake pans | Baking the cake layers | Square or rectangular pans |
| Spatula | Spreading batter evenly | Butter knife |
| Oven | Baking the cake | Convection oven or air fryer |
| Broiler | Toasting marshmallows | Kitchen torch |
How to Make S’mores Cake
Follow these steps carefully to create your perfect S’mores Cake:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and baking powder. This ensures a smooth texture and removes any lumps.
- If using gluten-free flour, make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to avoid overmixing.
Step 3: Bake the Cake Layers
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour your cake pans.
- Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before removing them from the pans.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one layer of cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of crushed graham crackers and chocolate pieces over it.
- Top with the second cake layer and press down gently.
Step 5: Add the Marshmallow Topping
- Cover the top and sides of the cake with mini marshmallows.
- Use a broiler or kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Serving and Decoration Tips
- Sprinkle extra crushed graham crackers on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the toasted marshmallows for a glossy finish.
- Serve slices with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent pairing.
Extra Tips
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa.
- If you don’t have a broiler, a kitchen torch works wonders for achieving that perfectly toasted look.
- Crush graham crackers by placing them in a ziplock bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin.
Storing Tips
- Store leftover S’mores Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Bring it back to room temperature before serving.
Common Mistakes, Solutions & Prevention
| Mistake | Solution | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Overmixing the batter | Stop mixing as soon as ingredients combine | Stir gently and avoid excessive beating |
| Burnt marshmallows | Monitor closely under the broiler | Use a timer and stay nearby |
| Cake layers sticking to the pan | Grease and flour pans thoroughly | Line pans with parchment paper |
| Uneven baking | Rotate pans halfway through baking time | Ensure oven racks are level |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). This makes the cake vegan-friendly while maintaining its structure.
Q2: What can I use instead of graham crackers?
If graham crackers aren’t available, digestive biscuits or shortbread cookies work well as substitutes. Simply crush them finely and sprinkle them onto the cake layers.
Q3: How do I prevent my marshmallows from burning?
Toasting marshmallows requires constant attention. If using a broiler, set it to low heat and check every 30 seconds. Alternatively, use a kitchen torch for better control.
Q4: Can I freeze the S’mores Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake without the marshmallow topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Add the marshmallows after thawing and before serving.
Q5: Is there a way to reduce the sweetness?
Absolutely! Opt for dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate and use unsweetened cocoa powder. You can also cut back slightly on the granulated sugar in the cake batter.
Variations to Try
If you want to experiment with your S’mores Cake, here are some fun ideas:
Peanut Butter S’mores Cake
Spread a layer of creamy peanut butter between the cake layers for a nutty twist. The combination of peanut butter, chocolate, and marshmallows is irresistible.
Mint Chocolate S’mores Cake
Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cake batter and use mint-flavored chocolate chips for a refreshing variation.
Fruit-Infused S’mores Cake
Incorporate fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries into the filling. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the marshmallows and chocolate beautifully.
Why This Cake Works for Every Occasion
The S’mores Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a versatile centerpiece for various occasions. Here’s why it fits so many scenarios:
Holiday Celebrations: Swap out traditional holiday desserts for this unique creation—it’s sure to stand out on any festive table.
Casual Gatherings: Its nostalgic flavors evoke memories of camping trips and childhood treats, making it perfect for laid-back get-togethers.
Formal Events: With elegant decorations like drizzled chocolate and neatly arranged toppings, it transforms into a sophisticated dessert.
Healthier Options for the Health-Conscious Baker
While S’mores Cake is inherently indulgent, there are ways to make it slightly healthier without compromising taste:
Choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for antioxidants.
Replace refined sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Use whole wheat or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber.
The S’mores Cake is ready to be the star of your dessert spread! With its irresistible layers of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker goodness, it’s bound to win hearts.
Try making this S’mores Cake at home and share your experience in the comments below. We’d love to hear how it turned out!
