There’s something utterly delightful about the combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers that transports me right to summer campfire nights. Every time I think of the gooey goodness of s’mores, I can’t help but reminisce about the laughter and warmth of sharing stories under the stars. But, what if I told you that you can capture that nostalgic flavor in a cake?
Enter my S’mores Cake — a luscious dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to devour! Perfect for gatherings, weeknight treats, or simply to brighten your day, this cake combines a rich chocolate base with layers of creamy marshmallow crème and golden-browned marshmallows on top. You’ll have friends and family asking for seconds, and trust me, it only takes a quick 43 minutes from start to finish. If you’re tired of fast-food desserts that lack heart, let’s dive into creating something scrumptious that you can proudly say you made from scratch!
Why is S’mores Cake a Must-Try?
Irresistible sweetness: This cake is a heavenly blend of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers, creating the ultimate homage to classic s’mores.
Quick and easy: With just 43 minutes from prep to plate, it’s a fantastic solution for last-minute gatherings or sweet cravings.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a birthday party or family dinner, this cake is guaranteed to win hearts and make smiles.
Versatile serving options: Enjoy it warm or at room temperature—your choice!
Perfect for sharing: Ideal for impressing guests, they’ll keep coming back for more, and you’ll love watching them indulge!
For an even easier dessert option, don’t forget to check out my delicious chocolate chip cookies!
S’mores Cake Ingredients
Dive into the delightful components that make this S’mores Cake a sweet sensation!
For the Cake Base
- All-purpose flour – this forms the foundation with great structure.
- Brown sugar – packed for that deep, rich sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate.
- Graham cracker crumbs – these lend the classic s’mores flavor and add a bit of crunch.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – a critical element for a rich chocolate taste.
- Baking powder – helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
- Baking soda – another leavening agent that aids in achieving a light texture.
- Salt – enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
For the Wet Ingredients
- Buttermilk – adds moisture and a lovely tanginess for a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil – ensures the cake remains moist and soft.
- Large eggs – bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s richness.
- Vanilla extract – infuses the cake with a warm, inviting aroma.
For the S’mores Topping
- Semisweet chocolate chips – add bursts of chocolate flavor throughout the cake.
- Marshmallow crème – gives that signature sweet and gooey layer on top.
- Marshmallows – they melt beautifully and create that iconic s’mores presentation.
Now that you’re familiar with the ingredients, let’s get ready to whip up this unforgettable dessert!
How to Make S’mores Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, making it ready for a delicious cake that won’t stick.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl: all-purpose flour, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until well combined.
- Create a well in the center of the mixture. This is where your wet ingredients will go, so make a nice little hole!
- Pour the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract into the well. They’re about to mix and create magic!
- Stir until just combined. Don’t over-mix; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps. This will keep your cake tender and fluffy.
- Add the semisweet chocolate chips to the batter and mix gently until they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly so it bakes uniformly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake for about 5 minutes once removed from the oven. Let it settle before elevating the sweetness!
- Switch the oven setting to “Broil,” preparing for that perfect toasted marshmallow topping.
- Warm the marshmallow crème in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until it’s spreadable. This will make it easy to coat your cake.
- Spread the warmed marshmallow crème evenly over the cake. Take your time to cover it beautifully!
- Arrange the marshmallows on top of the cake, making sure they’re evenly spaced for that classic s’mores look.
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips between the marshmallows for added chocolate goodness.
- Broil the cake in the oven until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown. Keep a watchful eye—burning can happen quickly!
- Remove the cake from the oven once it reaches that perfect golden color. Let it cool for a moment before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Just before serving, sprinkle with extra graham cracker crumbs for that delightful crunch.
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra touch of indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with S’mores Cake?
There’s nothing like the sweet aroma of freshly baked cake to elevate any gathering, and pairing it with delightful companions makes it even more memorable.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla provides a luscious contrast to the rich chocolate, creating a delightful temperature play. The cold ice cream beautifully complements the warm cake, transforming each bite into pure bliss.
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Fresh Berries: Light, tart, and juicy, fresh strawberries or raspberries add a fruity brightness that balances the sweetness of the cake. Their vibrant colors also bring a beautiful pop to your dessert table.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over each slice enhances the chocolate flavor while adding an extra layer of indulgence. It’s the perfect finishing touch for every chocolate lover!
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream pairs perfectly with the gooey layers, making every bite feel indulgent yet fluffy. Add a hint of vanilla to enhance its flavor, making it even more divine!
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Coffee or Espresso: A rich cup of coffee serves as a fantastic counterpoint, thanks to its bitter notes that balance the sweetness of the cake. Consider a mocha for an even more decadent pairing!
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Toasted Nuts: Chopped, toasted pecans or walnuts provide a lovely crunch and earthy flavor, adding depth and texture to the overall experience. They can be sprinkled on top for an aesthetically pleasing touch!
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Milk: The classic choice for desserts, a glass of cold milk creates a nostalgic feel that brings everyone back to childhood. Creamy and refreshing, it complements the rich chocolate and gooey marshmallow flavors perfectly!
Expert Tips for S’mores Cake
Fresh Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and buttermilk for a smoother batter and a fluffier cake overall.
Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Marshmallow Love: Watch the broiling process closely; marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds!
Graham Cracker Crumb Topping: For an extra crunchy texture, sprinkle more graham cracker crumbs over the top just before serving.
Storage Secrets: Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture, but the cake is best enjoyed fresh!
Make Ahead Options
These S’mores Cake preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time while still delivering deliciousness! You can mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, crumbs, cocoa, and leavening agents) up to 3 days in advance, storing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Additionally, the batter can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and kept in the refrigerator; just give it a quick stir before pouring into the pan. When it’s time to bake, simply preheat the oven and follow the remaining steps for the topping. This ensures your cake is just as delightful as if you made it from scratch on the day—perfectly moist and scrumptious!
S’mores Cake Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize this delightful cake to suit your taste buds!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy this treat without gluten.
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Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use almond milk instead of buttermilk for a plant-based version.
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter to introduce a lovely crunch and depth of flavor.
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Boozy Delight: For an adult twist, swirl in some coffee liqueur or bourbon into the batter for an extra kick.
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Fruity Addition: Fold in diced strawberries or raspberries into the batter for a burst of fruity sweetness alongside the chocolate.
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Extra Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips in place of semisweet for a richer cake, or drizzle chocolate sauce over the top for ultimate indulgence.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the batter to add a subtle heat that perfectly complements the sweetness.
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S’mores Sandwich: Transform the cake layers into s’mores sandwiches by cutting the cake in half, spreading marshmallow crème in between, and topping with more chocolate!
Explore these variations, and create a S’mores Cake that tells your flavor story!
Storage Tips for S’mores Cake
Room Temperature: Allow the cake to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring to an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Fridge: If you prefer a colder treat, store the cake in the fridge. Seal it well, and it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezer: To enjoy later, freeze the individual pieces in an airtight container or plastic wrap. It can last for up to 2 months and defrost easily at room temperature.
Reheating: For a warm slice, microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy straight from the fridge for a chilled dessert experience!
S’mores Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of chocolate should I use for S’mores Cake?
Absolutely! I recommend using semisweet chocolate chips for their perfect balance of sweetness and richness. If you prefer darker chocolate, go for bittersweet chocolate chips. Avoid using super sweet chocolate, as it may overwhelm the cake’s overall flavor!
How should I store S’mores Cake for best freshness?
You can store S’mores Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before covering it so it stays moist. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days, but it tastes best fresh!
Can I freeze S’mores Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze S’mores Cake, slice it into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply let it thaw at room temperature or microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
What should I do if my cake is too dense?
If you find your S’mores Cake is dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Also, ensure you’re using fresh leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda, as expired ones can affect the rising process.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Very! For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure that the other ingredients, like baking powder, also comply with gluten-free standards. This way, everyone can enjoy a slice of this delicious S’mores Cake!
Is S’mores Cake safe for pets?
No, unfortunately. S’mores Cake is not suitable for pets as it contains chocolate and marshmallows, which can be harmful to animals. Keep this indulgent treat for human enjoyment only, and maybe whip up a special pet-friendly snack for your furry friends instead!
S’mores Cake Recipe FAQs
Decadent S’mores Cake That’ll Make You Swoon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl: all-purpose flour, brown sugar, graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Create a well in the center of the mixture.
- Pour the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract into the well.
- Stir until just combined; it's okay if there are a few small lumps.
- Add the semisweet chocolate chips to the batter and mix gently.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool the cake for about 5 minutes once removed from the oven.
- Switch the oven setting to 'Broil.'
- Warm the marshmallow crème in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
- Spread the warmed marshmallow crème evenly over the cake.
- Arrange the marshmallows on top of the cake.
- Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips between the marshmallows.
- Broil until the marshmallows are puffed and golden brown, keeping a watchful eye.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool before serving.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, sprinkled with extra graham cracker crumbs.
