Description
This S’mores Chocolate Cake brings the campfire classic indoors with layers of rich, moist chocolate cake, creamy toasted marshmallow frosting, crunchy graham cracker crumbs, and a silky chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrations or whenever you crave a nostalgic yet decadent dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups (260g) flour
- 2 cups (414g) sugar
- ¾ cup (85g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) hot water
Graham Cracker Crunch
- ¾ cup (100g) graham cracker crumbs (about 6 full sheet graham crackers)
- 1½ tablespoons (20g) sugar
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
Toasted Marshmallow Frosting
- 1¾ cups (392g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3¼ cups (about 2 jars) marshmallow fluff
- 6 cups (690g) powdered sugar
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows
Chocolate Ganache
- 9 ounces (1½ cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream
Vanilla Frosting (for Cake Stability)
- ¾ cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups (345g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream
Instructions
- Prepare the cake batter: Preheat the oven to 300°F (148°C) and grease three 8-inch cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and hot water until fully combined. The batter will be thin. Divide evenly into prepared pans and bake for 30-33 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool completely.
- Make the graham cracker crunch: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, stirring until evenly coated. Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the toasted marshmallow frosting: Spread the mini marshmallows on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for 30-60 seconds until golden brown. Let them cool completely. In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Add the marshmallow fluff and mix well. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy. Fold in the cooled toasted marshmallows.
- Make the chocolate ganache: Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream until it just starts to boil. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 3-5 minutes before whisking until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Assemble the cake layers: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Pipe a ring of vanilla frosting around the edges to create a barrier for the fillings. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache inside the ring, followed by a layer of marshmallow frosting, then sprinkle graham cracker crunch on top. Repeat the process for the second layer. Add the final cake layer on top and refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to firm up before frosting the exterior.
- Frost and decorate the cake: Spread the remaining marshmallow frosting over the entire cake. Press extra graham cracker crumbs along the bottom for texture. Drizzle the remaining chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Garnish with mini marshmallows and toast them with a kitchen torch for the final s’mores effect.
Notes
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, toast the marshmallows under a broiler for 30-60 seconds, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Refrigerating the cake for 30 minutes before final frosting helps keep the layers stable.
- The cake is best served at room temperature, so let it sit for 15 minutes before slicing if stored in the fridge.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 1193
- Sugar: 133.9g
- Sodium: 412.5mg
- Fat: 61g
- Saturated Fat: 35g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 164.4g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6.6g
- Cholesterol: 130.1mg