Easy Decadent S’mores Cake

There’s a little something magical about desserts that remind us of campfires, gooey chocolate, and the perfect combination of sweet and crunchy. Enter the S’mores Cake—a delightful homage to the classic treat that has been charming taste buds for decades. With every slice, you’ll get that nostalgic mix of marshmallow fluff, rich chocolate, and a buttery crumb that melts in your mouth. Plus, did you know that dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants? It’s a treat that can be good for your heart (in moderation, of course!). As you savor the aroma of chocolate rising in your oven, you’ll soon find that this cake is not just a dessert; it’s a sweet memory waiting to happen.

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Why This S’mores Cake is a Family Favorite

This S’mores Cake is sure to be a hit in any household. With layers and layers of chocolate, marshmallow, and all the nostalgic flavors you love, it combines convenience with a sprinkle of elegance. Not only is it easy to whip up, but it also brings the whole family together for a delicious reason. Get your kids involved in the mixing and decorating, and watch as they create not just a dessert, but an experience!

The Essentials

• Digestive biscuits or graham crackers: 250 grams (8.8 oz) (plus 1 tbsp sugar if using graham crackers)
• Unsalted butter (melted): 90 grams (3.17 oz)
• Eggs (room temperature): 2
• Granulated sugar: 300 grams (1½ cup, 10.5 oz)
• Buttermilk: 240 grams (1 cup)
• Oil: 120 ml (1/2 cup)
• Cocoa powder: 120 grams (1 cup)
• Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
• Hot strong brewed coffee (or water): 240 ml (1 cup)
• All-purpose flour: 300 grams (2⅓ cup + 1 Tablespoon, 10.5 oz)
• Baking soda: 2 teaspoons
• Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: ½ teaspoon
• Heavy cream: 80 grams (2.8 oz)
• Dark chocolate (finely chopped): 120 grams (4.2 oz)
• Unsalted butter: 30 grams (2 tablespoons, 1 oz)
• Marshmallow Creme/Fluff (store-bought or homemade): 200 grams (7.05 oz)
• Unsalted butter: 200 grams (7.05 oz), room temperature
• Powdered sugar: 100 grams (3.5 oz)
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Pinch of salt: To taste
• Dark chocolate: 100 grams (3.5 oz)
• Heavy cream: 100 grams (3.5 oz, 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp)
• Water: 90 grams (1/3 cup, 3 oz)
• Granulated sugar: 150 grams (3/4 cup)
• Agave syrup/honey/corn syrup: 250 grams (3/4 cup)
• Lemon juice or cream of tartar: 1 teaspoon or 1/2 teaspoon
• Egg whites: 3 large
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• The rest of marshmallow crème or store-bought marshmallow fluff for decoration.

From Pan to Plate

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans.
2. Crush the digestive biscuits or graham crackers until fine, then combine with melted butter (and sugar if using graham crackers) and press into the bottom of your prepared pans for a crunchy base.
3. For the cake, beat the eggs and 300 grams of granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Mix in buttermilk, oil, melted butter, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and hot brewed coffee until well combined.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, then gradually fold into the wet mixture.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. For the chocolate filling, melt dark chocolate combined with heavy cream over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
8. For the marshmallow buttercream, whip 200 grams of butter with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fluffy. Gradually mix in the marshmallow fluff until combined.
9. Make the chocolate ganache by melting the remaining dark chocolate with heavy cream and letting it cool slightly.
10. Assembly: Place one chocolate cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of chocolate filling, add the second cake layer, top with marshmallow buttercream, then drizzle with chocolate ganache. Finish with extra marshmallow fluff if desired.

Healthy Reasons to Love This

Each slice of S’mores Cake offers about 350 calories, 6 grams of protein, 50 grams of carbs, 15 grams of fat, and 2 grams of fiber. While it’s certainly a treat, the combination of dark chocolate and eggs provides some essential nutrients—perfectly balanced with the joy it brings. Indulge mindfully, and remember: Happiness is just a slice away.

How to Serve It Best

Serve this S’mores Cake warm or at room temperature to let those marshmallow flavors shine. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist, or enjoy it alongside your favorite coffee for that perfect afternoon pick-me-up. It’s an ideal dessert for summer BBQs, birthday parties, or simply a cozy family night in.

Keep It Fresh

You can store your S’mores Cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, wrap slices individually and toss them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy it fresh from your freezer, simply let it sit at room temperature for about an hour or reheat gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

Best Shortcuts

1. Use store-bought marshmallow fluff for a quick and easy layer—no cooking required.
2. Swap the homemade ganache with a chocolate syrup for a faster finish while keeping that rich flavor.
3. Make the cake layers a day in advance to save time on the assembly day and let the flavors meld beautifully.

Flavor Experiments

1. Peppermint Bliss: Add peppermint extract to the marshmallow buttercream for a festive twist around the holidays.
2. Tropical Delight: Swap out the dark chocolate for white chocolate and incorporate toasted coconut flakes for a beachy vibe.
3. Nutty Indulgence: Mix chopped nuts like pecans into the crust for an extra crunch, or drizzle with nut butter before serving.

Learn from My Mistakes

1. Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in dense, dry cake—mix just until combined for a light texture.
2. Not Letting Cakes Cool Completely: Attempting to frost warm cakes can result in melting buttercream—let them cool on a wire rack entirely.
3. Skipping the Baking Paper: Always line your cake pans; it makes removal so much easier and prevents sticking.

Creative Second-Day Ideas

1. Turn leftover slices into a decadent trifle by layering crumbled cake, whipped cream, and fresh berries.
2. Use leftover cake to make S’mores Cake milkshakes—blend with milk and a scoop of ice cream for a delicious drink.
3. Crumble the cake for a fun topping on yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast, adding a touch of joy to your morning routine.

Quick Questions

Can I make S’mores Cake ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the cake layers in advance and refrigerate them overnight. Just frost when you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to store leftover S’mores Cake? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze slices for longer preservation.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe? Absolutely! You can swap buttermilk for plain yogurt or milk with vinegar, and adjust the sweeteners according to your taste.

Is this cake suitable for parties? Yes! This visually stunning cake is perfect for parties and celebrations, impressing guests while delivering all the nostalgic flavors of S’mores.