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S’mores Layer Cake – Smores Layer Cake
This smores layer cake brings the beloved campfire treat indoors with layers of rich chocolate cake, fluffy marshmallow frosting, and crunchy graham cracker topping. You’ll create a show-stopping dessert that captures all the nostalgic flavors of traditional s’mores in an elegant cake form.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers in every bite
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and straightforward techniques
- Impressive presentation that’s perfect for birthdays, gatherings, and special occasions
- No campfire needed – enjoy s’mores flavors any time of year
- Customizable with different variations and personal touches
Why This S’mores Layer Cake Recipe Works with Smores Layer Cake
This smores layer cake recipe succeeds because it balances moisture, flavor, and texture perfectly. The cocoa-rich chocolate cake provides a sturdy base that won’t collapse under the marshmallow frosting.
The marshmallow fluff creates an authentic s’mores experience while remaining stable enough for layering. Unlike traditional buttercream, this frosting mimics the gooey marshmallow texture we love in campfire s’mores.
Graham cracker pieces add essential crunch and complete the classic flavor profile. This traditional approach ensures every element shines.
Why You’ll Love This S’mores Layer Cake with Smores Layer Cake
This smores layer cake transforms a simple campfire snack into an elegant dessert. You’ll appreciate how the familiar flavors create instant nostalgia while impressing guests with its sophisticated presentation.
The recipe accommodates various skill levels, making it accessible for beginners yet satisfying for experienced bakers. The forgiving nature of the marshmallow frosting means minor imperfections add to its rustic charm.
Unlike other complex layer cakes, this version requires no special techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen, making it perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1½ cups | Cake structure and texture |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 1 cup | Rich chocolate flavor |
| Granulated sugar | 1¼ cups | Sweetness and moisture |
| Baking powder | 1½ tsp | Leavening agent |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Flavor enhancement |
| Unsalted butter | ¾ cup | Richness and texture |
| Large eggs | 3 | Binding and structure |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Flavor enhancement |
| Whole milk | 1 cup | Moisture and tenderness |
| Marshmallow fluff | 2 cups | Authentic s’mores frosting |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups | Frosting stability |
| Graham crackers | 1 cup crushed | Classic s’mores crunch |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Two 9-inch round cake pans | Baking cake layers |
| Electric mixer | Creaming butter and mixing batter |
| Large mixing bowls | Combining ingredients |
| Wire cooling racks | Cooling cakes properly |
| Offset spatula | Frosting and layering |
| Measuring cups and spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement |
How to Make S’mores Layer Cake
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Prepare pans | Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans thoroughly |
| 2. Mix dry ingredients | Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt in large bowl |
| 3. Cream butter mixture | Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla |
| 4. Combine wet and dry | Stir in milk until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined |
| 5. Bake cakes | Divide batter between pans. Bake 25-30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean |
| 6. Cool completely | Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks |
| 7. Make frosting | Beat marshmallow fluff with powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable |
| 8. Assemble cake | Layer cakes with frosting, then cover entire cake. Top with crushed graham crackers |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and create better texture
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid tough, dense cake layers
- Test doneness with a toothpick in the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs
- Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding
- Add graham crackers just before serving to maintain their crunch
Serving and Storage Tips for S’mores Layer Cake
Serving Tips
Serve this smores layer cake at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. Cut with a sharp knife, cleaning between slices for neat presentation.
Pair with vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk to complement the rich chocolate flavors. For special occasions, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or extra marshmallow fluff.
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate in humid climates, but bring to room temperature before serving. This cake storage guide offers additional tips.
Mistakes to Avoid When Making S’mores Layer Cake
Avoid opening the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking, as this can cause the cakes to sink. Temperature fluctuations interfere with proper rising and create dense layers.
Don’t skip the cooling step before frosting. Warm cake will melt the marshmallow frosting, creating a messy, unstable layer that won’t hold its shape.
Measure cocoa powder accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling off. Too much cocoa creates bitter, dry cake, while too little results in weak chocolate flavor.
You Must Know
- Always use room temperature eggs and butter for smooth mixing and even texture
- Sift cocoa powder if it’s lumpy to prevent bitter pockets in your cake
- Line pan bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal
- Test your baking powder’s freshness – it should bubble when mixed with hot water
Tips and Tricks for S’mores Layer Cake
Create extra chocolate flavor by adding mini chocolate chips to the batter. Fold them in gently during the final mixing stage to prevent overmixing.
For deeper s’mores flavor, lightly toast your graham crackers before crushing. This enhances their nutty taste and adds authenticity to your smores layer cake.
Make ahead by baking cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. This professional technique actually improves flavor.
Variations and Suggestions for S’mores Layer Cake
Transform your smores layer cake with different chocolate types. Use dark cocoa powder for intense flavor or add espresso powder to enhance the chocolate notes.
Create individual portions by making cupcakes instead of layers. Reduce baking time to 18-20 minutes and top each with marshmallow frosting and graham cracker crumbs.
Try different graham cracker flavors like cinnamon or chocolate. You can also substitute with crushed digestive biscuits for a similar texture. Check out more dessert ideas in our recipe collection.
FAQs:
Yes, you can bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead and store them wrapped at room temperature. Assemble with frosting on the day you plan to serve for best results.
You can use melted mini marshmallows mixed with a little powdered sugar, or make a Swiss meringue buttercream for a similar fluffy texture.
Thoroughly grease your pans with butter, then dust with flour or cocoa powder. Line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking.
You can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting. The assembled cake doesn’t freeze well due to the marshmallow frosting.
Dry cake usually results from overbaking or too much flour. Check your oven temperature with a thermometer and measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off.
Conclusion
This smores layer cake brings childhood memories to life with its perfect balance of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker flavors. The straightforward recipe ensures success while delivering impressive results that will delight family and friends.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving nostalgic flavors, this cake delivers satisfaction in every bite. The combination of moist chocolate layers and fluffy marshmallow frosting creates a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant.
Try this recipe today and discover how easy it is to transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary smores layer cake that captures the magic of campfire treats in your own kitchen.
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📖 Recipe Card
Smores Layer Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for smores layer cake that combines rich chocolate cake layers with fluffy marshmallow frosting and crunchy graham crackers for the perfect s’mores experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups marshmallow fluff
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup graham crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans thoroughly
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt in large bowl
- Cream butter mixture: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla
- Combine wet and dry: Stir in milk until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined
- Bake cakes: Divide batter between pans. Bake 25-30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean
- Cool completely: Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks
- Make frosting: Beat marshmallow fluff with powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable
- Assemble cake: Layer cakes with frosting, then cover entire cake. Top with crushed graham crackers
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and create better texture
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid tough, dense cake layers
- Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding
- Add graham crackers just before serving to maintain their crunch
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 485 calories
- Sugar: 68g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 102g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: smores layer cake, chocolate cake, marshmallow frosting, graham crackers, dessert, layer cake
