Heavenly Campfire-Inspired Gooey S’mores Cake Recipe

Fire pits spark memories of childhood summers, where chocolate chip s’mores cake creates pure magic.

Graham cracker crusts crumble softly beneath rich chocolate layers.

Marshmallow frosting adds decadent sweetness that melts hearts with every bite.

Layers of gooey goodness promise an indulgent dessert experience.

This cake captures classic campfire flavors in a stunning homemade treat.

Warm chocolate and toasted marshmallow notes dance across each heavenly slice.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this irresistible dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 305 kcal

Servings: 12

Smores Cake Ingredient Essentials

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides the classic s'mores base with sweet, crunchy texture.
• Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps bind the crust.
• Melted Butter: Creates a rich, golden binding agent for the crumb mixture.

• All-Purpose Flour: Delivers soft, tender cake structure.
• Cocoa Powder: Infuses deep chocolate flavor and rich dark color.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and creates light, airy texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies chocolate notes.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps cake moist and tender.
• Buttermilk: Adds tangy flavor and ensures soft crumb.
• Eggs: Provides structure and helps bind ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens chocolate flavor with warm undertones.

• Marshmallows: Creates classic gooey s'mores texture.
• Chocolate Bars: Delivers authentic s'mores chocolate richness.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create smooth, spreadable marshmallow layer.
• Powdered Sugar: Stabilizes marshmallow frosting for perfect consistency.

Tools That Help Toast, Layer, and Love This Cake

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining graham cracker base ingredients.
• Electric mixer or whisk: Essential for creating smooth cake batter and achieving creamy consistency.
• 9-inch cake pans: Two standard pans needed for creating cake layers.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula: Helps spread batter evenly and scrape mixing bowl.
• Cooling rack: Allows cake layers to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Offset spatula: Great for spreading frosting and creating smooth cake surfaces.
• Pastry torch (optional): Adds delightful toasted marshmallow effect on top of cake.

How to Bake a Smores Cake With Gooey Layers

• Crush and Combine Graham Base

Pulverize graham crackers into fine crumbs, mixing them with sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this delicious foundation evenly into two cake pans, creating a perfect golden crust.

• Whip Up Chocolate Batter

Blend chocolate cake ingredients into a silky smooth mixture. Pour the rich, dark batter carefully over the graham cracker base, ensuring an even distribution that promises decadent layers of flavor.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pans into a preheated oven set at 350°F. Let the cake transform for about 30-35 minutes, watching for that magical moment when the edges pull slightly away from the pan and a toothpick comes out clean.

• Create Marshmallow Magic

Once the cake has cooled, generously spread a fluffy layer of marshmallow frosting across the top. Use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the marshmallow surface, creating those signature golden-brown swirls that scream classic s’mores.

• Drizzle and Serve

Finish by dramatically drizzling melted chocolate over the cake, creating beautiful ribbons that cascade down the marshmallow landscape. Slice and serve this show-stopping dessert that captures the campfire spirit in every delectable bite.

Additions That Bring in Campfire Vibes at Home

• Crumb Perfection: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly for a stable cake base that won't crumble when served.
• Chocolate Swirl Magic: Melt high-quality dark or milk chocolate for a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the classic s'mores taste.
• Marshmallow Mastery: Toast marshmallow topping with a kitchen torch for professional-looking golden-brown peaks, or use the broiler for an equally impressive finish.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour to make the cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare cake layers and frosting a day in advance, assembling just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and minimal last-minute stress.

Serve With Toasted Marshmallows or Chocolate Ganache

• Fireside Dessert Adventure: Slice this gooey s'mores cake around a cozy campfire with friends, creating delightful memories with each bite.
• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Top each slice with extra chocolate shavings and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers to intensify the rich, decadent flavor profile.
• Party Presentation Perfection: Serve on elegant dessert plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a marshmallow torch-roasted right at the table for dramatic flair.
• Ice Cream Pairing Delight: Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream alongside each slice to complement the cake's warm, nostalgic graham cracker base and gooey marshmallow layers.

Store Carefully to Keep It Soft and Sticky

• Quick Chill Trick: Refrigerate the completed s'mores cake for 30-60 minutes before serving to help the chocolate layers set perfectly and enhance the cake's structural integrity.
• Fridge Storage Magic: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain its delightful texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual cake slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this delicious treat anytime a craving hits.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the graham cracker crust and cake layers a day in advance. Store the cooled layers separately in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic wrap, to reduce day-of preparation stress and streamline your baking process.

Gooey Smores Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Gooey s’mores cake combines graham cracker crust, rich chocolate layers, and marshmallow frosting into a nostalgic campfire-inspired dessert. Dark chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallow topping complete this indulgent treat you’ll want to savor slowly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large eggs
• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters or ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• ¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) hot coffee or hot water
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tbsps (85 g) butter, melted
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup chocolate ganache or melted chocolate
• Mini marshmallows (for toasting)
• Crushed graham crackers
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp cream of tartar

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Instructions

1. Crust Creation: Blend graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a uniform, slightly damp mixture that will form the foundation of the cake.
2. Crust Preparation: Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into two 9-inch cake pans, creating a compact base that will anchor the cake’s structure.
3. Initial Baking: Roast the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes until it develops a golden, crisp texture, then allow to cool completely.
4. Batter Integration: Craft a smooth cake batter and carefully pour it over the cooled graham cracker crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Primary Baking: Return the filled pans to the oven and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, indicating a perfectly cooked cake with a beautifully risen surface.
6. Cooling Phase: Transfer the baked cakes to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely and stabilize their structure.
7. Marshmallow Frosting: Whip the marshmallow frosting to a light, airy consistency that will crown the cake with a luxurious, cloud-like topping.
8. Frosting Application: Generously spread the marshmallow frosting across the cake layers, creating elegant swirls and peaks that capture the essence of a classic s’mores treat.
9. Final Caramelization: Use a kitchen torch to gently brown the marshmallow frosting, mimicking the classic campfire-roasted marshmallow appearance and adding a final layer of depth to the dessert.

Notes

• Prevent Crumbly Crust: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid base that won’t fall apart when serving.
• Achieve Perfect Cake Texture: Avoid overmixing batter to prevent a dense, tough cake; mix just until ingredients are combined for a light, tender crumb.
• Master Marshmallow Frosting: Whip frosting at medium-high speed to create stable peaks without deflating the delicate air bubbles that give it a fluffy texture.
• Torch Technique Matters: Hold kitchen torch at a slight angle and move constantly when caramelizing frosting to create an even, golden-brown finish without burning.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg