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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Crust Creation: Blend graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter into a uniform, slightly damp mixture that will form the foundation of the cake.
- 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.
- 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.
- Batter Integration: Craft a smooth cake batter and carefully pour it over the cooled graham cracker crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- 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.
- Cooling Phase: Transfer the baked cakes to a wire rack, allowing them to cool completely and stabilize their structure.
- Marshmallow Frosting: Whip the marshmallow frosting to a light, airy consistency that will crown the cake with a luxurious, cloud-like topping.
- 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.
- 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