S’mores Cake

Introduction

Are you craving a dessert that combines the comforting flavors of a classic campfire treat with the indulgence of a rich cake? Look no further than the irresistible S’mores Cake. This delightful dessert brings together the gooey goodness of marshmallows, the creamy richness of chocolate, and the crunchy texture of graham crackers, creating a cake that’s sure to impress. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just because, the S’mores Cake is a delicious and unique treat that captures the essence of everyone’s favorite campfire snack in every bite.

Ingredients

To make a delectable S’mores Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• For the Marshmallow Frosting:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup marshmallow fluff
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Chocolate Ganache:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional, for extra shine)
• For the Graham Cracker Crust:
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• For Garnish:
• Mini marshmallows
• Additional graham cracker crumbs
• Chocolate shavings or chunks

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
• Gradually stir in boiling water until the batter is smooth and thin.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:

• In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
• Press the mixture into the bottom of each cake pan, creating a thin, even layer. Set aside.

1. Prepare the Marshmallow Frosting:

• Beat softened butter in a large bowl until creamy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
• Mix in marshmallow fluff, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.

1. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:

• Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer.
• Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
• If desired, stir in corn syrup for added shine.

1. Assemble the Cake:

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of marshmallow frosting over the top.
• Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining marshmallow frosting.
• Pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Sprinkle mini marshmallows and additional graham cracker crumbs over the top of the cake.
• For an extra touch, add chocolate shavings or chunks.

Tips for Perfecting Your S’mores Cake

• Cooling the Cake: Ensure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
• Ganache Texture: If the ganache is too thick, warm it slightly before pouring. If too thin, let it cool a bit more to thicken.
• Marshmallow Fluff: Using marshmallow fluff in the frosting gives a true s’mores flavor, but you can substitute with marshmallow creme if needed.

Conclusion

The S’mores Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the classic campfire treat. With its layers of chocolate cake, creamy marshmallow frosting, and rich chocolate ganache, this cake brings together all the elements of s’mores in a fun and delicious way. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the gooey, chocolatey, marshmallow goodness in every slice!

Serving and Storage Tips for Your S’mores Cake

Serving Tips:

1. Allow to Set: After decorating with chocolate ganache and garnishes, let the cake sit for about 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set. This will make it easier to cut clean slices.
2. Slice with Care: Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut through the cake. For cleaner slices, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
3. Serve at Room Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, serve the S’mores Cake at room temperature. If it’s been refrigerated, allow it to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.
4. Garnish Before Serving: Add any additional garnishes, like mini marshmallows or chocolate shavings, just before serving to keep them fresh and visually appealing.
5. Pair with Drinks: This rich dessert pairs wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage Tips:

1. Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature. Cover it with a cake dome or plastic wrap to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake. Place it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to avoid absorbing odors from other foods. The cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
3. Freezing: You can freeze S’mores Cake for extended storage. Wrap each slice or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the cake in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
4. Reheating: If you prefer your cake slightly warm, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can affect the texture of the frosting and ganache.
5. Avoid Over-Sweetening: If you’re storing the cake for a long period, consider adding fresh garnishes like marshmallows or chocolate shavings just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

Additional Tips:

• Check for Freshness: Before serving leftover cake, check for any changes in texture or flavor. If the cake appears dry or stale, it’s best to enjoy it in a timely manner.
• Customize Storage: If you’re storing the cake with specific decorations or toppings, consider removing or adjusting them as needed to maintain their quality.

By following these serving and storage tips, you’ll ensure that your S’mores Cake remains delicious and enjoyable long after it’s made.

1. Can I make S’mores Cake in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the S’mores Cake in advance. You can bake and frost the cake up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. For best results, add the garnishes, like mini marshmallows and chocolate shavings, just before serving. If you need to prepare it further in advance, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

2. How can I prevent the marshmallow frosting from melting?

To prevent the marshmallow frosting from melting or becoming too soft, ensure your cake is completely cooled before frosting. Additionally, make sure your marshmallow fluff is well-mixed and your butter is softened but not too warm. If the frosting becomes too soft while decorating, refrigerate the cake briefly to firm it up before continuing.

3. Can I use store-bought graham cracker crumbs for the crust?

Yes, you can use store-bought graham cracker crumbs for convenience. Simply mix the crumbs with sugar and melted butter as directed in the recipe. If you prefer a more homemade approach, you can crush graham crackers in a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin.

4. How do I store leftovers to keep them fresh?

To store leftover S’mores Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you need to freeze it, wrap the cake slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.