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Decadent S'mores Layer Cake with Rich Chocolate and Toasted Marshmallows

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Decadent S'mores Layer Cake, where layers of moist chocolate cake meet a creamy marshmallow frosting and a decadent graham cracker crust

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Decadent S'mores Layer Cake with Rich Chocolate and Toasted Marshmallows
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Serving the Cake:
To serve, use a sharp knife warmed in hot water for clean slices. This technique helps you maintain the frosting's integrity and creates a beautiful presentation for your guests.
Toasting the Frosting:
For an authentic s'mores taste, lightly toast the frosting with a kitchen torch. This step brings a slight caramelization, enhancing the flavor profile and providing a beautiful aesthetic to your cake.
Frosting Application:
Apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) first to seal in crumbs, chilling for a few minutes before applying the final layer. This allows for a smooth finish and prevents unsightly crumbs from mingling in your frosting.
Assembling the Layers:
When layering the cake, use a serrated knife to level each layer for a stable stack. Spread frosting evenly, allowing it to ooze slightly over the sides for that rustic look. This technique creates a visually appealing and delicious cake.
Creating the Graham Cracker Crust:
Pressing the graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan is vital for a stable crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to firmly pack down the crumbs, ensuring they hold together once baked.
Testing for Cake Doneness:
To check if your cakes are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Avoid opening the oven door too early to prevent sinking.
Adding Boiling Water:
Incorporating boiling water into the batter may seem unusual, but it enhances the cocoa's flavor and creates a smoother batter. It helps dissolve dry ingredients, resulting in a lighter, moist cake after baking.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients:
When mixing in the wet ingredients, start at a low speed to avoid splattering. Gradually increase speed once mixed, ensuring all components are well combined. This creates an even and aerated batter, promoting a light cake.
Mixing Dry Ingredients:
Combining the dry ingredients in a bowl allows for an even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa powder. Whisk thoroughly to avoid clumping and ensure a consistent texture, which is crucial for the cake's rise and final texture.
Prepping the Cake Pans:
Greasing and flouring the cake pans is essential to ensure the cakes do not stick after baking. Use a generous amount of butter or cooking spray followed by a dusting of flour, tapping out the excess. This step will give you a clean release and a beautiful presentation.
Decadent S'mores Layer Cake with Rich Chocolate and Toasted Marshmallows

The Complete Guide to Mastering Decadent S'mores Layer Cake

Serving the Cake:
To serve, use a sharp knife warmed in hot water for clean slices. This technique helps you maintain the frosting's integrity and creates a beautiful presentation for your guests.
Toasting the Frosting:
For an authentic s'mores taste, lightly toast the frosting with a kitchen torch. This step brings a slight caramelization, enhancing the flavor profile and providing a beautiful aesthetic to your cake.
Frosting Application:
Apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) first to seal in crumbs, chilling for a few minutes before applying the final layer. This allows for a smooth finish and prevents unsightly crumbs from mingling in your frosting.
Assembling the Layers:
When layering the cake, use a serrated knife to level each layer for a stable stack. Spread frosting evenly, allowing it to ooze slightly over the sides for that rustic look. This technique creates a visually appealing and delicious cake.
Creating the Graham Cracker Crust:
Pressing the graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan is vital for a stable crust. Use the back of a measuring cup to firmly pack down the crumbs, ensuring they hold together once baked.
Testing for Cake Doneness:
To check if your cakes are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Avoid opening the oven door too early to prevent sinking.
Adding Boiling Water:
Incorporating boiling water into the batter may seem unusual, but it enhances the cocoa's flavor and creates a smoother batter. It helps dissolve dry ingredients, resulting in a lighter, moist cake after baking.
Incorporating Wet Ingredients:
When mixing in the wet ingredients, start at a low speed to avoid splattering. Gradually increase speed once mixed, ensuring all components are well combined. This creates an even and aerated batter, promoting a light cake.
Mixing Dry Ingredients:
Combining the dry ingredients in a bowl allows for an even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa powder. Whisk thoroughly to avoid clumping and ensure a consistent texture, which is crucial for the cake's rise and final texture.
Prepping the Cake Pans:
Greasing and flouring the cake pans is essential to ensure the cakes do not stick after baking. Use a generous amount of butter or cooking spray followed by a dusting of flour, tapping out the excess. This step will give you a clean release and a beautiful presentation.
Master Your Recipe: Pro Tips for the Perfect S'mores Layer Cake
Add chocolate shavings or extra mini marshmallows on top for added visual appeal.
Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Serve with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra touch of indulgence.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Decadent S'mores Layer Cake with Rich Chocolate and Toasted Marshmallows

Decadent S'mores Layer Cake with Rich Chocolate and Toasted Marshmallows

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Decadent S'mores Layer Cake, where layers of moist chocolate cake meet a creamy marshmallow frosting and a decadent graham cracker crust. This cake is a delightful celebration of sweet flavors, combining rich chocolate, the toasted goodness of marshmallows, and the buttery crunch of graham crackers in every bite. Perfect for summer barbecues, birthday celebrations, or cozy gatherings with friends and family, this cake evokes nostalgic memories around the campfire, filling your heart with warmth and joy. Each slice offers a delightful contrast of soft, fluffy textures, gooey marshmallow cream, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs, making it an irresistible treat for all ages. Whether you're impressing guests at a party or enjoying a slice on a lazy afternoon, this S'mores Layer Cake will become your go-to dessert for any occasion.

Decadent S'mores Layer Cake with Rich Chocolate and Toasted Marshmallows
Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
1 Hours
Chef
JUE
Category
Dessert
Difficulty
Medium
Cuisine
American
Yield
12 servings
Dietary
Vegetarian
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Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake:
01
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour - Provides the structure and texture for the cake.
02
1 ½ cups granulated sugar - Sweetens the cake and enhances the chocolate flavor.
03
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - Gives a rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
04
1 ½ tsp baking powder - Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
05
1 ½ tsp baking soda - Works with acidic ingredients to leaven the cake.
06
1 tsp salt - Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
07
2 large eggs - Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
08
1 cup buttermilk - Ensures a tender and moist crumb.
09
½ cup vegetable oil - Keeps the cake moist and adds richness.
10
2 tsp vanilla extract - Enhances the overall flavor profile.
11
1 cup boiling water - Makes the batter smooth and helps dissolve dry ingredients.
For the Marshmallow Frosting:
12
1 cup unsalted butter, softened - Creates a creamy base for the frosting.
13
4 cups powdered sugar - Sweetens the frosting and gives it body.
14
4 cups mini marshmallows - Adds the hallmark marshmallow flavor and fluffiness.
15
1 tsp vanilla extract - Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
16
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - Provides the signature flavor and texture.
17
½ cup unsalted butter, melted - Binds the crumbs together for a sturdy crust.

Instructions

01
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring easy release after baking.
02
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
03
Step 3: Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until well combined.
04
Step 4: Carefully stir in the boiling water; the batter will be thin, which is perfect for a moist cake.
05
Step 5: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
06
Step 6: While the cakes are baking, prepare the graham cracker crust. Mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a bowl until fully combined.
07
Step 7: Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch round springform pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) and let it cool.
08
Step 8: Once the cakes are baked, allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
09
Step 9: For the marshmallow frosting, beat softened butter in a large bowl until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar until smooth.
10
Step 10: Fold in the mini marshmallows and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and fluffy.
11
Step 11: To assemble, place one layer of chocolate cake on top of the graham cracker crust. Spread a generous layer of marshmallow frosting on top.
12
Step 12: Add the second layer of chocolate cake and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining marshmallow frosting.
13
Step 13: For an extra touch, toast the frosting with a kitchen torch lightly to get that campfire flavor.
14
Step 14: Allow the cake to set for at least 30 minutes before slicing for the best texture.
15
Step 15: Serve and enjoy this decadent treat with friends and family!