This S'mores Cake is going to knock your socks off! A graham cracker cake, milk chocolate buttercream, and toasted marshmallow topping, all made from scratch; it's much easier than you think.
June is birthday month for us, and I always try and make something I've never made before, when it comes to the cakes. I think this year I found some sort of magic wand, because this S'mores Cake is probably the most favorite I've ever made.
For one, I think it's the prettiest. Yes, even prettier than my Double Dark Chocolate Cake and my The Very Best Red Velvet Cake. It's also the most unique.
I've always watched all those Baking Championship shows on Food Network, and my favorite part of those shows are all the cake flavors, frostings, and toppings they come up with.
Sure the cakes are beautiful, but I'm not out to win awards for the best looking cakes...I watch it for the flavor ideas! I've seen s'mores cakes done on lot's of those shows, but never thought of breaking out the torch for my own.
I have never even pondered making something that would blend with flour to create the base, until being inspired by those bakers. I mean they will grind up potato chips, candy, and crackers to come up with some out of this world cake bases.
Sometimes they work, and sometimes they don't. And for some weird reason, my crazy graham cracker cake actually works!
The graham cracker cake isn't going to be a super fluffy cake, it's sort of dense, but it's supposed to be. It also over bakes quickly, so you have to keep your eyes all over the window on your oven, watch the time, and use tons of toothpicks to check, double check, and triple check that it's not over baked.
IF for some reason you do over bake it, have no fear, because a little simple syrup will save a dry cake. I'll share how to do that below the recipe for this perfect tasting S'mores Cake! However, if you just burn it, toss it out, and start over. You can't save a burnt cake.
Let's talk buttercream for a minute....This is a milk chocolate buttercream.
You could use your favorite chocolate buttercream recipe, but hold the phone...what chocolate do you typically make s'mores with??
The classic Hershey's milk chocolate candy bar, of course! That my friends is exactly what we used for this one!
Yep, milk chocolate Hershey bars, because we are going for classic the S'mores flavors here. I actually found a recipe that I fell in love with for a milk chocolate buttercream, and used it for this because it was perfection. We shouldn't mess with perfection! (Comfortably Domestic)
The marshmallow topping is actually the same topping I use on my S'mores Tart. If you are looking for a super tasty no bake s'mores treat, that would be it!
Sure, you "could" put that jarred marshmallow topping on this, but um, what would you? Because it's easy? Well, so is this AND you made it, so it is going to taste a thousand times better, AND it doesn't have any funky ingredients. 🙂 You're welcome!
Oh, and PLEASE do not think that this cake is too hard for you to make. I am NOT a baker. I am a seriously just a mom!
If I can do this, you can too. All it takes it following directions, time, and patience. <---- Patience is literally just waiting for the cake to bake and cool. You can't move on to anything else until that cake is cooled off completely.
How do you make S'mores Cake?
- Whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter for two minutes. Add the sugars, and cream for an additional two minutes. Add the eggs in one at a time, with the mixer on low. Beat in the vanilla.
- Working in 3rds, pour in ⅓ of the flour mix, and ⅓ of the buttermilk, until just combined. Do this with the remaining flour and buttermilk.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, and allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Turn out onto cooling racks and allow to cool completely before frosting.
How do you make Milk Chocolate Frosting?
- Melt the milk chocolate in 30 second increments, stirring after each, in the microwave, on 50% power. Once melted, set aside.
- Cream the butter for 2 minutes. Sift in the powdered sugar, and beat until it comes together. Add the whipping cream and vanilla. Lastly pour in the melted milk chocolate and beat for 4 minutes. Frost the cake once it's completely cooled.
How do you make Swiss Meringue (Marshmallow Topping)?
- Whisk together the egg whites, sugar, and cream of tarter. Place the bowl over a small pan with simmering water, making sure that the water doesn't touch the bottom of the bowl.Whisk the mixture until the sugar has dissolved completely, and the temperature reaches 160 degrees. This will take about 4 minutes. Whisk the entire time!
- Remove the bowl from the pan, and pour into a stand mixer, fitted with a whisk attachment. Beat on high speed for 5 to 6 minutes, or until glossy stiff peaks have been achieved. Beat the vanilla in.
This s'mores cake is really easy to make - it just has several steps. Follow them, and you'll have a perfect cake!
Can I make this S'mores Cake in a sheet pan?
Yes - just watch it when baking. I would suggest lowering the temperature to 325 degrees, and baking it for 50 to 55 minutes.
Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of swiss meringue?
No, sorry. It's too thin and runny.
Other summery recipes that I think you'll enjoy:
S'mores Cake
This S'mores Cake is going to knock your socks off! A graham cracker cake, milk chocolate buttercream, and toasted marshmallow topping, all made from scratch; it's much easier than you think.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Cake
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons Rodelle Baker's Extract, or Vanilla Extract
Milk Chocolate Buttercream
- 4 Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars, Chopped 1.55 ounces each
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Marshmallow Topping
- 3 egg whites, room temperature
- ½ cup sugar plus 1 tablespoon
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tarter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Graham Cracker Cake
Milk Chocolate Frosting
Marshmallow Topping
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 495Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 113mgSodium: 485mgCarbohydrates: 59gFiber: 1gSugar: 45gProtein: 5g
robin rue says
OMG I am drooling over here. That is the best thing I have seen all day. I HAVE to make one this weekend.
Joanna says
It's pretty darn drool worthy! 😉
candy says
Not your traditional smore that is for sure. This cake looks delicious and a much neater way to get your smore fix on. Will be making this one to try out.
Joanna says
Yes, a much neater way, as well as much cooler! 🙂
Brit Strawbridge says
Oh my goodness this looks heavenly!! I love the top - I am afraid I would eat that entire cake! Delicious!
Joanna says
I totally ate more than one or two servings! 😉
Jeanette says
Oh my gosh does look absolutely amazing! Can you come over to my house and make this for me? LOL. I love anything that has to do with Smore's. I would like to make this one and surprise my family with it.
Joanna says
It's pretty amazing! I would totally make one for you, but I'd have to take a slice or three! 😀
Tasheena @ SimplyTasheena.com says
I've never tried a s'mores cake before. This recipe looks delicious. Can't wait to try it with the family. Would be perfect for my next family gathering.
Joanna says
It would be the perfect cake for a family gathering! If you love s'mores, you're gonna love it!
Jenn@Engineermommy says
Oh my gosh, your smores cake came out incredible! That smores frosting on top looks amazing. Such a unique and fabulous cake!
Joanna says
Thank you! 🙂
Ashley says
I will take a slice or 3! This cake looks delicious!
Joanna says
I might have eaten 3 slices! 😉
wendy says
That marshmallow topping looks like something everyone would love!
Joanna says
Totally! It's a crowd pleaser. 😉 Who wouldn't love a toasted fluffy marshmallow topping?!
valmg @ Mom Knows It All says
That cake turned out looking terrific. I have a friend that loves buttercream, this would be perfect for her when she entertains.
Joanna says
Thank you! 🙂 This buttercream is bowl, spoon, and finger licking good! 😀
Terri Steffes says
THIS will be the next cake I make. How delicious it looks! We are a s'mores family!
Joanna says
We love s'mores too! I so hope you make this, and enjoy it as much as we all did!
Carol Cassara says
It honestly looks like a piece of heaven! It's the kind of cake that will remind you of childhood memories! I think it's really something that I'll enjoy! It looks so good, I'm craving for s'mores!
Joanna says
Totally brings back so many childhood memories. 🙂
Chubskulit Rose says
I love smores but I have never had it in a cake like this. What a great idea, I bet that's delicious!
Joanna says
Oh you have to have it in cake form, asap! 😀
Pam says
We love s'mores so this cake sounds delicious. I need To make it for summer sometime soon.
Joanna says
Your family will love this one! I am sure of it! 🙂
Glamamom says
Oh my goodness girl! What a fun take on a summer favorite. My boys will go crazy for this cake. Adding it to my recipe list!
Jeanine says
No way. This looks incredible. I will have to see if my husband would be down for helping me with this one. It looks AMAZING.
Peter says
Incredible cake! I love how you topped the marshmallow swirl you’ve charred. On top is mesmerizing. May just have to make this very soon.
Heather says
Making this NOW. Oh my yum, this looks amazing! It's such a beautiful cake and perfect for summer!!
Ricci says
This S'mores cake sounds and looks delicious!! I need to try this soon!! I only hope mine will be as pretty as yours, LOL!!