Smores Cake: 7 Easy Steps to Bake It Perfectly
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There’s something about a smores cake that feels like a hug from your childhood, isn’t there? I still remember the first time I tried to bake one I was 10 years old, standing on a kitchen stool because I was vertically challenged (still am, by the way), with marshmallow fluff stuck to literally every surface, including the cat. It was a glorious, chocolatey disaster.
Fast forward to today: older, wiser, and now armed with a recipe that actually works Smores Cake. This is the kind of cake that makes you feel like you’re sitting around a campfire, minus the mosquitoes and your cousin trying to poke you with a flaming stick.
Whether you’re craving a nostalgic dessert or want to impress everyone at your next party with a s’mores birthday cake, I promise this one’s going to be your new favorite.
So, grab your marshmallows and your sense of adventure we’re about to bake up some serious magic.
Why You’ll Love This Smores Cake
This smores cake is like if your favorite fudgy chocolate cake and a classic campfire s’more had a very delicious baby. It’s everything you love about gooey toasted marshmallows, melty chocolate bars, and crunchy graham crackers, layered into one stunning, decadent masterpiece.
If you’ve ever had a fancy s’mores dessert at a restaurant and thought, “I could eat five more of these,” — this is the homemade version that actually delivers. It’s rich without being too heavy, sweet without being cloying, and it brings all the cozy vibes.
I’ve devoured slices of this chocolate s’mores cake with coffee, after a BBQ, and even for breakfast (no regrets). It also shines as a s’mores birthday cake it’s festive, familiar, and impressive enough to make everyone think you’re a baking wizard.
Trust me, once you bake this beauty, you’ll start dreaming up excuses to make it again and again.
Ingredients for Smores Cake
This smores cake might look like it came straight from a bakery window, but the secret? Simple ingredients doing magical things together. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1 ¾ cups flour | Structure for the cake layers |
| 1 ½ cups sugar | Sweetness, baby! |
| ¾ cup cocoa powder | Rich, deep chocolate flavor |
| 1 ½ tsp baking powder | Helps the cake rise beautifully |
| 1 ½ tsp baking soda | Tender crumb magic |
| 1 tsp salt | Balances the sweetness |
| 2 eggs | Adds richness and stability |
| 1 cup milk | Moisture + softness |
| ½ cup vegetable oil | Keeps it tender and moist |
| 2 tsp vanilla extract | Flavor boost! |
| 1 cup boiling water | Intensifies cocoa flavor |
| 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers | Signature s’mores crunch |
| 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows | The gooey soul of the cake |
| 1 ½ cups chocolate chips | Chocolatey melty goodness |
Note: When you add the boiling water, the batter will look suspiciously thin like, “Did I mess this up?” thin. Don’t panic. That’s exactly what we want for a super moist cake.
How to Bake the Perfect Smores Cake (In 7 Easy Steps!)
Alright, apron on? Kitchen dance playlist cued up? Let’s get baking!
1. Preheat and Prepare
First things first: crank your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. (Trust me, trying to chisel cake out of a pan is not part of the cozy baking vibe.)
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a big ol’ bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Take a moment to inhale that chocolatey smell. Heaven.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla to your dry mix. Stir it together lovingly, like you’re making a potion of happiness.
4. Add Boiling Water (Carefully!)
Pour in the boiling water slowly, mixing gently. The batter will look thin — almost like a thick hot cocoa. This is good. It’s going to bake up like a dream.
5. Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between your pans. Sprinkle half the crushed graham crackers and half the chocolate chips on top of each. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean (or mostly clean — melty chocolate chips don’t play fair).
6. Layer with Marshmallows
Here’s where the magic happens! As soon as the cakes are done, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top and pop them under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. Watch them like a hawk — marshmallows go from golden to “oh no, it’s on fire!” in a blink.
7. Assemble and Serve
Once cooled, stack your cakes with extra graham cracker crumbs, chocolate chips, and a drizzle of melted chocolate between the layers. Top the whole thing with even more toasted marshmallows if your heart says yes (my heart always says yes).
Tips & Notes for the Best Smores Cake
- Don’t overbake! A slightly underdone cake = fudgy, moist perfection.
- Want a gluten-free smores cake? Swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified GF graham crackers.
- Make-ahead magic: You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly and store at room temp.
- Storage: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container. It’ll stay good (and gooey) for up to 4 days — if it lasts that long.
- Variation idea: Make it a smores cake easy version by using boxed chocolate cake mix if you’re short on time. Your secret’s safe with me.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this smores cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day before and toast the marshmallows fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Q: What can I use instead of graham crackers?
A: Crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers work like a charm if you’re in a pinch!
Q: How do I store leftovers of smores cake?
A: Pop any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For extra gooeyness, microwave slices for 10 seconds before eating!
Q: Can I turn this into a s’mores birthday cake?
A: 100% yes! Add candles, sprinkles, maybe even a chocolate ganache drip — make it as extra as your heart desires.
Q: Can I use marshmallow fluff instead of mini marshmallows?
A: You can! Spread it between the layers and torch the top with a kitchen torch for a legit campfire vibe.
Q: How can I make this a chocolate s’mores cake?
A: Double up the cocoa powder (use dark cocoa if you dare) and drizzle melted chocolate all over the top.
Q: What if I don’t have a broiler?
A: You can use a kitchen torch to toast your marshmallows — or skip the toasting if you’re feeling chill.
Conclusion: You Need to Try This Smores Cake
If you’re dreaming of gooey marshmallow, rich chocolate, and buttery graham cracker goodness all in one magical bite this smores cake is basically calling your name.
Whether you’re baking it for a cozy night in, a s’mores birthday cake celebration, or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve it, this cake brings all the campfire joy without leaving your kitchen.
If you do try it (and I really hope you do!), come back and tell me how it turned out! Drop a comment, save this recipe for later, or send me a picture especially if it involves kids, pets, or mildly chaotic baking adventures.
