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Ultimate S'mores Cake – Layers of Chocolate, Marshmallow & Graham Cracker Bliss

S'mores lovers, rejoice! If you're obsessed with the gooey, nostalgic charm of fire-side s'mores, get ready to fall head over heels for this Ultimate S'mores Cake — a towering, luscious dessert layered with fudgy chocolate cake, marshmallow fluff frosting, semi-sweet chocolate ganache, and of course, plenty of graham cracker goodness. Imagine all the flavors of your favorite campfire treat—melted chocolate, sweet toasted marshmallow, and buttery graham crackers—stacked into a showstopping dessert that's perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or anytime you're craving something spectacular. This is no ordinary cake. It's decadent, rich, and totally unforgettable.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
bake & Decorating & Assembly time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥚 Fresh
  • 2 large eggs
🍫 Dry Ingredients & Baking
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 1/8 cups granulated sugar
  • 9 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 9 cups powdered sugar
🍯 Condiments
  • 3 1/4 cups marshmallow fluff
  • 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
🧴 Oils & Vinegars
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
🥛 Dairy
  • 2 3/4 cups unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tbsp milk or cream for marshmallow frosting consistency
🍪 Graham Cracker Element
  • 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs

Equipment

  • Creating this s'mores masterpiece is easier than it looks. Here's what you'll need:
  • Two or three 8-inch cake pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Whisk and spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Saucepan
  • Cake turntable (optional for decorating)
  • Offset spatula or butter knife
  • 🎂 No campfire required — just your kitchen and a little baking magic!

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake Layers
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and line 2 or 3 cake pans with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, sift together:
  4. Flour
  5. Cocoa powder
  6. Baking soda
  7. Salt
  8. In a separate bowl, whisk:
  9. Sugar
  10. Eggs
  11. Vegetable oil
  12. Milk
  13. 2 tsp vanilla extract
  14. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
  15. Pour evenly into prepared pans.
  16. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
  17. Cool completely on wire racks.
🧁 Use 3 pans for thinner layers or 2 pans for thicker, dramatic cake slices.
    Step 2: Make the Marshmallow Frosting
    1. In a bowl, beat:
    2. 1 cup butter (softened)
    3. 3 1/4 cups marshmallow fluff
    4. 1 tbsp milk or cream
    5. 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
    6. Add 4–5 cups powdered sugar gradually until fluffy and pipeable.
    🎂 If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. If too soft, add more powdered sugar.
      Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache
      1. In a saucepan, heat:
      2. 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream over medium heat until just simmering.
      3. Pour over:
      4. 9 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
      5. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
      6. Cool slightly — it should be pourable but not runny.
      Step 4: Assemble the Cake
      1. Level your cake layers if needed.
      2. Place the first layer on a cake stand.
      3. Spread a generous layer of marshmallow frosting.
      4. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over frosting.
      5. Repeat with the next layer(s).
      6. Frost the outside with remaining marshmallow frosting. Smooth or swirl as desired.
      7. Pour cooled ganache over the top, letting it drip down the sides.
      8. Sprinkle extra graham cracker crumbs on top or around base.
      9. Optional Garnishes
      10. Toasted marshmallows
      11. Graham cracker pieces
      12. Chocolate chunks
      13. Torched marshmallow peaks
      🔥 Use a kitchen torch for an authentic toasted look on marshmallow topping!
        🍽️ Servings & Timing

          Notes

          🧊 Storage & Reheating
          Refrigerator
          Store covered for up to 5 days. Let sit at room temperature before serving for best texture.
          Freezer
          Freeze individual slices or whole cake (wrapped tightly) up to 2 months.
          Thaw overnight in fridge.
          ❄️ Do not freeze with toasted marshmallow topping — add that fresh when serving.
          🥄 Variations
          Want to get creative? Try these twists:
          🍓 S'mores Strawberry Cake – Add fresh strawberries or a jam layer between cake and frosting.
          🍫 Double Chocolate Layers – Use chocolate chips in the batter for melty texture.
          🔥 Toasted Marshmallow Frosting – Mix some torched fluff into the frosting for depth.
          🧁 S'mores Cupcakes – Use the same recipe and assemble as cupcakes for individual treats.
          ☕ Mocha S'mores Cake – Add espresso powder to batter and ganache for a coffee kick.
          ❓ 10 FAQs
          1. Can I use boxed cake mix?
          Yes! A chocolate cake mix will work in a pinch. Doctor it up with extra vanilla or coffee.
          2. What if I don’t have marshmallow fluff?
          Use melted mini marshmallows (about 1.5 cups) with butter and powdered sugar, but fluff is easier and smoother.
          3. Can I toast the frosting?
          Only if using marshmallow fluff directly piped. Frosting with powdered sugar won’t toast well.
          4. Do I need a cake turntable?
          It helps with decorating, but it's not essential. A lazy Susan or a flat plate works too.
          5. How do I make it less sweet?
          Reduce the powdered sugar in the frosting and use dark chocolate in the ganache.
          6. Can I make this a day ahead?
          Yes — it's actually better the next day! Assemble fully and refrigerate overnight.
          7. Can I add a graham cracker crust layer?
          Totally! Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press into cake pans before adding batter.
          8. What size pans should I use?
          8-inch or 9-inch pans work. You can also use two larger pans for thicker layers.
          9. What makes this cake moist?
          Vegetable oil and milk keep the crumb soft and rich. Don’t overbake!
          10. Can I use different types of chocolate?
          Yes! Mix milk and dark chocolate chips for varied flavor or use ganache made from baking bars.
          🏁 Conclusion
          This Ultimate S’mores Cake is a celebration in every slice — layers of rich chocolate, gooey marshmallow, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs wrapped into a dessert that’s equal parts nostalgic and gourmet.
          Whether you’re serving it at a birthday bash, summer BBQ, or cozy winter gathering, it’s guaranteed to wow. Plus, the recipe is surprisingly easy, making it the perfect showstopper even for beginner bakers.