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Smores Chocolate Cake

Bake the ultimate Smores Chocolate Cake! Layers of chocolate cake, ganache, toasted marshmallow frosting, and graham cracker crunchies. Get the recipe!

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s the complete list of ingredients, with precise measurements:

Chocolate Cake:

  • 2 cups (260g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (414g) granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup (85g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder   
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) hot water

Graham Cracker Crunchies:

  • 3/4 cups (100g) graham cracker crumbs (about 6 full sheets)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp (20g) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted

Toasted Marshmallow Frosting:

  • 1 3/4 cups (392g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3 1/4 cups marshmallow fluff*
  • 6 cups (690g) powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Chocolate Ganache:

  • 9 oz (1 1/2 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy whipping cream   

Vanilla Frosting (for Dam):

  • 3/4 cup (168g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3 cups (345g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp milk or cream

Ensure ingredients like butter and eggs are at the correct temperature.

Instructions

Let’s break down this multi-component cake process:

1. Make the Chocolate Cake Layers:

  • Preheat oven to 300°F (148°C). Prepare three 8-inch cake pans with parchment circles and grease the sides.
  • Add all dry cake ingredients (flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, salt) to a large bowl and whisk together.
  • Add eggs, milk, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients and mix well.
  • Add vanilla to the hot water, then add this mixture to the batter. Mix well. The batter will be thin.
  • Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool cakes in pans for about 5 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks to cool completely.

2. Make the Graham Cracker Crunchies:

  • Once cakes are cool, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
  • Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir well.
  • Spread crumbs evenly onto the prepared cookie sheet.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, then allow to cool completely. Set aside.

3. Make the Toasted Marshmallow Frosting:

  • Arrange the 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for about 1 minute, watching very carefully until toasted. Remove and let cool completely.
  • In a large mixer bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until smooth.
  • Add the marshmallow fluff and beat until well combined.
  • Add about half of the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
  • Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
  • Break the cooled, toasted marshmallows into smaller pieces (if sticky) and add them to the frosting. Mix until well combined. Set aside.

4. Make the Chocolate Ganache:

  • Place the chocolate chips in a medium-sized heatproof bowl.
  • Heat the heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan or microwave until it just begins to boil/simmer.
  • Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 3-5 minutes.
  • Whisk gently until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.

5. Make the Vanilla Frosting (for Dam):

  • In a large mixer bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until smooth.
  • Add about half the powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
  • Add the vanilla extract and cream/milk and mix until combined.
  • Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth and combined. Transfer to a piping bag (optional, but helpful for creating the dam).

6. Assemble the Cake:

  • Level the cooled cake layers using a large serrated knife if needed.
  • Place the first cake layer on a cake plate or cardboard circle. Pipe a dam (a ring) of vanilla frosting around the outer edge.
  • Spread about 6 tablespoons of chocolate ganache evenly inside the dam.
  • Add about 1 cup of marshmallow frosting on top of the ganache and spread evenly.
  • Sprinkle 1/2 cup of graham cracker crunchies over the marshmallow frosting.
  • Add the second cake layer. Pipe another dam of vanilla frosting. Layer with ganache, marshmallow frosting, and the remaining 1/2 cup of graham cracker crunchies.
  • Top with the final layer of chocolate cake.
  • Chill the cake for about 30 minutes to stabilize.

7. Frost and Decorate:

  • Use the remaining marshmallow frosting to frost the outside of the chilled cake. Aim for a smooth finish using an offset spatula and potentially a bench scraper.
  • Press the remaining graham cracker crunchies onto the bottom third or half of the frosted cake sides.
  • Gently reheat the remaining chocolate ganache in the microwave if it has firmed up too much. Pour it over the top edge of the cake, using a spoon or squeeze bottle to create drips down the sides.
  • Arrange some extra mini marshmallows on top of the ganache. If desired and available, use a kitchen torch to carefully toast the marshmallow garnish.
  • Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve.

This assembly requires patience but creates impressive results!