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The BEST S’mores Layer Cake (Rich, Gooey & So Delicious!) Recipe

Avatar photoByOlivia Bennett
Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 60 reviews

If you’re a fan of all things sweet, chocolatey, and irresistibly gooey, then you’re in for a treat with The BEST S’mores Layer Cake (Rich, Gooey & So Delicious!) Recipe. This showstopper is a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat, layered with rich chocolate cake, toasted marshmallow filling, and a luscious graham cracker crust. Each bite is pure indulgence, perfectly balancing nostalgia with decadent dessert bliss.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Iconic Flavor Combination: This cake brings together chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker in the most heavenly way, capturing the magic of s’mores that everyone loves.
Textural Delight: From a crispy crust to fluffy marshmallow and smooth ganache, the layers create an irresistible medley of textures.
Impress Your Guests: This cake is a showstopper, perfect for celebrations or cozy get-togethers where you want a dessert that steals the show.
Made With Love (And Simple Ingredients): Despite its decadent look, it uses accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques you can easily master.

This image shows a tall layered cake with four layers. There are three dark chocolate cake layers, each separated by golden crunchy layers and white creamy filling. The outside is smooth and covered in dark chocolate frosting. The top of the cake is decorated with toasted white dollops, chocolate bars, and rectangular crackers. The cake is on a white plate placed on a wooden stand, with a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - The BEST S’mores Layer Cake, s'mores cake recipe, gooey chocolate layer cake, toasted marshmallow dessert, graham cracker cake

Ingredients & Substitutions

The beauty of this cake lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients—each one playing a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and texture. The graham cracker crust sets a buttery, crunchy foundation, while the chocolate cake layers offer moist richness. The toasted marshmallow filling delivers that iconic campfire sweetness, and the chocolate ganache and buttercream frosting tie it all together in decadent luxury.

Flat lay of golden graham cracker crumbs, rich cocoa powder, glossy milk chocolate chips, fluffy large marshmallows, creamy salted butter, smooth marshmallow fluff in a jar, vibrant white powdered sugar, and warm vanilla beans arranged beautifully on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - The BEST S’mores Layer Cake, s'mores cake recipe, gooey chocolate layer cake, toasted marshmallow dessert, graham cracker cake
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base of this cake’s crust, providing that nostalgic crunch and flavor; you can swap for digestive biscuits if you prefer.
  • Cocoa Powder & Chocolate Chips: Essential for deep chocolate flavor that isn’t overpowering; use your favorite type of chocolate, whether semi-sweet or milk chocolate.
  • Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang to lighten the dense chocolate layers; if you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tbsp lemon juice with milk as a substitute.
  • Marshmallow Fluff & Large Marshmallows: Create that signature gooey, toasted marshmallow filling and topping that makes this cake unforgettable.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make The BEST S’mores Layer Cake (Rich, Gooey & So Delicious!) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar to create a perfectly buttery crust. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your cake pans and pop it into the oven for a brief bake—this step locks in that delightful crunch that will hold up beautifully under the cake batter.

Step 2: Whip Up the Chocolate Cake Batter

For a moist and tender cake, beat the oil with sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla for richness. Combine your dry ingredients separately, then alternate adding them with buttermilk to the wet mixture—this ensures your cake stays light but full of flavor. Lastly, incorporate hot water to intensify the chocolate. Pour this luscious batter right over the graham cracker crust and bake until it’s perfectly cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Silky Chocolate Ganache

While the cake is baking, heat the cream and pour it over chocolate chips to melt them into a smooth, shiny ganache. Setting this aside to cool will create a beautifully rich layer that adds a glossy, intense chocolate punch in the cake’s middle.

Step 4: Toast the Marshmallows & Prepare the Filling

The magic of this cake is in the toasted marshmallow filling! Under a quick broil, carefully toast the marshmallows to get that perfect caramelized exterior. Then combine them with butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and fluffy marshmallow fluff, beating everything into a heavenly, creamy filling that makes every bite feel like a campfire moment.

Step 5: Whip the Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

The chocolate buttercream is rich but fluffy, thanks to a careful blend of butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat it long enough to get the perfect spreadable texture that will hold up beautifully around the layers, enveloping the cake in chocolaty goodness.

Step 6: Assemble Your S’mores Masterpiece

Layer your cake starting with the graham cracker crust side down. Pipe a ring of buttercream, fill with silky ganache, then spread the toasted marshmallow filling on top. Repeat with the remaining layers, then crumb coat the entire cake with buttercream before chilling. For a smooth finish, freeze the cake and use a cake scraper to perfect the edges, then frost the top generously.

Step 7: Decorate for Extra S’mores Charm

Top with assembled graham crackers, chunks of Hershey’s chocolate, and large marshmallows for that campfire vibe. Pipe marshmallow fluff on top and toast it with a kitchen torch until golden for an irresistibly rich and gooey finish!

How to Serve The BEST S’mores Layer Cake (Rich, Gooey & So Delicious!) Recipe

A round chocolate cake is placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The cake is covered in smooth, dark chocolate frosting. The top layer has a mix of toasted marshmallows with a slightly browned, soft texture, piped white cream swirls with light brown tips, square graham crackers, and dark chocolate pieces standing upright. The decorations are spread evenly, giving the cake a tall and rich look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - The BEST S’mores Layer Cake, s'mores cake recipe, gooey chocolate layer cake, toasted marshmallow dessert, graham cracker cake

Garnishes

Marshmallows toasted to perfection and crumbled graham cracker bits sprinkled on top add a lovely rustic touch while enhancing each bite’s texture. A drizzle of leftover chocolate ganache or a few chocolate shavings also make beautiful, edible decorations that elevate the cake’s wow factor.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee to balance its sweetness. Light, fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries can also complement the richness and add a refreshing twist to the dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, serve slices on vintage plates with a mini torch on the side to let guests add a final toast to their marshmallow topping. You can also create individual mini s’mores cakes in ramekins for a fun, personalized take that’s perfect for parties or intimate gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once sliced, wrap leftover pieces tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Kept in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to four days, making it easy to savor your dessert over several occasions.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer without losing its rich, gooey charm.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake fresh from frozen, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. You can gently warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that soft, gooey texture, but be careful not to overheat and melt the frosting.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this cake without a kitchen torch for toasting the marshmallow topping?

    Absolutely! If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can use your oven’s broiler set on low, watching carefully and rotating the cake for an even golden toast. Alternatively, leave the marshmallow topping as is for a softer texture that’s just as delicious.

  2. Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

    Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder to help keep the cake’s texture moist and tender. Also, check that your graham crackers are gluten-free or use a suitable alternative.

  3. Can I prepare parts of the cake ahead of time?

    Definitely! The cake layers can be baked and wrapped tightly up to a day in advance. The marshmallow filling and buttercream frosting also keep well in the fridge for a day or two. Assembling the cake a few hours before serving works perfectly for the freshest experience.

  4. What’s the best way to cut this rich, layered cake?

    Use a long, sharp serrated knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts to achieve neat, defined slices. Letting the cake come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing can also help prevent the frosting from cracking or tearing.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough making The BEST S’mores Layer Cake (Rich, Gooey & So Delicious!) Recipe your next dessert adventure. It’s the kind of cake that brings joy with every forkful—perfect for sharing, celebrating, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth with something comfortingly nostalgic yet beautifully sophisticated. Get ready to make unforgettable memories around this cake!

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The BEST S’mores Layer Cake (Rich, Gooey & So Delicious!) Recipe

The BEST S’mores Layer Cake (Rich, Gooey & So Delicious!) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 60 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This BEST S’mores Layer Cake is a rich, gooey, and decadently delicious dessert combining graham cracker crust, moist chocolate cake layers, luscious chocolate ganache, toasted marshmallow filling, and silky chocolate buttercream frosting. Perfect for s’mores lovers, this show-stopping cake is topped with a broiled marshmallow fluff and s’mores-inspired decorations for a nostalgic treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust

  • 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, melted

Chocolate Cake

  • 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 cup hot water

Chocolate Ganache

  • 1 cup milk chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Toasted Marshmallow Filling

  • 24 large marshmallows
  • 1 cup salted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 jar marshmallow fluff

Chocolate Buttercream

  • 2 cups salted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/3 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 5 cups powdered sugar
  • 6 Tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Marshmallow Fluff

  • 3 egg whites, room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration (Optional)

  • Additional graham crackers
  • Additional Hershey bars broken up
  • Additional large marshmallows

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line three 8-inch baking pans with parchment paper circles and set aside.
  2. Make Graham Cracker Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Divide evenly among the pans, press down to create an even crust, then bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Prepare Chocolate Cake Batter: Beat oil and sugar in a stand mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until creamy and light. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined each time and scraping bowl sides. Finally, add hot water and mix well. Pour batter evenly over graham cracker crusts in pans.
  4. Bake Cake Layers: Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F until a toothpick inserted comes out clean with a few crumbs. Cool completely and level with a serrated knife.
  5. Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat heavy cream in microwave for 30-60 seconds until hot. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let cool.
  6. Prepare Toasted Marshmallow Filling: Set oven to broil with rack 2/3 up. Spread marshmallows evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Broil marshmallows until browned, watching closely, then flip and brown the other side. Let cool. Meanwhile, beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add cooled toasted marshmallows and marshmallow fluff jar, beating until combined.
  7. Make Chocolate Buttercream Frosting: Beat butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed. Add vanilla, heavy cream, and salt; beat for 3-4 minutes until thick, creamy, and spreadable. Stir with spatula to release air bubbles for smooth frosting.
  8. Prepare Marshmallow Fluff: Whisk egg whites and salt on medium speed until frothy. Add 1/3 cup sugar slowly, whisking 20 seconds between additions. In a saucepan, heat remaining sugar and corn syrup to 240°F. With mixer on low, slowly pour hot syrup into egg whites over 1-2 minutes. Add vanilla, then whisk on high for 5-10 minutes until thick and cool.
  9. Assemble Cake Layers: Place bottom cake layer, crust side down, on cake board or plate. Pipe thick chocolate buttercream ring around edge. Spread half the ganache inside ring, freeze 5 minutes to set. Spread half toasted marshmallow filling over ganache. Add second cake layer, repeat piping ring, ganache, chilling, and marshmallow filling.
  10. Finish Assembly: Place final cake layer on top. Frost outside with thin crumb coat of chocolate buttercream. Freeze 15-30 minutes to set. Remove, top with cake disc, frost edges smoothly with remaining frosting using cake scraper, filling holes as needed. Freeze another 10-15 minutes.
  11. Final Decoration: Remove cake board from top carefully. Spread remaining chocolate frosting on top. Decorate with graham cracker pieces, Hershey’s chocolate squares, and large marshmallows arranged as s’mores. Fill piping bag with marshmallow fluff and pipe over cake top. Use kitchen torch to toast marshmallow fluff and decorations. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • Leftover cake can be sliced, wrapped in plastic wrap, and frozen. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  • Watch marshmallows closely when broiling; they toast quickly and can burn.
  • Adjust heavy cream in buttercream frosting by teaspoons to achieve desired consistency.
  • Using a kitchen torch provides authentic toasted marshmallow flavor and appearance.
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