Introduction
Few desserts capture nostalgia and indulgence quite like a S’mores cake. Inspired by the iconic campfire treat, this cake transforms familiar flavors—graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallow—into a stunning layered dessert cake recipe that feels both comforting and celebratory. Instead of skewers and open flames, everything comes together in a beautifully baked cake that is perfect for birthdays, gatherings, holidays, or whenever you want an impressive homemade dessert.
This S’mores cake recipe features soft graham-style cake layers, a smooth chocolate buttercream, a fluffy marshmallow-style filling, and a crunchy biscuit crumble that adds texture and balance. Each bite delivers a contrast of creamy, crunchy, light, and rich elements, making this cake far more exciting than a standard chocolate or vanilla cake.
Designed for home bakers, this recipe walks you through each component in detail, from mixing the cake batter to assembling and decorating the final cake. The ingredients are carefully selected to avoid any questionable additives, ensuring the cake can be enjoyed confidently by families looking for a clean and thoughtful dessert option.
If you are searching for a show-stopping cake recipe that blends nostalgia with elegance, this S’mores cake dessert is guaranteed to impress.
What Makes a S’mores Cake So Special?
A traditional s’more is all about contrast: warm and cool, soft and crisp, sweet and rich. This cake captures those same qualities in a refined dessert format. Instead of eating around a fire, you enjoy the experience slice by slice.
This recipe stands out because it includes:
- Graham-style cake layers for depth and structure
- A smooth chocolate frosting that balances sweetness
- A fluffy marshmallow-style filling that stays light
- A crunchy biscuit crumble for texture
- A toasted topping that adds aroma and visual appeal
Together, these elements create a dessert cake recipe that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.
Why You’ll Love This S’mores Cake Recipe
This cake isn’t just beautiful—it’s practical, versatile, and deeply satisfying.
- Perfect for celebrations and special occasions
- Combines multiple textures in one dessert
- Can be prepared in stages to save time
- Customizable for different pan sizes
- Familiar flavors presented in an elevated way
- Ideal for chocolate and cake lovers alike
Whether you’re baking for guests or treating yourself, this S’mores cake delivers on flavor, presentation, and enjoyment.
Ingredients for S’mores Cake
This recipe yields one tall layered cake serving about 8 people.
For the Graham-Style Cake Layers
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup finely crushed graham-style biscuits
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 additional egg white
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup sour cream or plain whole-milk yogurt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Biscuit Crumble
- 4 graham-style biscuits, roughly broken
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
For the Chocolate Buttercream
- 1½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ pounds powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate, cooled
For the Marshmallow-Style Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Drizzle
- ¾ cup melted dark chocolate
All ingredients listed are commonly available and chosen to ensure suitability for ingredient-conscious baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Proper preparation ensures clean release and even baking.
Prepared cake pans ready for baking
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, crushed biscuits, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and allspice. Set aside.
Dry ingredients mixed for graham-style cake
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Add both sugars and mix until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Butter and sugar creamed until fluffy
Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients
Add eggs and the extra egg white one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk and sour cream.
Eggs and wet ingredients incorporated
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cake layers baking in the oven
Making the Biscuit Crumble
Combine melted butter, crushed biscuits, cinnamon, salt, and allspice. Spread evenly on a lined baking tray and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until golden. Cool completely, then crumble into chunks.
Golden biscuit crumble cooling
Chocolate Buttercream Preparation
Beat butter until pale and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt. Pour in cooled melted chocolate and mix until smooth and spreadable.
Chocolate buttercream whipped until smooth
Marshmallow-Style Filling
Heat sugar and corn syrup in a saucepan until it reaches 240°F (115°C). Meanwhile, whip egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Slowly drizzle the hot syrup into the egg whites while mixing. Continue beating until thick, glossy, and cooled.
Fluffy marshmallow-style filling ready
Assembling the S’mores Cake
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.
- Pipe a ring of chocolate buttercream around the edge.
- Fill the center with marshmallow-style filling.
- Sprinkle biscuit crumble and drizzle melted chocolate.
- Repeat with remaining layers.
Apply a thin crumb coat and chill for 20 minutes. Frost fully with chocolate buttercream, smooth the sides, press crumble along the bottom edge, and finish by piping marshmallow filling on top. Lightly toast just before serving if desired.
Fully assembled s’mores cake
Professional Baking Tips
- Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter
- Chill cake layers before assembly for stability
- Add crumble generously for texture
- Toast topping lightly for aroma, not color
- Use a sharp knife for clean slices
Storage, Serving, and Make-Ahead Notes
Storage
Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk for a classic dessert pairing.
Make-Ahead
Cake layers and crumble can be prepared one day in advance.
Conclusion
This S’mores cake recipe transforms a beloved treat into an unforgettable dessert cake that’s rich, balanced, and full of texture. From the graham-style layers to the smooth chocolate frosting and fluffy marshmallow-style filling, every element plays a role in creating a cake that feels both nostalgic and refined.
If you’re looking for a dessert that impresses visually and delivers incredible flavor, this S’mores cake deserves a place in your baking repertoire. Bake it once, and it’s sure to become a requested favorite.
