Featuring a delightful combination of graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate, this s'mores sheet cake recipe is a sweet treat that will transport you to campfire evenings. It's a fun twist on the traditional s'more, offering the same nostalgic taste in a form that can be enjoyed at home, no fire pit required.
Most ingredients in this recipe are common pantry items with the exception of perhaps jumbo marshmallows and graham crackers. Depending on where you live, graham crackers might not be a staple in every household. When you head to the supermarket, remember to pick up jumbo marshmallows for that classic s'mores puffiness and graham crackers for the crunchy base.
Key Ingredients for the S'mores Sheet Cake
Graham crackers: These provide a scrumptious crunch and the quintessential base flavor in any s'more.
Flour: Regular all-purpose flour is used in the cake batter.
Brown sugar: Adds a sweet, molasses depth to the cake.
Cocoa powder: Gives the cake its chocolatey goodness.
Baking powder and baking soda: These are the leavening agents that help the cake rise.
Salt: A touch of salt enhances the other flavors.
Buttermilk: Adds a slight tang and tenderizes the cake.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist.
Eggs: Provide structure to the cake.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a subtle flavor.
Semisweet chocolate chips: They melt into delicious pockets of chocolate within the cake.
Jumbo marshmallows: This classic s'more ingredient melts and toasts on top to create the ultimate s'mores experience.
One reader, Clint Zepeda says:
This s'mores sheet cake recipe is a game-changer! The combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows is pure bliss. The cake is moist and delicious, and the toasted marshmallows on top add the perfect finishing touch. It's a definite crowd-pleaser and a must-try for any dessert lover!
Techniques Required for Making S'mores Sheet Cake
Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350 degrees F to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the cake.
Line the baking pan with graham crackers: Placing the graham crackers at the bottom of the pan will create the base for the s'mores sheet cake.
Sift together dry ingredients: Combine the flour, brown sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl to ensure they are evenly mixed and free of lumps.
Whisk the wet ingredients: Combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until just combined to create the cake batter.
Bake the cake: Place the cake batter over the graham crackers in the pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Add the marshmallows: Place the marshmallows evenly over the top of the cake before returning it to the oven.
Broil the marshmallows: Broil the cake for 30 to 45 seconds until the marshmallows are golden brown.
Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool before serving.
Serve and enjoy: Microwave individual slices for 15 to 20 seconds before serving.
How To Make S’mores Sheet Cake
This s’mores sheet cake is packed with a moist chocolate cake that sits on a graham cracker base, and topped with crusty marshmallows, for a sweeter treat!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 12graham crackers,full rectangles
- 2cupsflour
- 1cupbrown sugar
- ⅓cupunsweetened cocoa powder
- 1tspbaking powder
- 1tspbaking soda
- ¼tspsalt
- 1cupbuttermilk
- ⅓cupvegetable oil
- 2large eggs
- 1tspvanilla extract
- ⅓cupsemisweet chocolate chips
- 10ozjumbo marshmallows,(1 bag)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with baking spray.
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Line the bottom of a prepared baking pan with graham crackers.
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In a large bowl, sift together flour, brown sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Add the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla, then whisk until just combined.
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Pour cake batter gently over the graham crackers in the pan.
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Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Place the marshmallows evenly over the top of the cake very carefully.
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Return cake to oven, and broil for about 30 to 45 minutes until marshmallows are just golden brown. Remove from oven and cool.
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Microwave individual slices for about 15 to 20 seconds, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 271.41kcal
- Fat: 8.02g
- Saturated Fat: 1.57g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.36g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.60g
- Carbohydrates: 47.59g
- Fiber: 1.67g
- Sugar: 24.43g
- Protein: 4.44g
- Cholesterol: 23.86mg
- Sodium: 205.34mg
- Calcium: 64.39mg
- Potassium: 120.12mg
- Iron: 1.20mg
- Vitamin A: 12.14µg
- Vitamin C: 0.15mg
Technique Tip for Perfect S'mores Sheet Cake
When broiling the marshmallows on top of the cake, keep a close eye on them as they can easily burn. The goal is to achieve a golden brown color, similar to when you're roasting marshmallows over a campfire. If you notice the marshmallows starting to darken too quickly, you can lower the oven rack or reduce the broil setting. Remember, every oven is different, so it's important to monitor closely to avoid over-browning or burning.
Time-Saving Tips for S'mores Sheet Cake Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the graham cracker base and the dry ingredients the night before to save time on the day of baking.
Use store-bought marshmallows: Opt for pre-made marshmallows instead of making them from scratch to cut down on preparation time.
Bake in advance: Bake the cake a day ahead and add the marshmallows just before serving to save time on the day of serving.
Organize ingredients: Arrange all the ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe before starting to streamline the cooking process.
Opt for pre-melted chocolate: Use pre-melted chocolate chips instead of melting them yourself to save time and effort.
Substitute Ingredients For S’mores Sheet Cake Recipe
graham crackers - Substitute with digestive biscuits: Digestive biscuits have a similar texture and flavor to graham crackers, making them a suitable substitute for the base of the cake.
buttermilk - Substitute with milk and vinegar: Combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute for the recipe.
semisweet chocolate chips - Substitute with chopped dark chocolate: Chopped dark chocolate can be used as a substitute for semisweet chocolate chips, providing a rich and intense chocolate flavor to the cake.
jumbo marshmallows - Substitute with mini marshmallows: Mini marshmallows can be used as a substitute for jumbo marshmallows, providing a similar marshmallow texture and flavor when melted on top of the cake.
Presenting Your S'mores Sheet Cake
Elevate the plating: When presenting the s'mores sheet cake, ensure that the plating is elegant and refined. Use clean lines and minimalistic design to showcase the beauty of the cake.
Incorporate a touch of nostalgia: Add a touch of nostalgia to the presentation by incorporating elements that remind people of their childhood camping trips, such as using a rustic wooden serving board or incorporating a small campfire element into the presentation.
Garnish with finesse: Garnish the s'mores sheet cake with a sprinkle of finely grated chocolate and a dusting of cocoa powder for a sophisticated finish.
Create a visual contrast: Pair the rich, dark color of the cake with a vibrant, fresh berry compote or a drizzle of caramel sauce to create a striking visual contrast on the plate.
Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the precision of each element on the plate, ensuring that the marshmallows are evenly toasted and the graham crackers are arranged neatly to create a visually appealing presentation.
Balance the flavors: Consider serving the s'mores sheet cake with a side of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the sweetness of the cake and add a luxurious touch to the presentation.
Incorporate texture: Add a textural element to the presentation by including a delicate chocolate shard or a sprinkle of toasted almond slivers for a delightful crunch.
Highlight the craftsmanship: Showcase the skill and craftsmanship that went into creating the cake by presenting it on a handcrafted ceramic plate or a custom-made dessert platter to emphasize its artisanal quality.
Essential Tools for Making a S'mores Sheet Cake
- Oven: Used for baking and roasting food items.
- 9x13-inch baking pan: A rectangular pan used for baking cakes, brownies, and other desserts.
- Baking spray: A non-stick spray used to coat baking pans and dishes.
- Large bowl: Used for mixing and combining ingredients.
- Sifter: Used for sifting dry ingredients to remove lumps and aerate them.
- Whisk: Used for mixing and blending ingredients together.
- Microwave: Used for heating and reheating food quickly.
Storing and Freezing S'mores Sheet Cake
Let the s'mores sheet cake cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the cake soggy.
To store the cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you prefer to refrigerate the cake, place it in an airtight container or wrap it securely with plastic wrap. The cake will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the s'mores sheet cake:
- Cut the cake into individual portions or leave it whole, depending on your preference.
- Wrap each piece or the entire cake in a double layer of plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain.
- Follow up with a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn.
- Label the wrapped cake with the date and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To thaw the frozen cake, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it defrost overnight. If you're thawing individual slices, they may only need a few hours to defrost at room temperature.
Once thawed, if the marshmallows have lost their luster, you can place the cake under the broiler for a minute or two to toast them again. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Avoid refreezing the cake once it has been thawed, as this can affect its texture and quality.
How To Reheat S'mores Sheet Cake Leftovers
To reheat leftover s'mores sheet cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a slice of the cake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until the marshmallows are soft and gooey. This method is perfect for a quick and easy treat!
For a more evenly heated slice, wrap the cake in aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. This method ensures that the cake is heated through without drying out or burning the marshmallows.
If you prefer a crispy exterior on your reheated s'mores cake, use an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the unwrapped slice in the basket. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cake is warmed through and the marshmallows are lightly toasted.
For a campfire-inspired experience, reheat your leftover s'mores sheet cake slice over an open flame. Place the slice on a metal skewer or roasting stick and hold it over the fire, rotating occasionally, until the marshmallows are golden brown and the cake is heated through. Be careful not to let the cake burn!
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat your s'mores cake slice. Place the slice on a toaster oven-safe plate and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cake is warmed and the marshmallows are soft and gooey. Keep an eye on the cake to prevent burning.
Random Fact About S'mores Sheet Cake
The S'mores Sheet Cake recipe is a modern twist on the classic campfire treat. It combines the flavors of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows into a delicious and easy-to-make dessert. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd and is a great option for parties or gatherings. The addition of graham crackers in the cake batter adds a unique texture and flavor, reminiscent of traditional s'mores. It's a fun and creative way to enjoy the beloved flavors of s'mores in a convenient sheet cake form.
Is Making S'mores Sheet Cake at Home Economical?
This s'mores sheet cake recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a large cake that can serve a family of four for multiple occasions. The approximate cost for the ingredients is around $15, making it an affordable dessert option. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10, as it offers a delicious and indulgent treat at a reasonable cost.
Is S'mores Sheet Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?
The s'mores sheet cake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not the healthiest dessert option. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in sugar, with 1 cup of brown sugar and additional sweetness from the chocolate chips and marshmallows. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.
- The use of all-purpose flour and graham crackers means the cake is made with refined carbohydrates, which have been stripped of their nutritional value and can cause blood sugar spikes.
- The recipe calls for vegetable oil, which is often high in unhealthy omega-6 fatty acids and low in beneficial omega-3s.
- Buttermilk and eggs contribute to the cake's saturated fat content, which should be consumed in moderation.
To make this recipe healthier, try the following modifications:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduce the brown sugar to 3/4 cup and use dark chocolate chips with a higher cocoa content for a less sweet but richer flavor.
- Swap the vegetable oil for coconut oil or olive oil, which are healthier fat options.
- Use low-fat buttermilk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Top the cake with fresh berries to add natural sweetness and a boost of antioxidants.
Editor's Thoughts on This S'mores Sheet Cake Recipe
The s'mores sheet cake recipe is a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat. The combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows creates a nostalgic and comforting flavor. The cake's moist and tender texture, along with the gooey marshmallows on top, adds a delightful contrast. However, be cautious when broiling the marshmallows to avoid burning. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, and the microwave tip ensures a warm and indulgent treat every time.
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Why trust this S’mores Sheet Cake Recipe:
This s'mores sheet cake recipe combines the nostalgic flavors of graham crackers and marshmallows with a moist and decadent chocolate cake. The use of buttermilk and vegetable oil ensures a tender crumb, while the addition of semisweet chocolate chips provides bursts of rich chocolate in every bite. The careful broiling of the marshmallows creates a golden, gooey topping that adds a delightful contrast in texture. Trust in the familiar ingredients and simple techniques to bring the beloved campfire treat to a delightful sheet cake form.
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