Pisces S'mores Cake

Name: Pisces S'mores Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup brown sugar; 3 large egg whites; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ tsp cream of tartar; ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Delicious Desserts Made Simple

I recently made a Pisces S'mores Cake that completely transformed my idea of a traditional dessert. Combining the childhood favorite of s'mores with a cake creates an indulgent treat that is sure to impress everyone at the table. The toasted marshmallow layer melds perfectly with the rich chocolate and graham cracker flavors, making each bite a nostalgic delight. With a few clever techniques, I managed to achieve that classic s'mores essence while keeping the cake moist and flavorful. It's a perfect dessert for any occasion, especially gatherings with friends and family!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-30T05:19:28.092Z

Ever since I was a kid, I've loved the gooey charm of s'mores. When I decided to create a Pisces S'mores Cake, I was determined to capture that spirit in a manageable form. The key to achieving this was to create distinct layers: a graham cracker base, a chocolate cake, and a fluffy toasted meringue topping. After a few test runs, I learned the importance of balancing the sweetness of the chocolate with a little salt to elevate the flavors.

This recipe has become a favorite in my household, especially for special occasions. Not only does it look stunning, but the taste is out of this world. I've discovered that letting the cake sit for a few hours or even overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall experience. Trust me, this cake is worth every minute!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with the nostalgia of s'mores
Gooey toasted marshmallow topping that adds a fun twist
Perfect for parties, celebrations, or a cozy night in

Understanding the Ingredients

The cake base is essential for achieving that perfect s'mores balance. The use of buttermilk in the cake adds moisture and a slight tang, which complements the rich cocoa flavor perfectly. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, a quick substitute can be made by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for five minutes. This will ensure your cake remains tender and flavorful.

The graham cracker layer serves as the unique foundation for this cake, mimicking the traditional s'mores crust. Its combination of crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar creates a sweet, crumbly texture that contrasts beautifully with the moist chocolate cake above it. Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the springform pan to avoid crumbling when slicing.

For the marshmallow topping, using fresh egg whites is crucial. They beat up much lighter and fluffier compared to pasteurized versions. When whipping, ensure your mixing bowl is completely clean and free of grease to reach the proper volume. Incorporating the sugar gradually helps to stabilize the egg whites and achieve those glorious stiff peaks. Remember, the marshmallow is what brings that classic s'mores element to life.

Assembly and Serving Tips

When assembling the cake, it’s important to let the cake cool completely before layering. If you skip this step, the heat from the cake could melt the marshmallow topping, making it runny rather than fluffy. Use a serrated knife to trim the top of the cake if it domed during baking, ensuring a flawless fit on the graham cracker base.

Toasting the marshmallow topping is where the real magic happens. If you don’t own a kitchen torch, using a broiler works just as well. Position the cake on the top rack and broil for no more than two to three minutes, watching closely for any burning. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown color while keeping the topping soft and gooey underneath.

This cake can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to two days. If serving later, it's best to add the marshmallow topping just before serving to maintain its texture and freshness. Alternatively, if you're looking to impress at a gathering, consider serving slices with a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a side of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Ingredients for Pisces S'mores Cake

Cake Base

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Graham Cracker Layer

1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup brown sugar

Marshmallow Topping

3 large egg whites
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp cream of tartar
¼ tsp vanilla extract

Additional Items

Steps to Prepare Pisces S'mores Cake

Prepare the Cake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake the Cake

Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare Graham Cracker Layer

In a bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar until well mixed. Press mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form an even layer.

Make Marshmallow Topping

In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Stir in vanilla extract.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cake is cool, layer it on top of the graham cracker layer. Spread the marshmallow topping evenly over the cake. Use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallow until golden brown, or place under a broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully.

Final Touches

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, consider adding mini chocolate chips into the cake batter for delightful bursts of chocolate in every bite!

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

The Pisces S'mores Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the layers separately. Flash freeze the cooled cake and graham cracker layer by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in freezer bags. They can last up to three months frozen; just remember to thaw them overnight in the fridge when you're ready to enjoy.

If you're prepping ahead, you can make the graham cracker layer up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The cake base can also be baked ahead of time. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic and refrigerate. The marshmallow topping is best made fresh, as it tends to lose its volume and texture when stored.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake doesn’t rise well, it could be due to stale baking powder or baking soda. Always check the expiration dates of your leavening agents before you start baking. Additionally, overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake, so mix until just combined to allow for a light crumb.

When making the marshmallow topping, if you notice it’s not reaching stiff peaks, ensure that you’re using fresh egg whites at room temperature. Cold egg whites are more difficult to whip and can lead to a runny topping. If you find your topping is too runny after combining the sugar, you can whip it longer until it becomes glossy and holds its shape.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought marshmallow fluff instead of making my own?

Yes, store-bought marshmallow fluff can be used for convenience, but keep in mind it may not have the same toasted flavor.

→ What can I do with leftover cake?

Leftover cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover it tightly to keep it fresh.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, the cake can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

→ What is the best way to toast the marshmallow topping?

Using a kitchen torch gives a lovely burnished texture, but you can also use the broiler in your oven. Just be sure to watch it closely!