S’mores Cake

By Hester

Ingredients

• For the cake:
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (to make the crumbs
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 8 tbsp. unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• For the filling:
• Marshmallow fluff
• For the milk chocolate glaze:
• 8 oz. milk chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter cut into 4 pieces, at room temperature
• 2 tbsp. light corn syrup
• For decoration:
• 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
• 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1-2 tsp. milk
• Small rectangles of graham cracker and milk chocolate, for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

1.To make the cake, preheat the oven to 375° F. Line the bottom of two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. Grease and flour the sides of the pans; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt; stir together and set aside.

2.In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Transfer the egg whites to a separate bowl and set aside. Replace the mixer bowl and fit it with the paddle attachment. Cream together the butter and sugar and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in the egg yolks until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3.Add in the dry ingredients in three additions, alternately with the milk (in 2 additions) on low speed, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and mixing just until incorporated. Using a rubber spatula, fold in about a third of the egg whites to lighten the batter. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites until completely incorporated.

4.Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake the cakes for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 5-10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack, remove the parchment paper and let cool completely.

5.Once the cake has cooled completely, transfer one of the cake layers to a foil-covered cardboard cake circle and place on a serving platter. Carefully spread a layer of marshmallow fluff over the cake. Top with the remaining cake layer and refrigerate for approximately 1 hour.

6.To make the milk chocolate glaze, combine the chocolate, cream, butter and corn syrup in a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over simmering water. Heat until the chocolate has melted, and then whisk the ingredients together until completely smooth. Pour the glaze over the top of the chilled cake, allowing it to run down the sides of the cake in some places. Return the cake to the refrigerator to chill until set.

7.To make the marshmallow frosting for decoration, combine the butter and marshmallow fluff in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar until well combined. Stir in the milk to smooth the frosting out a bit, adding a tiny bit more liquid if necessary.

8.Transfer the frosting to a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe dollops of frosting around the edges of the chilled cake and decorate with small rectangles of graham cracker and milk chocolate. Store the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve, and allow it to sit at room temperature about 20 minutes before slicing and serving.