There are few culinary delights that evoke such a powerful sense of nostalgia and warmth as s’mores. The irresistible combination of toasted marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crisp graham crackers instantly transports us to starlit summer nights, crackling campfires, and cherished memories with loved ones. While Labor Day might traditionally signal the winding down of summer, the timeless appeal of s’mores is a treat meant to be savored year-round, transcending seasonal boundaries and bringing a touch of cozy magic to any moment.
Today, we’re absolutely thrilled to unveil a truly inventive and utterly scrumptious recipe that brilliantly reimagines this beloved classic. Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary experience with a creation that is deeply s’mores-inspired and outrageously delicious. This culinary gem comes to us courtesy of the remarkable Susan Whetzel, the acclaimed author of The S’mores Cookbook. Her book is an absolute treasure trove, brimming with an abundance of mouth-watering s’mores desserts perfectly suited for any occasion, any time of year. It stands as the definitive guide for s’mores enthusiasts, meticulously covering everything from decadent s’mores stuffed French toast to an indulgent s’mores cheesecake recipe, effectively elevating this iconic sandwich cookie concept to an entirely new echelon of culinary artistry and pure awesome flavor.
And now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for: we’re delighted to share a little slice of this marshmallow and chocolate-covered heaven directly from her pages. Get ready to fall in love with the magnificent S’mores Coffee Cake!
The Ultimate S’mores Experience: Beyond the Campfire
S’mores have an undeniable charm, deeply rooted in their simplicity and the communal joy they represent. Yet, their potential extends far beyond the traditional campfire setting. Imagine infusing that beloved gooey, chocolatey, graham-cracker goodness into a breakfast or brunch staple, transforming an ordinary morning into an extraordinary celebration. This S’mores Coffee Cake does precisely that, offering a sophisticated yet wonderfully comforting dessert or breakfast pastry that captures all the essential elements of a s’more in a surprisingly elegant form. It’s a testament to how classic flavors can be reinvented and enjoyed in entirely new, exciting ways, proving that the magic of s’mores is truly limitless.
Introducing S’mores Coffee Cake: A Decadent Twist on a Classic
Forget everything you thought you knew about coffee cake. A traditional coffee cake, often lauded for its moist crumb and crumbly topping, undergoes a spectacular transformation with this recipe. It receives a serious and unforgettable upgrade, starting with a foundational cake base that ingeniously incorporates finely crushed graham cracker crumbs, imparting that distinctive, slightly honeyed, crunchy note synonymous with s’mores. This foundation sets the stage for a truly remarkable experience.
The innovation continues with a rich, inviting filling generously packed full of luscious brown sugar and an abundance of decadent chocolate chips. This layer melts into a gooey, sweet surprise within the cake, creating pockets of intense chocolate flavor that perfectly complement the graham cracker base. But the pièce de résistance, the crowning glory that ties it all together, is the lavish drizzle of homemade marshmallow syrup. This sweet, sticky, and gloriously glossy topping is poured generously over the cooled cake, cascading down its sides, promising a delightful burst of marshmallowy goodness with every single bite. The visual appeal alone is enough to make mouths water, with multiple layers of cake, filling, and dripping marshmallow creating a feast for the eyes before it even touches the palate.
So, go ahead, grab your fork, and prepare yourself for an exquisite journey into this sticky-sweet, utterly irresistible treat. It’s more than just a cake; it’s an invitation to indulge, to savor, and to experience the joyful flavors of s’mores in a completely fresh and exciting format. It’s time to treat yourself to a little s’more of this incredible cake – you absolutely deserve it!
Meet the Maestro: Susan Whetzel and The S’mores Cookbook
Susan Whetzel is not just an author; she’s a true s’mores aficionado, a culinary visionary who understands the profound emotional connection people have with this simple yet iconic dessert. Her book, The S’mores Cookbook, is a testament to her passion and creativity, offering a comprehensive collection that pushes the boundaries of what s’mores can be. Far from being a mere compilation of variations on a theme, Susan’s cookbook is a meticulously crafted guide to integrating the beloved s’mores profile into an astonishing array of desserts and even breakfast items.
Within its pages, you’ll discover imaginative recipes that transform everyday dishes into extraordinary s’mores experiences. From the aforementioned s’mores stuffed French toast, which turns a morning meal into a luxurious treat, to an awe-inspiring s’mores cheesecake that offers a sophisticated take on the classic, Susan proves that the s’mores flavor profile is incredibly versatile. She expertly breaks down the components – the crunchy graham, the rich chocolate, and the fluffy marshmallow – and skillfully reassembles them into new, exciting forms. This cookbook is an essential resource for anyone who cherishes the taste of s’mores and wishes to explore its full culinary potential, making it a staple for both novice bakers and seasoned dessert creators.
“Thanks to the multiple layers and the dripping marshmallow, this cake is a visual and delectable delight. It’s a wonderful and welcome addition to your morning cup of coffee.” ~ Susan Whetzel from The S’mores Cookbook
S’MORES COFFEE CAKE: The Recipe You’ve Been Waiting For
Get ready to embark on a delightful baking adventure with this incredible S’mores Coffee Cake recipe. Susan Whetzel’s genius shines through in every step, making it accessible for home bakers to recreate this show-stopping dessert. Follow these clear instructions to bring the magic of s’mores right into your kitchen.
Ingredients:
a recipe by Susan Whetzel from The S’mores Cookbook
For the Cake Base
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs (finely crushed for best results)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Irresistible Filling
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate, as preferred)
- 1 cup quick oats
For the Simple Marshmallow Syrup
- 1½ cups Marshmallow Fluff (or equivalent marshmallow creme)
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons boiling water
Instructions:
STEP 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to a consistent 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking. Take your Bundt pan and generously coat it with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring every crevice is covered. This step is crucial for an easy release later. Set the prepared pan aside.
STEP 2: Craft the Perfect Cake Batter. In the spacious bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine all the dry and wet ingredients for the cake: the all-purpose flour, graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, softened butter, milk, heavy cream, large eggs, baking powder, and salt. Start mixing on low speed to incorporate the dry ingredients without a cloud of flour, then increase to medium speed. Beat until all the ingredients are beautifully combined and the batter is smooth and well-aerated, typically taking about 2–3 minutes. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tough cake.
STEP 3: Assemble the Delicious Filling. In a separate medium-sized bowl, begin preparing the tantalizing filling. Combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, and all-purpose flour. Using your fingers or a fork, mix these ingredients together until they form a coarse, crumbly mixture. This creates the perfect texture. Once crumbly, stir in the generous amounts of chocolate chips and quick oats until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This filling will provide wonderful pockets of flavor and texture within the cake.
STEP 4: Layering for Maximum Flavor. Now it’s time to assemble your masterpiece. Carefully pour half of the prepared cake batter into your greased Bundt pan. Gently rap the pan on your counter a few times to help the batter settle and level evenly. Next, take half of the delicious filling mixture and sprinkle it generously over the top of the batter. Repeat this layering process: pour the remaining half of the cake batter over the filling, level it again, and finally, evenly distribute the remaining filling mixture on top. This ensures a delightful distribution of flavors and textures throughout the entire cake.
STEP 5: Bake to Golden Perfection. Place the filled Bundt pan into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 50–60 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. The cake is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. The top should be golden brown and the cake should feel firm to the touch. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto the rack to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly is essential before applying the syrup.
STEP 6: The Grand Finale: Marshmallow Syrup. While the cake is cooling, prepare the simple yet sensational marshmallow syrup. In a small bowl, combine the Marshmallow Fluff, vanilla extract, and two tablespoons of boiling water. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and pourable. The boiling water helps to thin the fluff to the perfect drizzling consistency. Once the cake has completely cooled to room temperature, generously pour this luscious marshmallow syrup over the entire top, allowing it to drip beautifully down the sides. This final touch adds an extra layer of sweetness and that unmistakable s’mores flair.
Expert Tips for a Flawless S’mores Coffee Cake
Achieving baking perfection often comes down to a few key details. For this S’mores Coffee Cake, here are some tips to ensure your creation is nothing short of spectacular:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your butter, eggs, milk, and cream are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a finer crumb in the final cake.
- Don’t Overmix: After combining the wet and dry ingredients for the cake batter, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough and dense cake rather than a light and tender one.
- Bundt Pan Preparation is Key: A well-greased and floured (or sprayed with baking spray containing flour) Bundt pan is crucial for easy release. Don’t skimp on this step, especially with intricate Bundt designs.
- Patience During Cooling: Resist the urge to unmold the cake too soon. Allowing it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes helps it firm up and prevents it from breaking when inverted. Cooling completely before adding the marshmallow syrup also prevents the syrup from melting and being fully absorbed into the warm cake, ensuring that beautiful, drippy glaze.
- Marshmallow Syrup Consistency: If your marshmallow fluff is very thick, you might need a tiny bit more boiling water (a teaspoon at a time) to reach a smooth, pourable consistency. It should be thick enough to cling to the cake but thin enough to drip elegantly.
Creative Variations to Make It Your Own
While Susan Whetzel’s recipe is perfect as is, feel free to experiment and personalize your S’mores Coffee Cake:
- Chocolate Choices: Instead of regular chocolate chips, try dark chocolate chunks for a more intense flavor, or white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast. A mix of milk and dark chocolate can also be delightful.
- Nutty Addition: For an added layer of crunch and flavor, consider folding half a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts into the chocolate chip filling.
- Spiced Crumbs: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg added to the graham cracker crumbs in the cake batter can introduce a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Garnish Galore: After drizzling the marshmallow syrup, sprinkle a few extra graham cracker crumbs, mini chocolate chips, or even some mini marshmallows on top for an enhanced visual appeal and textural contrast.
- Serving Suggestions: This cake is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or, of course, a steaming mug of coffee or hot cocoa.
This S’mores Coffee Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a delightful fusion of beloved flavors that promises to bring joy to any table. Whether you’re baking it for a special brunch, a comforting evening treat, or simply to satisfy a craving, it’s sure to impress with its unique charm and unforgettable taste. Dive into the world of S’mores with Susan Whetzel’s ingenious creation!
Excerpted from The S’mores Cookbook by Susan Whetzel, Copyright © 2013 by F+W Media, Inc. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. Cover design by Sylvia McArdle. Cover images by Bree Hester and Susan Whetzel.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY THESE S’MORES INSPIRED TREATS:
S’mores Layer Cake
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip S’more Cookies
Easy S’more Cupcakes
Open Face Heart S’mores
Leprechaun Hat S’mores