Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of baking this s’mores loaf cake! Every time I whip up this sweet treat, it’s like I’m transported back to summer campfires with gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers all wrapped up in one delicious loaf. Seriously, the combination is magical! The cake comes out so moist and fluffy, with little pockets of melted chocolate and soft marshmallows that just melt in your mouth. It’s truly the perfect dessert to share with friends or to enjoy all by myself (no judgment here!). Plus, the smell wafting through the kitchen while it bakes is worth every second. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients for S’mores Loaf Cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – This gives the cake its lovely structure.
- 1 cup sugar – For that perfect sweetness that balances the chocolate.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds rich chocolate flavor without being overly sweet.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda – Works with the acidity of the cocoa for an even lighter texture.
- 1/4 tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – For that creamy richness that makes the cake moist.
- 2 eggs – Binds everything together and adds to the cake’s fluffiness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla makes everything better!
- 1/2 cup milk – Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows – They create those delightful gooey pockets of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers – Adds that classic s’mores crunch and flavor.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips – Extra chocolatey goodness that melts as it bakes.
How to Prepare S’mores Loaf Cake
Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it helps the cake rise beautifully from the moment it goes in! While that’s heating up, grab a large bowl and mix together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of baking soda, and 1/4 tsp of salt. Make sure to whisk them well until everything’s nicely combined. You want to see that lovely, smooth mixture without any lumps; it should feel light and airy. This blend will lay the foundation for our delicious loaf!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, let’s bring in the wet ingredients! In a separate bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and those 2 eggs until they’re fluffy. Then, stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 1/2 cup of milk. Mix it all together until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. You want to make sure there are no bits of butter left because that’ll give us that dreamy texture we’re after. Once it’s blended, it’s time to add this luscious mixture to your dry ingredients!
Fold in Add-ins
Gently fold in 1 cup of mini marshmallows, 1/2 cup of crushed graham crackers, and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. This is the fun part! Use a spatula and be careful not to overmix; you want to keep those marshmallows intact for that gooey goodness! Your batter should look thick and chocolatey, with specks of marshmallow peeking through. It’s so tempting, I know!
Baking and Cooling
Pour your batter into a greased loaf pan, smoothing out the top for even baking. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will be intoxicating, trust me! Once it’s baked to perfection, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is crucial because it helps set the texture just right. Slice it up and get ready to indulge in a slice of heaven!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about a few pro tips to ensure your s’mores loaf cake turns out absolutely perfect! First off, make sure your butter is really softened—like, room temperature softened. This helps it blend seamlessly with the sugar, giving you that fluffy texture we all love. Also, don’t skip the whisking step when combining the dry ingredients; it really helps to incorporate air, making your cake light and airy!
When you fold in those mini marshmallows and chocolate chips, remember to be gentle. Overmixing can deflate all that lovely air you’ve built up! And if you want a little extra indulgence, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top once it’s cooled. Yum! Lastly, let the cake cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain its moistness and prevents it from crumbling. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what you’re enjoying, right? Just keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general breakdown for one delicious slice of this s’mores loaf cake:
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
So, while you’re indulging in this sweet treat, you can feel a little less guilty knowing the details! Enjoy every slice, and remember, balance is key!
FAQ About S’mores Loaf Cake
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! If you’re a fan of dark chocolate, feel free to swap out the chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips. They’ll add a rich, deep flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the marshmallows. You can also try using white chocolate chips for a different twist. Just keep in mind that each type of chocolate will give a slightly different flavor profile, so choose what you love most!
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your s’mores loaf cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week. Just remember that refrigeration can make the cake a bit denser. If you have leftovers that you won’t eat within a week, I recommend freezing them! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Can I make this gluten-free?
You sure can! To make a gluten-free version of this delightful loaf cake, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that includes xanthan gum, as that helps with texture. You may also want to check that your cocoa powder and chocolate chips are labeled gluten-free, just to be safe. With these simple swaps, you can still enjoy all the deliciousness of s’mores loaf cake without the gluten!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
- Delightfully moist and fluffy, with a perfect balance of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker flavors.
- Unique twist on traditional s’mores that you can enjoy year-round.
- Perfect for sharing with friends and family or indulging all by yourself!
- Fabulous aroma that fills your kitchen and makes everyone eager for a slice.
S’mores Loaf Cake: 5 Irresistible Reasons to Bake Now
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious s’mores loaf cake combining chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in marshmallows, crushed graham crackers, and chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Serve with extra chocolate sauce if desired.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: smores loaf cake, dessert, chocolate cake
