Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line three 8-inch baking pans with parchment paper circles.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Divide this mixture evenly between the bottom of each pan, pressing it down firmly. Bake for about 8-10 minutes.
Cake Batter
- In a stand mixer, beat vegetable oil and granulated sugar on medium speed until creamy and light, about 2 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Incorporate dry ingredients and buttermilk alternately into the mixer.
- Just before mixing is done, add in hot water. Mix until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared baking pans, pouring it directly over the graham cracker crusts.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness.
- Allow cake layers to cool completely and level tops for even stacking.
Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream in the microwave until hot. Pour over milk chocolate chips, let sit for 5 minutes to melt, then stir until smooth.
Marshmallow Filling
- Set oven to broil and position a rack about 2/3 way up. Spread marshmallows on a baking sheet lined with parchment and toast until browned.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat room temperature butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Add cooled toasted marshmallows and marshmallow fluff to the butter mixture, beat until fully combined.
Chocolate Frosting
- In a bowl, beat room temperature butter and cocoa powder until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed and then mix in vanilla, heavy cream, and pinch of salt for another 3-4 minutes.
Meringue
- In another bowl, whisk egg whites and salt until frothy. Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar.
- In a saucepan, heat remaining 2/3 cup sugar and corn syrup until it reaches 240°F (115°C).
- While the mixer is running, slowly pour hot mixture into egg whites to create meringue.
Assembly
- Place the first cake layer on a cake disc. Pipe a thick ring of chocolate buttercream and spread half of the chocolate ganache in the center.
- Freeze for 5 minutes to set, then add half of the toasted marshmallow filling.
- Repeat with the second cake layer, ganache, and marshmallow filling.
- Place the final cake layer on top and apply a thin crumb coat of chocolate buttercream. Freeze for 15-30 minutes.
- Frost the outside with remaining chocolate frosting and return to the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
- Pipe marshmallow fluff over the top and toast with a kitchen torch. Decorate with graham crackers and Hershey squares if desired.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
