S'mores Cake

Looking for that satisfying combination of graham cracker crumb, rich chocolate and, gooeymarshmallow? Unlike the campfire classic, this one is made to share. Adapted from the back of aNabisco box of the days of yore.

two-tiered 8-inch round layercake, approximately 12 servings

oven broiler or blow torch

active 1hr, total 2 hrs

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 20 squares)

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder

• generous pinch of salt

• 3/4 cup non-dairy milk, I used almond

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 3/4 cup neutral cooking oil such as canola or safflower, additional for greasing

1 tsp vanilla extract

• 16 oz. dark chocolate, the higher the quality the better, coarsely chopped

• 1 15oz. can full-fat coconut milk

• 1/2 tsp vanilla

6 vegan marshmallows, halved – ensure they are gelatin-free

1. Ensure oven rack is in the middle of the oven and preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment & grease with oil.

2. Pulse broken graham crackers in a food processor until crumbs are achieved.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, baking powder and, salt. Set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together milk & apple cider vinegar. Let stand for 2 minutes until milk curdles. In a medium bowl stir together the milk mixture, oil and vanilla.

4. Slowly in batches, add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring to incorporate as you go. Mix thoroughly, being careful not to over mix. Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans.

5. Bake for 25-28 minutes or until tops are golden brown and sides begin to pull away from the pans. Place both pans on a cooling rack and allow the cakes to cool for at least 20 minutes.

6. Very carefully remove cakes from pans and place on a rack to cool before frosting and assembling. This cake is fragile; please exercise extra caution when removing from pan. Allow for cakes to come to room temperature before assembling.

1. Make the ganache while the cake is cooling. Place the chocolate in a heatproof mediumsized bowl. Set aside. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, heat the coconut milk until bubbles just begin to appear around the edges and steam rises from the surface. Careful not to overheat, milk may separate. Pour the hot coconut milk over the chopped chocolate and let stand without stirring for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, stir the chocolate-coconut milk mixture until glossy, smooth and all chocolate has melted. Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Allow ganache to cool to room temperature.

2. Once your cake has cooled, place one layer on cake stand or serving plate. Top with half of the ganache. Smooth on top and sides. Repeat with the second layer.

3. Line a baking sheet with parchment and place marshmallows, allowing for space between each. Carefully place under broiler on low with oven door ajar. Broil for approximately 2 minutes or until marshmallows are golden brown. Wait for marshmallows to cool slightly 1-2 minutes. Place the marshmallows in a ring on the outside of the cake.

1. Graham cracker cake is very fragile. Use caution when removing from the pan.

2. Vegan Ingredients – Make sure to use vegan marshmallows and graham crackers. I used Dandies, but Trader Joe's and a few other brands make excellent versions. Nabisco crackers are vegan, but many other varieties use honey as sweeteners.

3. I used store bought marshmallows & graham crackers, but feel free to make your own.