Pursuit of: Buttermilk Recipes [S'more Cake]

Happy Fourth of July! I hope, as you read this, you are in the middle of something super-American. e.g., wearing jorts, drinking a Coke, grilling burgers, listening to a little Country music...tell me: What's "American" to you?

What's "American" to me? FOOD, duh. I'm not sure you'll find many other countries that are quite as obsessed with the variety, emotion, and sheer amount of food. While it depends on your perspective (obviously, I'm a foodie), I think its great!!! Think of any special occasion or holiday in your life; is there a food associated with it? Probably. Now think of an emotion; is there a food associated with it? Now think of a type of food; how many different ways can you prepare it or include it in a dish? Is your mind blown yet?!

Sometimes I get too excited about food and something like this happens:


The S'more Cake.

The back story: This is my boss's birthday cake. No, I wasn't trying to be a kiss-up; I just was looking for an opportunity to be creative! And my coworkers are sooo appreciative and supportive of my baking. I'll never be 100% certain if they are just being nice or really truly enjoy everything I bring in; but if I bring it, they eat it. That's enough for me :)

Now, let me break down this cake for you:

First, there's chocolate buttermilk cake, topped with a (super-delicious and easy) marshmallow buttercream frosting. 



Homemade graham cracker crust layer.



More marshmallow buttercream



Another layer of chocolate buttermilk cake



Drool...



Graham crack crumbs.


Chocolate buttercream frosting.

And some homemade chocolate decorations, and a mini s'more sandwich.



This cake disappeared within 3 minutes of it being cut, mainly due to intrigue and my reputation. I think it turned out delicious; but, disclaimer: its very, very, very rich...and best devoured with a glass of milk :)

Thanks for stopping by,

S'more Cake

Inspired by America's favorite summertime snack

Servings: 1 cake

1/2 recipe of chocolate buttermilk cake, baked and cooled according to directions in 9-inch cake pans 

1 batch of  marshmallow buttercream frosting (recipe below)

1 homemade graham cracker crust (recipe below)

1 batch of your favorite chocolate buttercream frosting (homemade or canned)

1/2-1 cup of graham cracker crumbs

Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting (Recipe from Love from the Oven)
1/2 cup salted butter, softened
1 lb powdered sugar (~ 3 3/4 cups)
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons milk
2-3 cups marshmallow cream

• In a standing mixer, cream butter for 1-2 minutes. Slowing add sugar, followed by vanilla. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time (all may not be necessary). Mix until fluffy; then add marshmallow cream. Mix for an addition 1-2 minutes. 

Graham Cracker Crust Layer (Recipe from What's Cooking, America?)
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line the bottom of a 9-inch cake pan with wax or parchment paper.

• In a bowl, combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and sugar. Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes; cool in pan.

Cake Assembly
Assemble cake according to images above, ensuring that you save enough marshmallow buttercream to cover the top. Once layers are assembled, sprinkle crumbs over top of cake and using either hands or a flat spatula, spread until entire surface is evenly covered and secure. If you choose so, cover sides with chocolate icing.