S’mores Cupcakes

The nostalgia of a crackling campfire and melted chocolate all wrapped up in one perfectly portioned treat, that’s what you get with these S’mores Cupcakes. This dessert takes everything you love about traditional s’mores and transforms it into a soft, rich cupcake with a golden graham cracker crust and fluffy marshmallow frosting that’s torched to perfection.

Perfect for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or just a cozy night at home, these cupcakes are the ultimate comfort food. Each bite offers layers of texture and flavor: buttery crunch from the crust, moist chocolate cake in the center, and that lightly caramelized meringue-like marshmallow topping on top. You don’t need a firepit to enjoy the joy of s’mores, just your oven and a sweet tooth.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup hot water

For the Marshmallow Frosting:

• 4 large egg whites

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

• 1 graham cracker, crushed (for garnish)

• Mini chocolate bars or chocolate shavings

• Kitchen torch (for toasting the frosting)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each liner to form the crust.

3. Bake crusts for 5 minutes, then remove from oven and set aside.

4. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

5. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla. Slowly add wet ingredients to dry, stirring until combined. Add hot water last and mix until smooth.

6. Pour batter evenly over graham crusts, filling each liner about 2/3 full.

7. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.

8. Meanwhile, prepare frosting. In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, whisk egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar continuously until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches 160°F.

9. Remove from heat and beat with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 5-7 minutes). Add vanilla and mix to combine.

10. Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the marshmallow topping.

11. Garnish with crushed graham crackers and chocolate pieces.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 285 kcal | Servings: 12 cupcakes

S’mores Cupcakes: A Decadent Twist on a Campfire Classic

If you’ve ever sat around a campfire and toasted a marshmallow until it reached gooey perfection, you know the pure joy that a classic s’more can bring. With its combination of crunchy graham crackers, rich chocolate, and soft, melty marshmallows, it’s a timeless treat that’s equal parts nostalgic and satisfying. Now, imagine capturing all that magic in one perfectly portioned dessert that you can enjoy anywhere, anytime, no campfire required. That’s exactly what S’mores Cupcakes offer: a portable, elegant, and downright irresistible twist on the traditional s’more.

These cupcakes are the ultimate way to enjoy the flavors of summer in any season. Whether you’re looking to surprise your guests at a party, treat your kids after school, or simply indulge your own sweet tooth, S’mores Cupcakes are the perfect answer. With a buttery graham cracker crust, moist chocolate cake, and a dreamy marshmallow frosting toasted to golden perfection, they deliver layers of flavor and texture in every bite.

The Origin and Evolution of S’mores

To truly appreciate these cupcakes, it helps to understand the roots of the s’more. The original “Some More,” as it was first known, made its debut in a 1927 Girl Scouts guidebook called Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. The treat became a symbol of togetherness, often made around a fire while sharing stories and songs.

As the s’more gained popularity, variations started to pop up everywhere. We’ve seen s’mores-inspired cookies, bars, cakes, and even drinks. But the cupcake version stands out for its ability to capture the full experience of a s’more, its gooeyness, richness, and crunch, while elevating it into something elegant enough for events, birthdays, or themed gatherings.

Why These S’mores Cupcakes Work So Well

What makes this recipe such a standout is its deliberate layering. Each part of the cupcake is thoughtfully constructed to echo the classic treat:

• Graham Cracker Crust: The base is a simple blend of graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, pressed into each cupcake liner. When baked, it sets into a solid foundation that offers a satisfying crunch and familiar buttery flavor.

• Chocolate Cupcake: The cupcake batter itself is rich, dark, and incredibly moist thanks to ingredients like buttermilk and hot water. The chocolate cake layer contrasts perfectly with the crisp crust and melts in your mouth with every bite.

• Marshmallow Frosting: The pièce de résistance is the homemade marshmallow frosting. Made with egg whites and sugar whipped into stiff, glossy peaks, this frosting is light, fluffy, and not overly sweet. When lightly toasted with a kitchen torch, it mimics the golden, caramelized top of a real campfire-toasted marshmallow.

Ingredient Tips and Customizations

One of the great things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are a few ideas for tweaking it to suit your needs or preferences:

• Crust Variations: While graham crackers are traditional, you could use chocolate graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even crushed Oreos for a fun twist.

• Chocolate Options: The chocolate cupcake layer can be customized by adding mini chocolate chips, using a dark chocolate cocoa powder, or even adding a splash of espresso for a mocha version.

• Frosting Alternatives: While the marshmallow frosting is a must for that authentic flavor, you could also use store-bought marshmallow fluff for convenience. Another option is to top the cupcakes with a marshmallow and broil them in the oven for a couple of minutes until toasted.

• Add-ins: Some people like to push a small piece of chocolate into the center of the cupcake batter before baking for a molten surprise in the middle. Others top their cupcakes with mini graham crackers or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These S’mores Cupcakes are as versatile as they are delicious. They’re a hit at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, bake sales, and summer cookouts. Because they’re individually portioned, they’re easy to serve, transport, and store. Plus, their showstopping appearance, especially with that golden, toasted frosting, makes them look as good as they taste.

You can dress them up or down depending on the event. Serve them on a rustic wooden board for a campfire-themed party or arrange them in a tiered cupcake stand for a more elegant dessert table. Their flavor speaks for itself, but the visual appeal of the toasted frosting and layered construction adds an extra wow factor.

A Great Activity for Kids and Adults Alike

Making S’mores Cupcakes can also be a fun activity to do with kids. Little hands will love pressing the graham cracker crust into the liners and stirring the chocolate batter. With adult supervision, even toasting the frosting can become a shared family moment. This recipe turns a nostalgic treat into an opportunity to create new memories in the kitchen.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you’re prepping for an event or just want to get ahead, here’s how you can make these cupcakes ahead of time:

• Cupcakes: The chocolate cupcakes (with graham crust) can be made up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

• Frosting: It’s best to make and apply the marshmallow frosting the same day for optimal texture. If you absolutely need to make it ahead, store the frosted cupcakes in the fridge and toast the frosting just before serving.

• Freezing: While the frosted cupcakes don’t freeze well, you can freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before adding the marshmallow topping.

Health Considerations and Substitutions

Though indulgent, S’mores Cupcakes can be adapted to meet certain dietary preferences:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

• Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and vegan butter or oil. Choose dairy-free chocolate.

• Egg-Free: Use aquafaba (chickpea water) as an egg white substitute in the marshmallow frosting, and use an egg replacer in the cake.

These adjustments won’t completely replicate the original, but they’ll help more people enjoy the essence of this dessert.

Conclusion

S’mores Cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they’re a sweet homage to childhood memories and summer nights. With a balanced mix of textures, flavors, and visual appeal, they offer everything people love about s’mores in an easy-to-make and even easier-to-eat format. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or just want to bring a little joy into your day, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy.

From the buttery graham cracker crust to the rich chocolate cake and toasted marshmallow topping, every element works in harmony to deliver a bite that’s comforting, nostalgic, and indulgent. And perhaps best of all, these cupcakes prove that you don’t need a campfire to enjoy the magic of s’mores, just a muffin tin, a mixer, and a craving for something truly delicious.