These S’mores Cupcakes bring the campfire treat to life in a new, decadent form! The crispy graham cracker crust acts as the perfect base, followed by a rich, moist chocolate cake that melts in your mouth. The finishing touch is a glorious marshmallow frosting, perfectly toasted for that true s’mores experience.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 cupcake pans with cupcake liners.
- In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Press 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each cupcake liner and bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool.
- Whisk cocoa powder and espresso powder into boiling water until smooth. Set aside to cool.
- Beat butter, vegetable oil, and brown sugar for 3 minutes until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and salt, beating for 3 more minutes. Add cocoa mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Add flour, baking powder, and baking soda, mixing until just combined. Stir in sour cream.
- Spoon 2 heaping tablespoons of batter over the graham cracker crusts, filling no more than 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until tops spring back when touched. Cool.
- For frosting, broil marshmallows on a baking sheet until golden and puffy. Cool.
- Whisk egg whites, sugar, water, cream of tartar, and salt over simmering water for 8-10 minutes until stiff peaks form.
- Add toasted marshmallows, vanilla, and almond extract. Whip until smooth and thick, then pipe onto cooled cupcakes. Optionally, caramelize with a kitchen torch.
Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 18 servings
S’mores Cupcakes: A Delectable Twist on a Campfire Classic
Who doesn’t love the classic s’mores made over a campfire? Now you can enjoy that delicious combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows in the form of a delightful cupcake! These S’mores Cupcakes are a crowd-pleasing dessert, ideal for any occasion from backyard barbecues to birthday parties or even cozy family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes
- Unique Take on a Classic: While traditional s’mores are made around the campfire, these cupcakes bring the same nostalgic flavors into a fun, bite-sized treat. The graham cracker crust gives a satisfying crunch, while the rich chocolate cake forms the perfect base, and the toasted marshmallow frosting ties everything together in the most delicious way.
- Perfect for Any Event: Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a family gathering, or just looking to impress your guests with a unique dessert, these cupcakes are sure to stand out. Not only do they look amazing, but they taste like heaven in every bite!
- Versatile for Customization: This recipe is a great base for personalization. You can swap out the chocolate frosting for a different flavor, use flavored marshmallows, or even top them with mini chocolate bars or sprinkles to add extra texture and flavor. Feel free to get creative!
- Impress Your Guests: These cupcakes look professionally made but are surprisingly easy to prepare. They will make a big impact when you present them to friends and family. Plus, using a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallow frosting gives them that perfect campfire feel.
How to Make the Perfect S’mores Cupcakes
Making S’mores Cupcakes is simple, but there are a few tips that can help elevate the results:
- Perfecting the Frosting: The marshmallow frosting is what truly sets these cupcakes apart. The key to getting that perfect, toasty look is to use a kitchen torch. If you don’t have one, you can broil the marshmallows in the oven, but be sure to watch them carefully as they can burn quickly. The marshmallow should be lightly toasted and puffy but not too dark.
- Flavor Variations: If you want to change things up, consider adding peanut butter to the frosting for a decadent twist, or mix in a little bit of cinnamon to the batter for extra warmth. You could even sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or mini chocolate chips on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
- For a Softer Cake: If you prefer a lighter cupcake, you can substitute sour cream with buttermilk or yogurt for a more tender texture. This will still give you the same great flavor but with a fluffier crumb.
- Serving Tips: These cupcakes are best served within a few hours of making them, as the marshmallow frosting can start to soften over time. To store, cover them tightly and refrigerate, but they’re at their best when fresh.
Perfect Pairings
These cupcakes go wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa—perfect for cozy, chilly evenings. For something a little more decadent, try pairing them with a dark roast coffee or a dessert wine like a sweet red or port.
All About the Ingredients
The ingredients for S’mores Cupcakes are simple but pack a punch of flavor:
- Graham Crackers: These are the base of the cupcake and give it that authentic s’mores flavor. They also help create a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the moist cake.
- Cocoa Powder & Espresso Powder: These give the chocolate cake depth and richness, elevating the flavor profile and making it irresistibly indulgent.
- Butter & Vegetable Oil: These ingredients work together to create a moist, flavorful cupcake that holds up well when frosted.
- Sour Cream: The sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the cupcakes, ensuring a soft, delicate crumb.
- Marshmallows: The marshmallow frosting is the star of the show. It’s airy, sweet, and perfect for toasting, offering that iconic s’mores flavor.
Perfect for Baking with Kids
This recipe is an excellent choice for family baking sessions, especially if you have little helpers in the kitchen. Kids can help with the graham cracker crust, spooning the batter, and even decorating the cupcakes with marshmallow frosting. It’s a fun, hands-on treat that they’ll love creating and eating!
Why These Cupcakes Are Special
- Moist, Flavorful Cupcake: The chocolate cake is rich but not too heavy, perfectly complementing the graham cracker crust and marshmallow frosting.
- Textures Galore: You’ll get that crunch from the graham cracker base, a melt-in-your-mouth soft chocolate cake, and a chewy, airy marshmallow topping.
- A Dessert with a Nostalgic Twist: If you’ve ever enjoyed a s’more by the campfire, you’ll appreciate the familiar flavors in a new form.
These S’mores Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence for any sweet lover. From the crunchy graham cracker crust to the gooey marshmallow frosting, every bite is a taste of childhood memories, elevated with a touch of sophistication. Perfect for any season, these cupcakes will bring a little bit of summer campfire fun to your kitchen all year round!
Conclusion
These S’mores Cupcakes are a fun and delicious twist on the classic campfire treat, combining graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows into a cupcake. With a crunchy graham cracker base, rich chocolate cake, and toasted marshmallow frosting, each bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Easy to make and highly customizable, these cupcakes are ideal for any occasion, from parties to cozy nights in. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with toppings, S’mores Cupcakes are sure to be a hit. Get baking and enjoy the sweet, nostalgic taste of s’mores in cupcake form!