Smores Cupcakes Recipe

The Gooey Campfire Magic: S’mores Cupcakes Recipe

Sweet memories of campfire nights dance through my s’mores cupcakes, blending childhood nostalgia with delectable dessert magic.

Graham cracker crumbs create a rustic foundation for these irresistible treats.

Chocolate ganache adds rich depth to each tender bite.

Marshmallow frosting swirls like a delightful cloud, promising pure indulgence.

Decadent layers combine classic camping flavors into an unexpected cupcake experience.

Crisp edges and gooey centers guarantee smiles from the first taste.

You’ll want to share these delightful little wonders with everyone around you.

Bake these cupcakes and watch pure joy unfold.

What’s Great About Smores Cupcakes

  • Create professional-looking cupcakes with restaurant-worthy presentation that will impress family and friends.
  • Break down intimidating baking steps into manageable parts, allowing home bakers of all skill levels to successfully craft gourmet desserts.
  • Adapt the recipe with optional garnishes like graham cracker pieces or chocolate squares, making each cupcake uniquely personal and fun.
  • Transform traditional s'mores into an elegant cupcake that brings nostalgic outdoor memories directly to your kitchen with rich chocolate and toasted marshmallow notes.

What Goes in Smores Cupcakes

Base Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides the classic s'mores flavor foundation.
  • Flour: Gives structure to the cupcake.
  • Baking Powder: Helps cupcakes rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates rich and tender texture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic flavor.
  • Milk: Helps create smooth batter consistency.
Filling and Frosting Ingredients:
  • Chocolate: Provides rich, classic s'mores chocolate flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, glossy chocolate filling.
  • Egg Whites: Creates fluffy, marshmallow-like frosting.
  • Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes frosting.
  • Cream of Tartar: Helps egg whites hold their structure.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker, Chocolate Square: Optional topping for extra s'mores authenticity.

Making Smores Cupcakes at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F.

Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners, creating a cozy home for your sweet treats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together in a medium bowl, creating a sandy-textured mixture that will give your cupcakes a delightful crunch.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Beat butter and sugar until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Splash in vanilla extract for extra flavor magic.

Step 4: Combine Batter

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk.

Mix until just combined – don’t overwork the batter!

Divide evenly into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven.

Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Create Chocolate Center

Chop chocolate and place in a heatproof bowl.

Heat cream until it barely simmers, then pour over chocolate.

Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until silky smooth.

Step 7: Fill Cupcake Centers

Transfer chocolate mixture to a piping bag.

Gently insert the tip into each cupcake’s center, filling with rich chocolate goodness.

Step 8: Whip Up Marshmallow Frosting

Combine egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in a heatproof bowl.

Create a double boiler, whisking until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches 160°F.

Transfer to mixer and beat until glossy, stiff peaks form.

Add vanilla for extra flavor.

Step 9: Frost with Flair

Use a star-tipped piping bag to create beautiful swirls of marshmallow frosting on each cupcake.

Step 10: Toast to Perfection

Use a kitchen torch to lightly golden the frosting.

No torch?

Carefully broil for a few seconds, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 11: Final Touches

Sprinkle with graham cracker pieces or chocolate squares for the ultimate s’mores experience.

Simple Smores Cupcakes Tips

  • Use a kitchen torch for even, golden-brown marshmallow frosting that mimics campfire-roasted marshmallows.
  • Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack to maintain their crisp texture and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Let hot cream sit on chopped chocolate for 2-3 minutes before stirring to ensure a silky, lump-free chocolate center.
  • Whip egg whites to stiff peaks at precisely 160°F to create a glossy, stable marshmallow topping that holds its shape.
  • Choose high-quality dark chocolate for a richer, more intense filling that complements the sweet marshmallow frosting.

Store & Reheat Smores Cupcakes Easily

  • Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the frosting from sticking.
  • Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
  • Keep unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
  • Warm refrigerated cupcakes at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. For a crisp texture, briefly warm in a 300°F oven for 3-5 minutes.

Smores Cupcakes Pairing Picks

  • Pair Chocolate's Rich Depth: Dark chocolate or a robust red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon perfectly complements the cupcake's sweet and smoky profile, enhancing the dessert's complex flavor layers.
  • Toast Marshmallow's Sweetness: A creamy bourbon or vanilla-infused liqueur matches the marshmallow frosting's light, airy texture and caramelized notes, creating a harmonious taste experience.
  • Balance Graham Cracker's Earthiness: Cold milk or a smooth coffee stout cuts through the richness, highlighting the graham cracker's nutty undertones and providing a refreshing contrast to the decadent cupcake.
  • Elevate Dessert's Complexity: A sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a nutty Port brings out the cupcake's intricate blend of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker, rounding out the sensory experience.

Smores Cupcake Flavors to Explore

  • Gluten-Free S'mores Cupcakes: Replace graham cracker crumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan S'mores Cupcakes: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with applesauce or flax eggs, and milk with almond milk. Use vegan marshmallow frosting made from aquafaba and use dairy-free chocolate for filling.
  • Low-Sugar S'mores Cupcakes: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use dark chocolate with minimal sugar and reduce overall sweetness in marshmallow frosting while maintaining rich flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly S'mores Cupcakes: Create cupcake base using almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, use sugar-free chocolate, and make frosting with sugar-free marshmallow substitute and cream cheese.

FAQs

  • Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cupcakes a day in advance. Bake and cool them completely, then store in an airtight container. Add the chocolate filling and marshmallow frosting just before serving to maintain the best texture.

  • Is the chocolate filling necessary?

While optional, the chocolate filling adds a delicious rich center that mimics the classic s’mores flavor. It creates a surprise element when you bite into the cupcake and discover the gooey chocolate inside.

  • Do I need special equipment to make these cupcakes?

You’ll need a muffin tin, piping bags, and ideally a kitchen torch. If you don’t have a torch, the broiler method works as an alternative for toasting the marshmallow frosting. A stand mixer helps with the frosting, but a hand mixer can work too.

  • How can I tell if the cupcakes are baked properly?

Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cupcakes are done. They should be golden and spring back when lightly touched.

Print
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Smores Cupcakes Recipe

Smores Cupcakes Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Gooey marshmallow and rich chocolate elevate classic S’mores Cupcakes into a nostalgic dessert sensation. Graham cracker crusts, chocolate cake, and toasted marshmallow frosting deliver campfire memories right to your plate with irresistible sweetness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Cupcake Ingredients:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Flavor and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Marshmallow Frosting Ingredients:

  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cupcake tin by lining it with paper liners and heating the oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking and easy removal of cupcakes.
  2. Combine dry ingredients including graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and airy.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract to enhance flavor profile.
  4. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined to maintain a tender cupcake texture. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each approximately two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean.
  6. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack while preparing the chocolate filling.
  7. Create chocolate filling by heating cream until it just simmers. Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
  8. Once cooled, core the center of each cupcake and fill with chocolate mixture using a piping bag or zip-top bag.
  9. Prepare marshmallow frosting using a double boiler method. Whisk egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches 160°F.
  10. Transfer to a stand mixer and whip on high speed until frosting forms stiff, glossy peaks. Incorporate vanilla extract.
  11. Pipe marshmallow frosting onto cupcakes using a star tip, creating elegant swirls.
  12. Toast frosting using a kitchen torch until golden brown, or carefully broil for a few seconds to achieve a caramelized finish.
  13. Optional: Embellish with graham cracker fragments or chocolate squares for a classic s’mores presentation.

Notes

  • Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and even baking of cupcakes.
  • Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients to prevent overmixing, which can make cupcakes tough.
  • When filling cupcakes with chocolate, insert the piping tip at a slight angle to distribute filling evenly.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour.
  • Cool cupcakes completely before filling and frosting to prevent melting and maintain structural integrity.
  • Use a candy thermometer for precise marshmallow frosting temperature to ensure food safety and perfect texture.
  • Toast marshmallow frosting quickly and evenly by rotating cupcake while using kitchen torch.
  • Store cupcakes in airtight container at room temperature for maximum 2 days to maintain freshness.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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