S’mores Cupcakes – Gooey, Chocolatey, and Campfire-Inspired

These S’mores Cupcakes bring all the nostalgia of a warm campfire treat straight into your kitchen. With a tender chocolate base, a buttery graham cracker layer, and a gooey marshmallow topping, every bite recreates that classic s’mores flavor you know and love. Whether you’re craving a fun dessert for a party or want to elevate a baking night, these cupcakes taste indulgent, festive, and irresistibly chocolatey. They’re surprisingly simple to make, yet impressive enough for celebrations, bake sales, and holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Campfire flavor in cupcake form: The perfect balance of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker.
• Soft and tender crumb: Rich, moist cupcakes that stay fluffy for days.
• Fun for kids and adults: The marshmallow topping adds a playful, nostalgic twist.
• Great for parties: Beautiful presentation and easy to transport.
• Customizable: Choose broiled marshmallows or marshmallow buttercream.

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Base

• 1 cup crushed graham crackers
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon sugar

For the Chocolate Cupcakes

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup warm water

For the Marshmallow Topping

• 1 cup marshmallow fluff
• OPTIONAL: Mini marshmallows to broil on top
• Graham cracker crumbs for garnish

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. Make the graham cracker base: Mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Divide evenly among cupcake liners and press lightly to compact.
3. Start the cupcake batter: Whisk flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
4. Add wet ingredients: Mix in milk, oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
5. Add warm water: Slowly pour in warm water. Batter will be thin, that’s what creates moist cupcakes.
6. Fill the liners: Pour batter over the graham base, filling each liner two-thirds full.
7. Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool fully.
8. Add the marshmallow topping: Once cooled, pipe marshmallow fluff on top OR add mini marshmallows and briefly broil until toasty and golden.
9. Finish with garnish: Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the marshmallow topping.
10. Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature for the full s’mores experience.

Tips & Variations

• Extra-rich cupcakes: Replace water with hot coffee to intensify chocolate flavor.
• Add chocolate chunks: Fold in dark chocolate chips for gooey centers.
• Use a blowtorch: For more control, toast the marshmallow topping with a kitchen torch instead of broiling.
• Make mini cupcakes: Same ingredients, but reduce baking time to 10 minutes.
• Add peanut butter: Swirl a teaspoon of peanut butter into the batter for a fun twist.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Room temperature: Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep up to 4 days; allow to return to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing:
  • Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months.
  • Add marshmallow topping after thawing to maintain texture.
• Reheating: Warm for 10 seconds in the microwave to make them soft and gooey again.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve warm: Heating them for a few seconds brings back the campfire magic.
• Add drizzles: Chocolate syrup or caramel make them even richer.
• Pair with drinks: Hot chocolate, Vanilla milk, Iced Coffee and Chai latte.
• Holiday tables: Add them to dessert boards or offer them as individual treats for guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boxed cake mix?

Yes. Simply prepare a chocolate cake mix and bake over the graham cracker crust. The result stays delicious, fluffy, and still full of chocolate flavor.

Can I toast the marshmallow frosting with a torch?

A kitchen torch works beautifully and provides precise browning. Just avoid holding the flame too close so the marshmallow doesn’t melt completely.

Why is my cupcake crumb dense?

Overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients can reduce fluffiness. Mix just until combined and use room-temperature ingredients for best texture.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Yes. Bake the cupcakes a day ahead and add the marshmallow topping right before serving to keep the texture fresh.

Ready to Make It?

These S’mores Cupcakes capture everything you love about classic s’mores: toasted marshmallow, rich chocolate, and graham cracker crunch. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a cozy dessert, these cupcakes deliver pure comfort and nostalgic flavor in every bite. Save this recipe to your Pinterest boards so you can bake them anytime you want a campfire treat, no fire pit required.

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