Name: S’mores Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham crackers (crushed); ¼ cup brown sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons espresso powder (optional but enhances the chocolate flavor); 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda; ¾ teaspoon baking powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; 2 eggs; ¾ cup buttermilk; ¾ cup warm water; ¼ cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 ½ ounces dark chocolate (chopped); ¾ cup heavy cream; Marshmallow fluff (for topping)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 62 reviews

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy all the nostalgic flavors of campfire s’mores in a delightful, portable treat, this S’mores Cupcakes Recipe is exactly what you need. These cupcakes take the classic combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallow and transform it into an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any celebration or just a cozy night in. They’re easy to make, gorgeous to look at, and absolutely bursting with the warm, gooey goodness that makes s’mores so unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are 14 small bowls and containers, including a large bowl of white flour at the top left, a small wooden bowl with white powders, a large clear bowl of white sugar, a small square white bowl with brown liquid, two whole white eggs in a small white square bowl, a bowl of dark chocolate disks, another bowl with white oil, a bowl of dark brown powder, a bowl of light brown sugar, another of clear oil, a glass of milk, a stick of salted butter in its wrapper, a white container of baking powder, and some broken graham crackers in a brown paper wrapper. The color palette is white, brown, and dark chocolate, all placed in a clean, well-lit setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this S’mores Cupcakes Recipe plays a crucial role, from the buttery graham cracker crust that provides a crunchy base to the rich chocolate ganache that adds depth and indulgence. Together, these simple pantry staples come together to craft a beautifully balanced cupcake both in flavor and texture.

2 cups graham crackers (crushed): The crunchy foundation that brings the classic s’mores flavor and a satisfying texture.
¼ cup brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel sweetness and helps bind the crust.
½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Gives richness and moisture to the graham cracker crust.
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base for our cupcakes, providing structure and tenderness.
1 ½ cups sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering.
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers bold chocolate flavor, essential for that satisfying chocoholic hit.
2 tablespoons espresso powder (optional): Enhances the chocolate notes without tasting like coffee.
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise and stay light.
¾ teaspoon baking powder: Adds extra lift and fluffiness to the cupcakes.
¾ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavor.
2 eggs: Provides structure and richness to the batter.
¾ cup buttermilk: Makes the cupcakes tender and moist with a slight tang.
¾ cup warm water: Keeps the batter smooth and thin enough to create soft cupcakes.
¼ cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture for a tender crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
3 ½ ounces dark chocolate (chopped): The star ingredient in the ganache, offering richness and smoothness.
¾ cup heavy cream: Creates the perfect luxurious texture for the ganache.
Marshmallow fluff (topping): Gives the classic toasted marshmallow finish that makes s’mores so special.

How to Make S’mores Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your cupcake tins with liners for easy cleanup. Mix the crushed graham crackers, brown sugar, and melted butter together in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press about one tablespoon into the bottom of each cupcake liner, forming a firm, compact base for your cupcakes to sit on. This crust adds a delightful crunch and that unmistakable s’mores flavor from the first bite.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder if using, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This combination ensures your cupcakes will have the perfect balance of sweetness, lift, and deep chocolate taste. Taking care to mix these well upfront makes the next steps smooth and guarantees even distribution of ingredients.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the buttermilk, warm water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients blend moisture and flavor that help create tender, fluffy cupcakes with a hint of richness. Slowly combine the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring just until combined—overmixing can make the cupcakes dense, so be gentle!

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Pour the chocolate batter onto the graham cracker crusts in the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to give them room to rise beautifully. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this prevents soggy bottoms and sets the perfect texture for what’s coming next.

Step 5: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

While the cupcakes cool, gently heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just starts to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for a few minutes to melt, then stir until silky smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly before spreading or piping it generously over the cooled cupcakes, adding that rich, decadent chocolate layer that is a dream come true for chocolate lovers.

Step 6: Add the Marshmallow Fluff and Toast

Top each ganache-covered cupcake with a generous spoonful of marshmallow fluff. Using a butane torch or your oven’s broiler, carefully toast the marshmallow topping until it’s beautifully golden and bubbly. This final step brings the signature toasted sweetness and a lovely contrast in texture, turning these cupcakes into a true s’mores celebration.

How to Serve S’mores Cupcakes Recipe

Seven small chocolate cupcakes with dark brown cake bases are topped with thick, light brown frosting layers in the middle. On top, there is a thick, fluffy white marshmallow layer with browned, toasted spots, giving a slightly caramelized look. The cupcakes are placed on a white marbled surface, arranged in a loose circle with some spacing between them. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or mini chocolate chips on top of the toasted marshmallow fluff can elevate both appearance and texture. You could also place a small square of chocolate or a tiny toasted marshmallow for extra charm. These garnishes not only make your cupcakes photo-ready but also add an extra layer of nostalgia and fun.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate and sweet marshmallow. Fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries also provide a refreshing contrast, cutting through the indulgent flavors with their natural tartness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, arrange your S’mores Cupcakes Recipe in a rustic wooden box or on a tiered dessert stand that mimics a picnic vibe. You could also wrap individual cupcakes in clear cellophane with a pretty ribbon for gifting. Another fun idea is to serve them with small skewers so guests can toast their marshmallow topping themselves for an interactive treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover S’mores Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep the marshmallow fluff soft and fresh, avoid refrigeration since it tends to dry out the texture. Keeping them covered well ensures they stay moist and delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze these cupcakes without the marshmallow topping for up to three months. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight at room temperature before adding fresh marshmallow fluff and toasting it for that perfect fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your cupcakes warm, gently warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven set to 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Be sure to remove any marshmallow topping before reheating, then add fresh fluff and toast when ready to serve. This revives their gooey chocolaty goodness beautifully.

FAQs

What if I don’t have a butane torch for toasting marshmallow fluff?

No worries! You can place the cupcakes under your oven’s broiler for 30 seconds to a minute, watching them very closely to avoid burning. Alternatively, a kitchen torch or even a hot spoon pressed gently on the fluff can lightly toast the topping.

Can I make the cupcakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. Be sure to check that all other ingredients like baking powder and cocoa powder are gluten-free certified.

Is espresso powder necessary in the recipe?

Espresso powder is optional but highly recommended as it intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste. If you don’t have any on hand, simply omit it—the cupcakes will still be delicious.

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of marshmallow fluff?

You can, but marshmallow fluff offers a smoother, creamier texture that spreads and toasts more evenly on these cupcakes. If using regular marshmallows, try mini ones and toast carefully to avoid burning.

How long do these cupcakes stay fresh?

Freshly made S’mores Cupcakes are best enjoyed within two days if stored at room temperature. Beyond that, they may start to dry out or the marshmallow texture can change, so make sure to plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

These S’mores Cupcakes Recipe bring together everything we love about that classic campfire treat in a fun and convenient form. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just craving a decadent homemade dessert, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Grab your ingredients and get ready to impress everyone with these rich, gooey, and irresistibly toasty cupcakes—you won’t want to share!