There’s something utterly delightful about indulging in a cupcake that combines the essence of classic s’mores with the rich decadence of chocolate. Just thinking about biting into a Chocolate S’mores Cupcake transports me back to summer evenings spent around a campfire, laughter filling the air as marshmallows toasted to gooey perfection. This recipe is a wonderful twist on a nostalgic favorite, bringing those cozy campfire vibes right into your kitchen!

When I decided to create these cupcakes, I was on a mission to cheer up a gloomy day. What could be better than warm, chocolatey goodness topped with luscious marshmallow frosting? The best part? You don’t have to be a pastry chef to bring a bit of magic to your home baking. With a straightforward approach and ingredients you likely already have, these cupcakes promise to be both simple and extraordinary. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself, they’re the ultimate treat to impress friends and family with your baking prowess. Let’s transform ordinary days into sweet celebrations together!

Why are S’mores Cupcakes a must-try?

Indulgent flavor: These cupcakes meld rich chocolate with nostalgic s’mores elements, creating a dessert that’s pure joy in every bite.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip these up in no time.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a family treat, everyone will adore the gooey, chocolatey goodness.
Versatile topping: Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings—who doesn’t love extra marshmallow or a drizzle more chocolate?
If you’re looking for more delectable treats, check out our favorite cupcake recipes that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth!

S’mores Cupcakes Ingredients

For the Cupcake Batter

All-purpose Flour – provides structure and stability for your cupcakes.
Cocoa Powder – adds rich chocolate flavor; use Dutch-processed for a deeper taste.
Granulated Sugar – sweetens the batter and helps to create a moist texture.

Baking Powder – crucial leavening agent for fluffy cupcakes.
Baking Soda – reacts with acidic ingredients to enhance rise; don’t skip it!
Salt – balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Large Eggs – gives moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
Vegetable Oil – keeps the cupcakes tender and moist; can be substituted with melted butter.
Vanilla Extract – adds an aromatic richness; use pure vanilla for best flavor.

Whole Milk – creates a tender crumb; you can substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Hot Water – helps to dissolve cocoa and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Instant Coffee – boosts the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.

For the Ganache Filling

Whipping Cream – creates a smooth, silky ganache; heat until scalding for the perfect melt.
Milk Chocolate – provides a creamy, sweet chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the cupcakes.

For the Marshmallow Frosting

Large Egg Whites – crucial for a light and airy meringue; ensure they’re at room temperature.

Granulated Sugar – sweetens the frosting and helps achieve glossy peaks.
Cream of Tartar – stabilizes the egg whites for a perfect meringue texture.
Vanilla Extract – infuses the frosting with flavor; add just before whipping.

For the Topping

Graham Crackers – adds crunch and the classic s’mores flavor; crush them for a delightful garnish.

These S’mores Cupcakes are a playful take on a classic treat, capturing the essence of summer in every bite! Enjoy baking!

How to Make S’mores Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners. This ensures an even bake and makes extraction super easy once they’re ready.
Sieve all the dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will help eliminate any lumps and ensure a smooth, rich batter.

Combine the eggs, vegetable oil, whole milk, and vanilla into the dry mixture. Beat for a couple of minutes until everything is well incorporated and the batter starts to look shiny.
Mix the instant coffee into the hot water. Pour this into the batter and mix until well combined. Remember, the batter should be fairly liquid—this is what makes it wonderfully moist!
Optional: Crumble the graham crackers and sprinkle them at the bottom of each cupcake liner before adding the batter. This adds an extra layer of fun s’mores flavor to each bite.

Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them; you want them perfectly puffed and springy!
Chop the milk chocolate into small pieces and place it in a bowl. This will help it melt more evenly when you add the cream.
Heat the whipping cream in a small saucepan until it is scalding hot, careful not to let it boil. This will help create that dreamy, silky ganache.

Pour the hot cream into the bowl of chopped chocolate. Allow it to sit for 30 seconds, then stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool while you prepare the frosting.
Create a double boiler by adding 1 inch of water to a saucepan and placing a heatproof bowl on top. This gentle heat will stabilize your egg mixture for the frosting.
Add the egg whites, cream of tartar, and granulated sugar to the bowl. Whisk constantly until the egg whites are warm and the sugar has dissolved, about 3-4 minutes.

Check the temperature using a thermometer if you have one; aim for 160°F / 71°C. This ensures the meringue is safe to eat and perfectly whipped.
Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer and whip until stiff peaks form, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Add vanilla extract and whip for a few more seconds until thick and glossy.
Cool the cupcakes completely before coring the middle of each one, creating a well for your decadent ganache filling.

Fill the cavity of each cupcake with your rich chocolate ganache. This surprising center will make every bite delightful!
Pipe or spread the marshmallow frosting onto the cupcakes, covering them generously—it’s all about that fluffy texture!
Toast the marshmallow using a kitchen torch until golden brown to achieve that campfire feel. Watch closely; it toasts quickly!

Drizzle any remaining chocolate ganache over the top of the marshmallow frosting and sprinkle with crushed graham cracker crumbs for that classic s’mores touch.

Optional: Garnish with mini marshmallows for an even more festive look!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze S’mores Cupcakes

Room Temperature: Keep uneaten S’mores Cupcakes in a covered container for up to 2 days. They taste best when enjoyed fresh!
Fridge: Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain their moisture. The chocolate ganache will keep them rich and delicious!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled cupcakes without frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top bag.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive the chocolatey goodness of your S’mores Cupcakes!

What to Serve with S’mores Cupcakes?

These delightful cupcakes are perfect for elevating your dessert table and rounding out a sweet meal experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla contrasts wonderfully with the rich chocolate, adding a refreshing chill to the indulgent experience.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a vibrant, tart element that brightens each rich bite, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
Coffee: A warm cup of roasted coffee enhances the chocolatey notes while offering a comforting warmth, making it the ideal pair for a memorable dessert.

Chocolate Milkshake: This decadent drink mirrors the cupcake’s flavors while revving up the fun factor—perfect for a nostalgic, childhood feel!
Graham Cracker Cookies: Crunchy graham crackers echo the s’mores theme and bring an extra layer of nostalgia that complements these cupcakes beautifully.

Pairing these elements with S’mores Cupcakes ensures an unforgettable culinary experience that will impress friends and soothe your sweet tooth.

Make Ahead Options

These S’mores Cupcakes are perfect for meal prep, making them a delightful treat for busy weeknights or gatherings! You can prepare the cupcake batter up to 24 hours in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For even easier assembly, baked cupcakes can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days before dolling them up with your ganache filling and marshmallow frosting. When you’re ready to serve, simply core the cooled cupcakes, fill them with ganache, frost with the meringue, and give them a quick toast with your kitchen torch for that unforgettable campfire finish, ensuring they’re just as delicious as if freshly made!

Expert Tips for S’mores Cupcakes

Measure Accurately: Make sure to use the right measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients to achieve the perfect texture in your S’mores Cupcakes.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of fluffy ones.
Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps create a more stable batter, ensuring even baking and texture.

Piping Technique: When frosting with marshmallow, use a large round tip for better control and a lovely swirled effect.
Toast Carefully: Keep your kitchen torch moving while toasting the marshmallow to prevent burning; you want that perfect, golden finish!

S’mores Cupcakes Variations

Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful cupcakes with these tasty suggestions!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes friendly for gluten-sensitive folks.
Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter for a flavorful crunch that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Mini S’mores: Use a mini muffin pan to create bite-sized cupcakes! Smaller treats are perfect for gatherings and easily shareable.

Vegan Twist: Replace eggs with flax eggs and the milk with a plant-based alternative, ensuring you keep the delicious chocolate flavor intact.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a surprising yet delightful spicy kick that enhances the chocolate’s richness.
Different Chocolate: Experiment with dark chocolate or white chocolate for the ganache for a unique flavor profile that will impress any chocolate lover.

Caramel Drizzle: For an extra decadent treat, drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the frosted cupcakes before serving. It adds a wonderful layer of flavor!
S’mores Bites: Create a simplified version by baking the batter in a baking dish, cutting into squares, and topping with marshmallow and chocolate, perfect for potlucks!

S’mores Cupcakes Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use the freshest eggs and milk. Choose cocoa powder that’s rich and dark for a more intense chocolate flavor. Check graham crackers for freshness; they should be crisp without any dark spots.

How should I store leftover S’mores Cupcakes?
Very simple! Keep uneaten S’mores Cupcakes in a covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’ll still be deliciously moist!

Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Absolutely! To freeze S’mores Cupcakes, wait until they’ve cooled completely. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

What if my marshmallow frosting doesn’t hold its shape?
If your marshmallow frosting seems too runny, it might not have been whipped enough. Make sure you’re whipping it until stiff peaks form, which usually takes about 5 minutes in a stand mixer. If it still doesn’t hold, you can add a bit more cream of tartar to help stabilize it.

Is this recipe suitable for those with egg allergies?
Since this S’mores Cupcake recipe contains eggs, it’s not suitable for those with egg allergies. However, you could try using egg replacers like flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce. For this recipe, two tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce can replace one egg; just remember it may slightly alter the texture.

How do I achieve the perfect toasted marshmallow topping?
To get that perfect golden-brown toasted marshmallow, use a kitchen torch and keep it moving to avoid burning. Start from a distance and gradually bring it closer until you achieve that lovely caramelized color. It usually takes about 10-15 seconds; keep an eye on it!