Who doesn’t love the classic campfire treat, s’mores? Imagine all that deliciousness packed into a delightful cupcake – that’s what these s’mores cupcakes are all about. Starting with a rich dark chocolate cupcake, a graham cracker bottom, and a heavenly toasted marshmallow frosting, these cupcakes will have you coming back for more.
Summer desserts just got a whole lot sweeter with these s’mores cupcakes. The combination of a moist chocolate cupcake, gooey chocolate ganache filling, toasted marshmallow topping, and graham cracker cream cheese frosting creates a flavor explosion reminiscent of a cozy campfire night.
If you’re a fan of traditional s’mores, you’re in for a treat with these cupcakes that capture all the elements of the beloved fireside treat. Get ready to indulge in a decadent dessert that perfectly balances the flavors of chocolate, graham cracker, and marshmallow in every bite.
Ingredients Needed for S’mores Cupcakes
Creating delicious S’mores Cupcakes requires a few key ingredients to capture the essence of this classic campfire treat in a cupcake form. Below are the components needed to make these irresistible treats.
Graham Cracker Crust
- Graham Cracker Crumbs
- Granulated Sugar
- Melted Butter
Chocolate Cupcake Batter
- Chocolate Cake Mix (Box + Ingredients to Make It)
- Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature)
- Shortening
- Marshmallow Fluff
- Powdered Sugar
- Cocoa Powder
- Milk
- Vanilla Extract
Required Equipment
- Cupcake Pans: To bake the cupcakes.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining and mixing ingredients.
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: To make the cupcake batter and frosting.
- Piping Bag with Large Piping Tip: For piping the frosting onto the cupcakes.
- Kitchen Torch or Heat Gun: Essential for toasting the marshmallow toppings.
- Oven: To bake the cupcakes.
Instructions
Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust
To kick off these scrumptious s’mores cupcakes, begin by preheating the oven to 350°F and lining two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners. In a small bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar to create the mini crusts. Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each cupcake liner and bake the crusts for 6 minutes. Allow them to cool completely before moving on to the next step.
Making the Cupcakes
Next, it’s time to whip up the chocolate cupcakes. Prepare the cake mix as per the box instructions. Divide the batter between the cupcake liners that have the graham cracker crusts, filling each about ¾ full. Bake the cupcakes for a couple of minutes less than instructed on the box, usually around 16 minutes. While the cupcakes are baking, you can prepare the delightful ganache.
Assembling the S’mores Cupcakes
To bring these delicious s’mores cupcakes to life, it’s time to assemble all the components we’ve prepared. Follow these simple steps to create a treat that perfectly captures the essence of a classic campfire s’more.
- Cutting and Filling: Using a knife, carefully cut a hole in the center of each cupcake. Spoon a generous amount of the chocolate ganache filling we made earlier into the cavity, filling it just to the top. Be sure to keep the pieces you cut out handy, as they will seal the cupcakes later.
- Sealing the Cupcakes: Gently place the cut-out piece of cupcake back on top of the filling to seal it. Press lightly to secure it in place.
- Frosting the Cupcakes: Get creative with your frosting technique. Whether you prefer using a piping bag or a simple knife, add a generous dollop of the toasted marshmallow frosting on top of each cupcake. Spread it evenly for a beautiful finish.
- Garnishing: To add the final touch, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top of the frosted cupcakes. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Toasting the Marshmallows: This step is where the magic happens. Use a kitchen torch to gently toast the marshmallow frosting on top of each cupcake until they turn golden brown. Be cautious, as marshmallows brown quickly under the flame.
Baking and Cooling
Baking the Cupcakes
To begin baking the s’mores cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350°F. Start by making the graham cracker bottom for the cupcakes. Use a food processor to grind 1 package of graham crackers until fine. Combine the fine crumbs with ⅓ cup melted butter and ¼ cup sugar until a consistent mixture forms.
Press about 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker crust into each lined cupcake pan, evenly distributing it among all 12 liners. Reserve some crumbs for topping the cupcakes before baking. Bake the crusts for approximately 5 minutes until they turn golden brown. Remove the pans from the oven and allow them to cool.
Cooling and Frosting
After baking, let the cupcakes cool in the cupcake pan for about 5 minutes. Next, remove the cupcakes from the pan and transfer them to a cooling rack or wire rack to finish cooling completely.
Prepare the marshmallow frosting by combining powdered sugar, water, salt, egg whites, and corn syrup in a double boiler. Mix the ingredients on high speed for 7-15 minutes until the frosting is firm, thick, and can hold high peaks.
Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the marshmallow frosting using a piping bag or by spreading it evenly onto each cupcake. For an added touch, use a kitchen torch to lightly brown the marshmallow frosting. Finally, top the cupcakes with a milk chocolate square for the finishing touch.
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning ahead can make the process of making smores cupcakes a breeze. By preparing some components in advance, you can save time and reduce stress when it comes to creating these delightful treats.
Preparing Components in Advance
To streamline the cupcake-making process, consider preparing the graham cracker crust, chocolate ganache, and marshmallow frosting ahead of time. Preparing these components in advance allows you to focus on assembling and baking the cupcakes without the added pressure of making everything from scratch all at once.
I recommend making the graham cracker crust and chocolate ganache a day or two before you plan to bake the cupcakes. Both the crust and ganache can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them. This way, you can simply focus on baking the cupcakes and whipping up the marshmallow frosting when you’re ready to assemble the smores cupcakes.
Storage Recommendations
After preparing these delicious s’mores cupcakes, it’s essential to store them correctly to maintain their freshness and flavor. Here are some storage recommendations to help you enjoy these treats for longer:
How to Store Them
Store the s’mores cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To ensure the best taste and texture, allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.
Conclusion
Creating s’mores cupcakes is a delightful experience that combines the classic campfire treat with a modern twist. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can easily master the art of crafting these delicious treats. With make-ahead tips for preparing key components in advance, such as the graham cracker crust, chocolate ganache, and marshmallow frosting, you can streamline the cupcake-making process and enjoy fresh s’mores cupcakes whenever you crave them. Remember to store your cupcakes properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness for up to 5 days. Bringing them to room temperature before serving ensures that you savor every bite of these delectable s’mores cupcakes. Enjoy the sweet satisfaction of indulging in these mouthwatering treats!