Craving the irresistible combination of smores and coffee in a delightful treat? Dive into the world of Smores Frappuccino Cupcakes – a fusion of Starbucks’ iconic frappuccino and the classic campfire delight. Inspired by the beloved Starbucks summer drink, these cupcakes are a sweet revelation for any dessert enthusiast. Imagine a graham cracker crust embracing a decadent marshmallow frosting, creating a symphony of flavors reminiscent of cozy nights by the fire.
Ingredients
Creating these delightful Smores Frappuccino Cupcakes requires gathering the essential components to bring together the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
For the Graham Cracker Base
- 1.5 cups graham crackers
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the Chocolate Cupcakes
- 1 cup sugar
- 7/8 cup flour (105 grams)
- 3/8 cup cocoa powder (36 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup neutral oil
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup hot coffee
For the Coffee-Infused Ganache
- 2.5 oz chopped chocolate
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3/8 cup sugar
- 3/8 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
Equipment Needed
For this delicious Smores Frappuccino Cupcakes recipe, you’ll need some essential equipment to help you create these delightful treats. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cupcake/muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Food processor or rolling pin (for crushing graham crackers)
- Saucepan
- Heatproof bowl
- Piping bag and tip (optional)
- Kitchen torch (for toasting the meringue topping)
Having these tools ready will make the cupcake-making process smooth and enjoyable. Now that you have everything prepared, let’s dive into creating these scrumptious Smores Frappuccino Cupcakes.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Graham Cracker Base
- Using a food processor, crush graham crackers into fine crumbs.
- Combine the crumbs with melted butter and sugar until well mixed.
- Save some crumbs for later and press the mixture into cupcake liners, then bake until golden.
Baking the Chocolate Cupcakes
- Whisk together cocoa powder, hot water with instant coffee until smooth.
- Cream butter, vegetable oil, and brown sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then mix in the cocoa mixture followed by buttermilk.
- Add boiling water and mix until smooth, bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
Making the Coffee-Infused Ganache
- Melt chopped chocolate and butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- In a separate saucepan, heat sugar and cream until sugar dissolves.
- Combine the chocolate mixture with the cream mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Add vanilla and salt, then let the ganache cool before filling the cupcakes.
- In a clean mixing bowl, whisk egg whites, sugar, salt, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Fill a piping bag with the frosting and pipe onto the cupcakes.
- Use a kitchen torch to toast the frosting for the ultimate smores experience.
Assembling the Cupcakes
To bring these delectable Smores Frappuccino Cupcakes to life, follow these steps to assemble them into a mouthwatering and visually appealing treat:
- Prepare the Cupcakes
Place a graham cracker crust base at the bottom of each cupcake liner before adding a perfectly baked chocolate cupcake on top. The combination of flavors and textures will mimic the classic smores experience. - Infuse with Coffee Ganache
Inject a generous amount of the rich coffee-infused ganache into the center of each cupcake. This step adds a decadent coffee flavor that complements the sweetness of the other components. - Top with Marshmallow Frosting
Pile the fluffy marshmallow frosting high on each cupcake, creating a cloud-like topping that will transport you to a campfire setting. For an authentic touch, lightly torch the frosting to achieve that toasted marshmallow finish. - Final Touches
To complete the smores frappuccino cupcakes, drizzle a bit of extra ganache over the toasted marshmallow frosting. This finishing touch not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the overall flavor profile of the cupcakes.
Serving and Storage Tips
When serving these delightful Smores Frappuccino Cupcakes, consider presenting them on a decorative platter or dessert stand for an elegant touch. The cupcakes can be enjoyed as a delectable treat at various events such as birthday parties, potlucks, or even as a special dessert for a cozy night in.
To store the cupcakes, ensure they are kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to store them longer, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Before serving refrigerated cupcakes, allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes for the best taste and texture.
For an added touch of indulgence, consider drizzling some extra coffee-infused ganache on top just before serving, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal of these delightful treats. These serving and storage tips will help you enjoy the delicious Smores Frappuccino Cupcakes to their fullest potential.
Conclusion
Creating Smores Frappuccino Cupcakes is a delightful way to blend the flavors of Starbucks’ frappuccinos with the classic campfire treat. By combining a graham cracker crust, chocolate cupcakes, coffee-infused ganache, and marshmallow frosting, these cupcakes offer a unique and indulgent dessert experience. When serving these cupcakes, remember to present them elegantly on a platter for any occasion. For optimal taste and freshness, store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. To enhance the cupcakes’ appeal, consider drizzling extra coffee-infused ganache on top before serving. These simple tips ensure that you can enjoy these delicious Smores Frappuccino Cupcakes to the fullest.