If you have a soft spot for campfire treats but want to enjoy them in a more elegant, portable form, you’re going to fall head over heels for these S’mores Cupcakes. This recipe takes everything you love about classic s’mores—the crunchy graham cracker crust, the rich chocolate, and that fluffy toasted marshmallow topping—and transforms it into a perfectly sized cupcake. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll feel like you’re sitting by the fire with a gourmet twist that’s perfect for any season or occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are surprisingly simple yet incredibly important to get that perfect balance of flavors and textures in your S’mores Cupcakes. Each one plays a unique role, from the crunch of the graham crackers to the smoothness of the chocolate ganache and the lightness of the marshmallow frosting.

Graham cracker crumbs (1 cup): Provides the essential crunchy base that mimics the s’mores crust.

Melted butter (4 tablespoons): Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs into a crisp, flavorful crust.
Sugar (4 tablespoons + additional amounts): Adds just the right touch of sweetness throughout the layers.

Salt (1/8 and 1/4 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
All-purpose flour (3/4 cup): The structure behind your chocolate cupcake.

Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/2 cup): Delivers that deep, intense chocolate taste that’s essential for s’mores.
Espresso powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
Baking powder (3/4 teaspoon) and baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Give your cupcakes the perfect rise and fluffiness.

Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while adding moisture.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Adds richness and soft chewiness to the cupcakes.
Neutral oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender; grapeseed is a great choice.

Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons + 1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and complexity.
Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Adds subtle tanginess and keeps the cupcakes soft.
Chocolate (14 ounces): Hershey bars work beautifully to replicate classic s’mores chocolate.

Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Used to make a luxuriously smooth ganache filling.
Large egg whites (4): Whipped to make the airy marshmallow frosting.
Corn syrup (1/4 cup): Crucial for the marshmallow’s glossy, stable texture.

Cream of tartar (1/2 teaspoon): Provides stability and volume to the marshmallow fluff.

How to Make S’mores Cupcakes

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by mixing graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until the texture resembles wet sand and sticks together when pressed. This mixture forms the crispy, buttery base that’ll give your cupcakes that unmistakable s’mores crunch. Press about two tablespoons of this mixture into the bottom of each lined muffin cup, then bake for 5-6 minutes until just golden around the edges. Let these set aside and cool while you move on to the cupcake batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Cupcake Batter

The cupcake batter is where the magic between fluffy cake and rich chocolate lives. Sift together your flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to make sure there are no lumps. In a separate bowl, whisk your eggs with white and brown sugar, oil, vanilla, and tangy buttermilk, then gently fold in the dry ingredients. This batter will be on the thinner side, which is totally fine—just pour it carefully over the cooled graham crust and bake for about 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The cupcake should be moist and tender.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache Filling

While the cupcakes are cooling, get started on the luscious chocolate ganache. Heat heavy cream just to a boil and pour over chopped chocolate; let it sit to melt before stirring until silky smooth. Pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours to thicken—it will later become the rich, gooey center that adds an indulgent surprise inside each cupcake.

Step 4: Whip Up the Marshmallow Frosting

This marshmallow frosting is the crowning glory, making these cupcakes extra special. Combine egg whites, sugar, and corn syrup in a double boiler and whisk by hand until the sugar fully dissolves—this prevents any graininess. Then transfer it to a mixer, add cream of tartar and vanilla, and whip until glossy and fluffy for about 7 minutes. This meringue-style topping will toast beautifully to give you that campfire feel indoors.

Step 5: Assemble Your S’mores Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are cool, carefully core out the center so you can fill them up with your chilled ganache. Pop the removed cake pieces back on top to keep it neat. Pipe or dollop a generous amount of marshmallow frosting over each cupcake and use a kitchen torch to toast the tops until golden and inviting. Drizzle the reserved ganache over the frosting and finish with an optional sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for added texture and charm. Voilà—your S’mores Cupcakes are ready to impress!

How to Serve S’mores Cupcakes

Garnishes

Garnishing these S’mores Cupcakes can be just as fun as making them. Crushed graham crackers sprinkled on top add the perfect touch of crunch and tie the whole flavor profile together. If you want to get fancy, a small square of chocolate or a mini toasted marshmallow perched on top turns each cupcake into a delightful little showstopper.

Side Dishes

While these cupcakes are plenty satisfying on their own, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a glass of cold milk takes the experience to another level. For a grown-up twist, a smooth chocolate or coffee latte complements the rich flavors without overwhelming the delicate sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or gathering, presenting these cupcakes on a rustic wooden board or layered cake stand adds visual appeal and that cozy campfire vibe. You could also serve them in mini camping-style tins or tie a little ribbon around each for easy gifting. No matter how you present them, these cupcakes are designed to make smiles happen.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover S’mores Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. After this, they’re best kept in the fridge to maintain freshness, especially because of the marshmallow frosting and chocolate ganache. Just bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy the soft textures.

Freezing

Want to prepare ahead or save some for later? Freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to one month by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and storing in a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and add frosting just before serving for best results.

Reheating

If your cupcakes feel a bit cold or firm after refrigeration, gently warm them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the cake and ganache without melting the marshmallow topping. If you want to lightly toast the frosting again, a quick pass with a kitchen torch will bring that fresh-off-the-fire look back in no time.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought marshmallow fluff instead of making the frosting from scratch?

While store-bought marshmallow fluff is a convenient alternative, it won’t have the same freshly whipped texture or toasted flavor that homemade marshmallow frosting provides. If you’re short on time, it works in a pinch, but for that special campfire vibe, I recommend making it from scratch.

What’s the best chocolate to use for the ganache filler?

A classic milk chocolate bar like Hershey’s replicates the nostalgic taste of traditional s’mores perfectly, but feel free to experiment with bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate for a richer, less sweet ganache. The quality of chocolate really shines here, so choose something you love to eat on its own.

Can I make these cupcakes vegan or dairy-free?

Adapting S’mores Cupcakes to be vegan or dairy-free is possible with some swaps like plant-based milk and butter substitutes, aquafaba instead of egg whites for the marshmallow frosting, and vegan chocolate. However, it does change the texture and flavor, so some experimentation might be needed to get the perfect result.

How long does it take to make these cupcakes from start to finish?

From prep to the final toasted marshmallow topping, expect about 2.5 to 3 hours, including chilling time for the ganache. It’s a bit of a labor of love, but every step adds to the depth of flavor that makes these cupcakes so unforgettable.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the marshmallow frosting a few hours ahead and keep it covered at room temperature. Because it’s a meringue-based frosting, refrigerating it could change its texture, so it’s best used fresh or within the same day.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving that nostalgic s’mores experience with a gourmet spin, these S’mores Cupcakes are an absolute delight and definitely worth every minute of effort. They’re perfect for any occasion where you want to wow guests or just treat yourself to something special. Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake a batch of joy that will remind you why campfire treats have such a permanent place in our hearts.