Toasted S’mores Cupcakes Recipe

There is something truly magical about dessert that reminds you of cozy nights around the campfire, and that’s exactly what this Toasted S’mores Cupcakes Recipe delivers in every bite. Imagine a graham cracker crust nestled beneath a tender cupcake, bursting with gooey marshmallow fluff inside, all topped with silky chocolate buttercream and crowned with perfectly toasted marshmallow meringue. This recipe takes the classic s’mores experience to a whole new level of indulgence and fun, making it a perfect treat to share with friends, family, or anyone who loves a little nostalgia in their sweets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is simple but essential for nailing that perfect balance of textures and flavors. Each component plays its part, whether it’s the crunchy graham crackers adding a familiar base, the fluffy marshmallow filling for that iconic gooeyness, or the rich chocolate buttercream that ties everything together.

  • Graham Crackers: Provides the classic crunch and flavor for both the crust and cupcakes.
  • Cake Flour: Ensures the cupcakes have a tender, delicate crumb.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cupcakes and frosting.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crust, cupcakes, and meringue perfectly.
  • Eggs: Essential for structure and fluffiness in cupcakes and meringue.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Whole Milk: Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.
  • Marshmallow Fluff: The gooey heart of each cupcake, capturing that classic s’mores sweetness.
  • Powdered Sugar: For smooth, creamy chocolate buttercream.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides a rich chocolate flavor without bitterness.
  • Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites for that perfect marshmallow meringue topping.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.

How to Make Toasted S’mores Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Make The Graham Cracker Crust

Start by stirring together graham cracker crumbs and sugar in a small bowl, then mix in melted butter until everything is well combined. This simple mixture creates a buttery, crunchy base that sets the stage for all the delicious layers to come.

Step 2: Prepare The Graham Cracker Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350˚F and place liners in your muffin pan. Press a spoonful of graham cracker crust into each liner’s bottom—this adds that signature s’mores crunch right from the first bite. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients like cake flour and baking powder. Then, using a mixer, cream your butter and sugar until light and fluffy before incorporating eggs, vanilla, and the dry ingredients. Finish by mixing in the milk gently; this ensures a soft, moist cupcake that’s perfectly balanced in flavor.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter over the crust, then bake for 17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let these cool completely before moving on to filling and decorating—patience here pays off big time!

Step 4: Make The Chocolate Buttercream

Whip softened butter until creamy and pale, then mix in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. The result is a luscious, smooth chocolate buttercream that adds richness and depth to this Toasted S’mores Cupcakes Recipe.

Step 5: Create The Marshmallow Meringue

Whisk egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar together over simmering water until the sugar dissolves. Then, transfer to your mixer to beat until glossy, stiff peaks form. This fluffy, stable meringue is key to mimicking that campfire-toasted marshmallow flavor and texture right on top of your cupcakes.

Step 6: Assemble The Cupcakes

Carefully cut out the center of cooled cupcakes and fill each with marshmallow fluff—the surprise gooey core. Pipe a swirl of chocolate buttercream on top, sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, and finally pipe both small swirls and star shapes of marshmallow meringue. Use a culinary torch to toast the meringue until golden and irresistible.

How to Serve Toasted S’mores Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a few extra graham cracker crumbs or a tiny piece of chocolate on top can elevate the presentation and reinforce those beloved s’mores flavors. A gentle dusting of cocoa powder or edible gold glitter can add a little sparkle if you’re serving at a party or special occasion.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes stand wonderfully on their own, but for an unforgettable dessert spread, consider pairing them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The freshness and creaminess help balance the rich sweetness of the cupcakes, making for a harmonious bite every time.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress your guests, try serving your Toasted S’mores Cupcakes Recipe in mini terracotta pots lined with cupcake liners for a rustic “campfire” vibe. Alternatively, arrange them on a wooden serving board surrounded by miniature marshmallows and chocolate chunks for a playful interactive presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cupcakes fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. This will ensure the delicate meringue topping stays soft and fluffy without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the Graham Cracker Cupcakes before frosting for up to one month. Just be sure to thaw them completely before adding the marshmallow filling, buttercream, and meringue. The buttercream itself freezes well too; thaw and rewhip before use to restore its creamy texture.

Reheating

The toasted meringue topping is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to reheat a cupcake, briefly warm it at room temperature or with a quick blast of a kitchen torch to revive that golden toasted finish. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the frosting and ruin the texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of cake flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour, but cake flour helps create that light, tender texture that sets these cupcakes apart. If using all-purpose flour, try replacing a tablespoon or two with cornstarch for softness.

Is it safe to use raw egg whites for the meringue?

This recipe gently heats the egg whites with sugar over simmering water, which both dissolves the sugar and cooks the egg whites enough to make it safe while creating the perfect toasted texture.

Can I make the marshmallow filling myself?

Absolutely! While marshmallow fluff is super convenient, homemade marshmallow creme or melted marshmallows mixed with a bit of cream can be delicious alternatives for the filling.

What if I don’t have a culinary torch?

No worries! You can place the frosted cupcakes under a broiler for just a minute or two to toast the meringue, but watch them carefully to avoid burning.

How do I prevent the cupcakes from sinking when filling them?

Make sure the cupcakes are completely cooled before cutting out the centers and filling. Also, avoid overfilling, as excess marshmallow fluff can weigh down the cupcakes and affect their structure.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Toasted S’mores Cupcakes Recipe is like bringing the magic of a campfire dessert straight into your kitchen. The combination of textures and flavors—from the crunchy graham crust to the gooey marshmallow center and that dreamy toasted meringue—makes these cupcakes irresistible. I promise, once you make them, they’ll become your go-to treat for celebrations or cozy nights in with your favorite people.

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Toasted S’mores Cupcakes Recipe

Toasted S’mores Cupcakes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 64 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 40 mins
  • Cook Time: 17 mins
  • Total Time: 57 mins
  • Yield: 14 cupcakes 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these Toasted S’mores Cupcakes featuring a graham cracker crust, soft graham cracker-infused cupcakes filled with fluffy marshmallow, topped with rich chocolate buttercream and finished with toasted marshmallow meringue for the perfect campfire-inspired treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust

  • 1/2 Cup (52g) graham crackers, ground into crumbs
  • 2 Tbsp white granulated sugar
  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Graham Cracker Cupcakes

  • 1/2 Cup (52g) graham crackers, ground into crumbs
  • 1 1/4 Cups (133g) cake flour, sifted before measuring
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/3 Cup (71g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2/3 Cup (137g) granulated white sugar
  • 1 egg + 1 egg yolk, room temperature
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 Cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature

Marshmallow Filling

  • 1/3 Cup Marshmallow Fluff

Chocolate Buttercream

  • 1/2 Cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 Cups (180g) powdered sugar
  • 1/4 Cup (21g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 Tbsp whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Marshmallow Meringue Topping

  • 3 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 3/4 Cup (150g) granulated white sugar
  • 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Make The Graham Cracker Crust: In a small bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Add the melted butter and mix until well incorporated to form the crust.
  2. Make The Graham Cracker Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350˚F (177˚C) and line a muffin or cupcake pan with liners. Press a spoonful of the graham cracker crust mixture into the bottom of each liner. In a medium bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, sifted cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter on high for one minute. Scrape down the bowl and paddle, then add sugar and cream together for two minutes, scraping once mid-way. Lower mixer speed and add the egg and egg yolk until combined. Add vanilla and mix on medium for one minute. Add dry ingredients at low speed and mix until just combined, then add milk and mix on low for about 30 seconds without overmixing. Pour batter over the crust in liners, filling no more than two-thirds full. Bake for 17 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before assembling.
  3. Make The Chocolate Buttercream: In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, whip butter on medium speed until creamy and light in color, about four minutes. Scrape down the bowl and paddle, lower speed, then add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium for one minute until smooth and fluffy.
  4. Make The Marshmallow Meringue: Whisk egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in a small heatproof bowl. Set over a saucepan with simmering water, ensuring the bowl bottom does not touch the water. Whisk constantly until sugar dissolves, about 4 minutes. Transfer mixture to a stand mixer bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, add vanilla, and whip on high for 6 minutes until stiff peaks form and meringue holds its shape when inverted.
  5. Assembly: Once cupcakes are cool, cut out the centers with a knife or inverted large piping tip. Fill centers with marshmallow fluff. Pipe a swirl of chocolate buttercream on top of each cupcake using Wilton tip 1M. Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs. For the look in the pictures, fill two piping bags with marshmallow meringue fitted with Wilton tips 1M and 4B. Pipe a small swirl with 1M and two stars next to it with 4B. Carefully toast the meringue accents using a culinary torch to achieve a toasted marshmallow effect.

Notes

  • Make Ahead Tips: Graham Cracker Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day or frozen for up to one month. Thaw before use.
  • Chocolate Buttercream can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerated for up to two weeks. Bring to room temperature and rewhip before using.
  • Be cautious when toasting meringue with a culinary torch to avoid burning or melting the decorative piping.
  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results.

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