S’mores Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe With Graham Crust & Marshmallow Frosting
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Get ready for a dessert that brings all the campfire nostalgia straight to your kitchen with these S’mores Chocolate Cupcakes with Graham Crust & Marshmallow Frosting! These cupcakes are a delightful combination of crumbly graham cracker crust, rich chocolate cake, and fluffy marshmallow frosting. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy night in, these s’mores-inspired cupcakes are a perfect treat to satisfy any sweet tooth!
These s’mores cupcakes are amazing! They have all components of a s’more: graham cracker crust, chocolate cupcake and marshmallow frosting!
These s’mores chocolate cupcakes are so addictive, you’ll want to devour the whole batch! It’s like a s’more in a cupcake form – so delicious!
Why You’ll Love S’mores Chocolate Cupcakes with Graham Crust & Marshmallow Frosting
- Classic Flavor Combo: These cupcakes bring the iconic trio of chocolate, graham cracker, and marshmallow to a dessert that’s as fun as it is delicious!
- Homemade Marshmallow Frosting: The fluffy marshmallow frosting adds a sweet, creamy finish, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- Crunchy Graham Crust: The graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch at the bottom of each cupcake, giving a nice texture contrast to the soft cake.
- Chocolatey Goodness: With both cocoa powder and melted chocolate, the cupcake itself is rich and decadent, a chocolate lover’s dream!
- Easy to Follow: This recipe is broken down into simple steps for each component, so anyone can recreate this indulgent treat from scratch.
On the bottom of this epic chocolate cupcake is a delicious graham cracker crust, and on top there is a homemade marshmallow buttercream frosting! Yummy yummy yummy!
Ingredients for S’mores Chocolate Cupcakes with Graham Crust & Marshmallow Frosting
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – Forms the base layer, adding a familiar s’mores flavor.
- Brown Sugar – Adds a slight caramel sweetness to the crust.
- Butter – Helps bind the graham crust and adds richness.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Melted into the batter for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
- Flour – Provides structure to the cupcake.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda – Helps the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- Sugar – Sweetens the cupcake base.
- Egg – Adds moisture and binds the ingredients together.
- Milk – Contributes moisture and richness to the batter.
- Hot Water – Bloom the cocoa for a deeper chocolate taste.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the marshmallow frosting and makes it smooth.
- Marshmallow Fluff – Adds that essential marshmallow flavor and texture to the frosting.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the marshmallow frosting with a hint of warmth.
For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
The number of ingredients for this recipe is longer than my typical recipe, but these s’mores cupcakes are so worth it! The reason why the ingredient list is long is because there are 3 distinct parts of the recipe that you are making: (1) graham crust (2) chocolate cupcake (3) marshmallow buttercream frosting.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make S’mores Chocolate Cupcakes with Graham Crust & Marshmallow Frosting
- Cupcake Pan – Holds the batter and graham crust in perfect cupcake portions.
- Paper Liners – Makes for easy cleanup and removal of the cupcakes from the pan.
- Mixing Bowls – Essential for combining ingredients for the crust, cupcakes, and frosting.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensures precise measurements for perfect results.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – Speeds up mixing and creates a smooth batter and frosting.
- Piping Bag – For neatly frosting the cupcakes with marshmallow buttercream.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl – Melts the butter and chocolate quickly and easily.
The s’mores cupcakes recipe is broken down into logical steps that are easy to follow! Just follow the instructions to make each component of these yummy cupcakes, then frost them with marshmallow buttercream – so yummy! You can add a marshmallow on top of each cupcake like I did for a finishing touch :)
How To Make S’mores Chocolate Cupcakes with Graham Crust & Marshmallow Frosting
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a cupcake pan with paper liners for easy removal.
- Make the Graham Cracker Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner to create a crust, then bake for 5 minutes.
- Mix the Chocolate Cupcake Batter: Melt the butter and chocolate chips together, stirring until smooth. In a larger bowl, beat the egg, sugar, and milk, then add the melted chocolate mixture and mix until well-blended.
- Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until smooth, then stir in hot water until the batter is fully combined.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Pour the batter over the graham crust in each cupcake liner. Bake for about 17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
- Prepare the Marshmallow Frosting: In a bowl, beat together softened butter, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Transfer the frosting to a piping bag and frost each cooled cupcake, creating a beautiful marshmallow topping.
Serving Suggestions
- Top each cupcake with a toasted marshmallow for an extra authentic s’mores feel.
- Sprinkle some extra graham cracker crumbs over the frosting for added texture.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for an elegant touch and extra chocolatey goodness.
- Serve with a cup of hot chocolate or a cold glass of vanilla milkshake to balance the sweetness.
- Add a vanilla brownie piece to the frosting for a fun garnish that gives a nod to the classic s’mores.
Tips For Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure your egg, milk, and butter are at room temperature. This allows them to blend smoothly into the batter, creating a more consistent cupcake texture.
- Press the Graham Crust Firmly: When creating the graham cracker crust, press it down firmly in each liner to create a solid base that won’t crumble. A flat-bottomed glass or spoon works well for this!
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until combined. Overmixing can make the cupcakes dense rather than fluffy, so gentle mixing is key.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: To prevent the frosting from melting, make sure your cupcakes are completely cool before piping on the marshmallow frosting. Patience here leads to a perfectly frosted cupcake!
- Practice Frosting Technique: For a beautiful presentation, practice piping the frosting on a plate first. Start in the center and swirl outward, lifting slightly as you go to create a soft, marshmallowy peak.
Variations and Substitutions
- Chocolate Variation: For a deeper chocolate flavor, try using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet in the batter. You could even add a tablespoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate richness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and use gluten-free graham crackers to make this recipe gluten-friendly without sacrificing texture.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter, and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk for a fully dairy-free version.
- Add a Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts into the graham crust for an added layer of texture and flavor.
- Extra Marshmallow Topping: Place a mini marshmallow on top of each frosted cupcake and toast it lightly with a kitchen torch for a true campfire effect, or add mini chocolate chips to the frosting for a fun twist.
Storage and Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Once frosted, cupcakes should be stored in the refrigerator to keep the marshmallow frosting fresh.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to soften.
- Freezing: These cupcakes can be frozen unfrosted. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost just before serving.
- Reheating the Graham Crust: To bring back the slight crunch of the graham crust, briefly warm the cupcake (unfrosted) in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes before frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cupcakes a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving for the freshest presentation.
How do I prevent the graham cracker crust from crumbling?
Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into each cupcake liner before baking. This helps it hold together, creating a sturdy base for the cupcake batter.
Is it possible to make the marshmallow frosting less sweet?
Yes! To reduce the sweetness, you can cut down on the powdered sugar in the frosting. Alternatively, a pinch of salt added to the frosting can balance the sweetness without altering the texture.
Can I use store-bought marshmallow fluff?
Absolutely! Store-bought marshmallow fluff works wonderfully in this recipe and saves time. Just be sure to use the recommended amount for the best consistency.
What’s the best way to toast the marshmallow frosting?
If you’d like a toasted look, use a kitchen torch on the frosting after piping it onto the cupcakes. Hold the torch a few inches away and lightly brown the frosting for a s’mores-inspired finish.
If you like these s’mores cupcakes, you will also love these yummy desserts:
S’Mores In A Mini Muffin Tin – this stuff is amazing! Graham cracker crust on the bottom, toasted marshmallow on top and melted chocolate on the inside!
Easy Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes – these easy individual lava cakes are made in a muffin tin! The muffin pan surely gets a lot of use in my house :)
Marshmallow Pancakes – these amazing pancakes have mini-marshmallows and white chocolate chips throughout!
Chocolate Puff Pastry Roll – roll up a huge chocolate bar inside the puff pastry dough and bake!
Chocolate Eclairs With Cream Filling – these are amazing, taste like the ones from a French bakery!
S'mores Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe With Graham Crust & Marshmallow Frosting
Ingredients
Graham cracker crust
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp butter melted
Cupcakes
- 5 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup hot water
Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 container 7 oz Marshmallow fluff
- 1 tsp vanilla
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Cupcake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Piping bag
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
Make the graham cracker crust
- Line muffin or cupcake pan with paper liners.
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and melted butter.
- Divide the mixture between the paper liners and press with your fingers into the bottom.
- Put the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 5 minutes.
Make the chocolate cupcakes
- Put the butter and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted. Stir to combine.
- Put eggs, sugar and milk in a large bowl and mix with a mixer until combined. Add melted chocolate and butter and mix until combined.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and mix until combined.
- Add the hot water and mix until combined.
- Pour the batter into the muffin cups on top of the graham crust.
- Put the cupcakes in the oven and bake for 17 minutes.
Make the marshmallow buttercream frosting
- Put butter, marshmallow fluff and vanilla in a bowl and mix until combined..
- Add the powdered sugar and mix until the frosting is smooth.
Frost the cupcakes
- When the cupcakes are completely cooled, put the marshmallow buttercream frosting into a piping bag and frost the cupcakes.
More Cupcake Recipes
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- Gluten-Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins – Healthy, No Sugar Added
The graham cracker crust, rich chocolate cupcake, and marshmallow frosting come together perfectly.
These sโmores cupcakes are a fantastic treat for when you want something special but donโt have too much time. Very impressive