S’mores cupcake with toasted marshmallow frosting, chocolate ganache drizzle, and graham cracker crumbs on top

Homemade S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting

If you love the classic campfire treat, you’re going to adore this S’mores cupcake recipe! Each bite has a buttery graham cracker crust, soft chocolate cake, gooey chocolate ganache, and a perfectly toasted marshmallow frosting on top. This recipe is fun to make, irresistible to eat, and perfect for parties, dessert tables, or a special homemade treat.
If you want to see more easy chocolate dessert recipes, check out my Chocolate Espresso Cake Recipe or Nutella Chocolate Lava Cookies Recipe.

Why You’ll Love These S’mores Cupcakes

I’ve tested this recipe multiple times to ensure perfect results every time. Here’s why these cupcakes are a must-try for chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts:

Classic Campfire Flavor: Enjoy the perfect blend of graham cracker crust, rich chocolate cake, and toasted marshmallow frosting in every bite.
Gooey Chocolate Center: Filled with smooth chocolate ganache, these cupcakes are a chocolate lover’s dream.
Soft and Moist Texture: Expert-tested recipe ensures light, fluffy, and tender cupcakes every time.
Beautiful Presentation: The toasted marshmallow frosting and chocolate drizzle make these cupcakes party-ready and Instagram-worthy.
Easy Homemade Dessert: Step-by-step instructions make this S’mores cupcake recipe beginner-friendly and reliable.

Close-up of finished S’mores cupcake with golden toasted marshmallow frosting, chocolate drizzle, and graham cracker crumbs

Ingredients You Will Need

Graham Cracker Crust Ingredients

1 cup graham cracker crumbs – gives the perfect buttery crust for your cupcakes
4 tablespoons melted butter – adds rich flavor and helps the crumbs stick
4 tablespoons sugar – for a touch of sweetness
1/8 teaspoon salt – balances the flavors

Chocolate Cupcake Batter Ingredients

3/4 cup all-purpose flour – forms the soft chocolate cupcake base
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – for rich chocolate flavor
1 teaspoon espresso powder – enhances the chocolate taste
3/4 teaspoon baking powder – helps the cupcakes rise perfectly
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – ensures a light, fluffy texture
1/4 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness
2 large eggs, room temperature – for moist cupcakes
1/4 cup sugar – adds sweetness
1/2 cup brown sugar – adds deep flavor
1/3 cup neutral oil (grapeseed oil) – keeps the cupcakes moist
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste – enhances overall flavor
1/2 cup buttermilk – adds tenderness and richness

Chocolate Ganache Filling Ingredients

14 ounces of chocolate (Hershey Bars), chopped for gooey chocolate filling
1/2 cup heavy cream – creates a smooth ganache

Marshmallow Frosting (Swiss Meringue) Ingredients

4 large egg whites – form the fluffy frosting base
3/4 cup sugar – sweetens the marshmallow frosting
1/4 cup corn syrup – keeps the frosting smooth and glossy
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar – stabilizes the meringue
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste – adds rich flavor

Recommended Equipment I used

How to Make S’mores Cupcakes

Follow these steps to create moist chocolate cupcakes with a gooey chocolate ganache center and toasted marshmallow frosting. This S’mores cupcake recipe is tested for perfect results every time.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC).
Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners and lightly coat each liner with nonstick spray for easy cupcake release.

Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until they resemble wet sand.
Press about 2 tablespoons of the mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner.
Bake for 5-6 minutes until lightly browned, then set aside to cool.

Prepare the Chocolate Cupcake Batter

In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, vanilla bean paste, and buttermilk until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a smooth chocolate cupcake batter.
Divide the batter evenly over the cooled graham cracker crusts.

Bake the Cupcakes

Bake the cupcakes for 16–18 minutes, or until the tops spring back gently when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Let the cupcakes cool completely before adding filling and frosting.

Make the Chocolate Ganache Filling

Heat the heavy cream until it’s just starting to bubble, then pour it over the chopped chocolate.
Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl and let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Refrigerate for 2 hours until firm enough to fill cupcakes.

Make the Marshmallow Frosting

Set up a double boiler and whisk egg whites, sugar, and corn syrup until they reach 110ºF.
Transfer to a stand mixer, add cream of tartar and vanilla bean paste, and whip until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Assemble the S’mores Cupcakes

Core the center of each cooled cupcake using a knife or corer.
Fill each cavity with chilled chocolate ganache and replace the cupcake tops.
Pipe the marshmallow frosting on top, toast with a kitchen torch, drizzle leftover ganache, and sprinkle reserved graham cracker crumbs.
Toast the marshmallow frosting carefully with a kitchen torch rather than using the oven for the best texture and presentation.

Pro Tips for Perfect S’mores Cupcakes

Use a Shot Glass for the Crust: Press the graham cracker crust evenly into the bottom of each cupcake liner with a small glass so it holds together perfectly.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smooth, well-mixed cupcake batter.
Check Cake Doneness Carefully: Bake until the tops spring back gently and a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Toast Frosting Carefully: Use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the marshmallow frosting. Avoid the oven to prevent melting or over-browning.
Optional Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of espresso powder to the cupcake batter to enhance the rich chocolate flavor naturally.

Extra Tip: You can also experiment with other desserts like Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes or Banana Caramel Peanut Butter Cupcakes to expand your homemade cupcake skills and impress family and friends.

How to Store and Serve

Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
Refrigerate: Store up to 5 days and bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze: Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

Serving Tips: For a special touch, toast the marshmallow frosting again lightly with a kitchen torch before serving. Pair with milk, coffee, or hot chocolate for the ultimate dessert experience.

Plate of S’mores cupcakes on a table served with a cup of hot chocolate, cozy dessert presentation”

FAQs About S’mores Cupcakes

Can I make these S’mores cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cupcakes and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add the frosting and chocolate ganache just before serving for the best taste.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate works well and gives a sweeter, creamier flavor, while dark chocolate gives a richer, more intense taste.

How do I keep the marshmallow frosting from melting?

For best results, pipe the frosting on cooled cupcakes and toast it with a kitchen torch carefully. Avoid using the oven, which can make the frosting melt too much.

Can I freeze S’mores cupcakes?

Yes! Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Let the cupcakes thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or leave them out at room temperature for a few hours until soft and ready to enjoy.

Can I make these cupcakes without a kitchen torch?

Yes, you can lightly brown the marshmallow frosting under a broiler for a few seconds, but watch closely to avoid burning. A kitchen torch is easier and gives a better toasted effect.

Final Thoughts About these S’mores Cupcakes Recipe

These S’mores cupcakes are a fun and tasty way to enjoy the classic campfire treat right at home. With a buttery graham cracker crust, gooey chocolate ganache, and toasted marshmallow frosting, they’re perfect for parties, dessert tables, or just a cozy treat anytime. Try this recipe and leave a comment below to share your results or any creative twists you tried. We’d love to hear from you.