S’mores Cupcake Extravaganza

Name: S’mores Cupcake Extravaganza
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup mini marshmallows; 1 cup crushed graham crackers; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Highlighted under: Cozy Dessert Classics

I absolutely love treating my family and friends to these S’mores Cupcake Extravaganza delights! Each bite brings together the nostalgic flavors of graham crackers, marshmallows, and rich chocolate, evoking memories of campfire nights. The fluffy frosting makes a perfect finishing touch, mimicking the toasted marshmallows we all adore. While enjoying these cupcakes, I’ve always found that the secret is in the layering, ensuring that every flavor shines through and nothing is overpowering. These cupcakes are truly a celebration of flavor and creativity!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:41:27.505Z

When I first decided to create these S’mores Cupcakes, I wanted to replicate the delightful experience of making s'mores outdoors. Experimenting in my kitchen, I realized that balancing the flavors of each component was crucial. The combination of the cupcake base, which is moist and chocolatey, with a light frosting that has the distinct flavor of toasted marshmallow, resulted in a cupcake that feels indulgent yet familiar.

One of my favorite tips is to lightly torch the marshmallow frosting before serving; it not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds that toasty flavor reminiscent of campfire s'mores. Every time I serve these delights, people rave about them! It’s always rewarding to share something that brings such joy and nostalgic comfort.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Decadent chocolate cupcakes infused with rich graham cracker flavor
Light and fluffy toasted marshmallow frosting that elevates every bite
Perfect for birthday parties, barbecue events, or cozy gatherings

Mastering the Cupcake Layers

The secret to achieving perfectly balanced S'mores Cupcakes lies in the layering technique. By starting with the graham cracker crust, you set a sturdy foundation that complements the soft chocolate cupcake. Ensure you press the graham cracker mixture tightly into the cupcake liners, as this prevents it from crumbling after baking. A light golden color will indicate that it's ready to come out of the oven, usually around five minutes at 350°F (175°C).

When preparing the cupcake batter, avoid overmixing after adding the flour, as this can lead to dense cupcakes. Instead, mix just until the ingredients are combined and the batter is smooth. You should see a rich chocolate hue, and the texture will be slightly thick, which is perfect for supporting the marshmallow frosting on top. Remember that each oven is different, so keep an eye on them, especially toward the end of the 15-minute baking time.

Creating the Perfect Frosting

To achieve that light and fluffy marshmallow frosting, ensure your butter is at room temperature. This allows it to combine smoothly with the powdered sugar, ensuring no granules remain. Whipping the frosting until it is glossy and fluffy is essential; you want a texture that's airy yet stable enough to hold its shape. If it feels too thick, add a teaspoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Incorporating mini marshmallows adds delightful texture but can be tricky to fold in without deflating your frosting. Do this gently to maintain the airy quality you're aiming for. If you don't have mini marshmallows, consider using marshmallow fluff instead, but it may alter the fluffiness slightly. For a flavor twist, a hint of pure almond extract can enhance the rich flavors, reminiscent of indulgent campfire treats.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before we start baking:

Cupcake Base

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Marshmallow Frosting

2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup mini marshmallows

Graham Cracker Crust

1 cup crushed graham crackers
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

Make sure you have everything on hand for a seamless baking experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your S’mores Cupcake Extravaganza:

Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

In a bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner in a muffin tin. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

Mix the Cupcake Batter

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, alternating with milk. Stir in vanilla extract.

Fill and Bake

Pour the cupcake batter over the baked graham cracker crust, filling each liner about 2/3 full. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Make the Marshmallow Frosting

In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter and powdered sugar. Gradually add heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy. Gently fold in mini marshmallows.

Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are cooled, generously frost each with the marshmallow frosting. Optionally, use a kitchen torch to lightly toast the marshmallow frosting.

Enjoy your S’mores Cupcake Extravaganza with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, you can add chocolate chips to the cupcake batter or sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top of the frosting.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

After frosting your cupcakes, store them in an airtight container in a cool place. They can stay fresh for about 3-4 days, but if you'd like to extend their life, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. Just remember, for the best flavor and texture, bring them to room temperature before serving again. Additionally, keep them separate if served at a gathering to preserve the look and prevent the frosting from getting damaged.

If you're planning to prepare these cupcakes in advance for a special occasion, you can bake the cupcake base a day prior and store them at room temperature. Frost them just a couple of hours before serving to keep the frosting fresh and maintain that irresistible lightness. An easy way to impress your guests is to offer a variety of toppings—try drizzling melted chocolate or sprinkling extra graham cracker crumbs on top.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cupcake tops dome excessively while baking, they might be over-mixed or the baking temperature could be too high. Aim for a moderate 350°F (175°C) and mix just until combined. On the other hand, if they sink in the middle, it may be due to underbaking or the batter being too wet, which can happen if you’ve added too much liquid. Keeping a kitchen scale handy to measure ingredients can prevent extra additions from causing issues.

For the frosting, if it doesn’t hold its shape after mixing, it could be too warm. Ideally, cool it slightly in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before frosting the cupcakes. Additionally, if you're having trouble with it being too sweet for your taste, consider reducing the sugar gradually. You can substitute part of the powdered sugar with cocoa powder or adjust the frosting's profile with a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container. Frost them on the day you plan to serve.

→ Can I use store-bought frosting?

Absolutely! If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought marshmallow frosting. Just toast it to add that lovely smoky flavor.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) as a substitute for each egg in the recipe.

→ How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, which will keep them fresh for up to a week.