Gather These Items
To make your S’mores Cupcakes truly memorable, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1⁄2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar (for the batter)
- 1⁄2 tsp baking soda
- 1⁄4 tsp baking powder
- 1⁄4 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 1⁄2 cup buttermilk
- 1⁄4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1⁄2 cup hot water or coffee
- 1 cup marshmallow creme (or Fluff)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1⁄2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Feel free to swap out buttermilk for regular milk if you don’t have any on hand, or try different flavored chocolate chips for a fun twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press about 1 tablespoon of this mixture into the bottom of each liner to form a crust. Bake for 5 minutes and then let them cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the egg, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla to the dry mixture. Mix until smooth. Gradually add hot water or coffee while stirring. Your batter should be quite thin.
- Pour the batter over the cooled crust in the liners, filling them about 2/3 full. Bake for 18–22 minutes. Let cool completely after baking.
- Once cooled, use a cupcake corer or a small knife to remove the center of each cupcake. Fill each cavity with marshmallow creme. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to help set.
- Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until steaming (but not boiling). Pour this over chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Dip the tops of the cupcakes in the ganache or spoon it generously over each one.
- For an extra treat, garnish with graham cracker crumbs, mini marshmallows, or toast a marshmallow to place on top!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These S’mores Cupcakes can be enjoyed on their own, but why not elevate the experience? Serve them with a side of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or pair with a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy treat. Drizzling extra chocolate sauce on a plate before placing the cupcake can add an elegant touch.
How to Store & Freeze
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is hard to believe!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze unfilled cupcakes (without the ganache) for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and fill with marshmallow and ganache as per the recipe.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Mix buttermilk substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, a quick substitute is to mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
- Avoid overfilling: Make sure to fill the cupcake liners only 2/3 full to allow space for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.
Creative Twists
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun variations:
- Nutty Addition: Mix chopped nuts into the batter for added texture.
- Flavor Boost: Try using chocolate mint chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a minty twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary needs.
FAQs
How long do these cupcakes last?
These cupcakes will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them for about a week or freeze for up to two months.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cupcakes a day in advance and fill them with marshmallow the day you plan to serve them.
What if I don’t have a cupcake corer?
No problem! A small knife can work just as well to cut out a portion of the center for filling.
S’mores Cupcakes bring the essence of summer nights and camping right into your kitchen, and with this recipe, you’re well on your way to creating a dessert experience that’s nothing short of enchanting! Enjoy every bite!
