These S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Combining rich chocolate, crispy graham crackers, and fluffy marshmallow buttercream, these cupcakes are ideal for birthday parties, picnics, or just a cozy dessert at home. Their unique flavors and textures will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cupcakes can be whipped up in no time.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and marshmallow creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a family gathering, these S’mores Cupcakes are sure to impress.
- Fun and Interactive: Decorating the cupcakes with marshmallow frosting and chocolate sauce is a fun activity for friends and family.
- Kid-Friendly Treat: Both kids and adults will love this nostalgic dessert that brings back memories of campfire s’mores.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making these delicious cupcakes, gather the necessary tools to streamline your baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: Ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly and maintain their shape.
- Electric mixer: Makes whipping up the batter and frosting much easier, resulting in a light texture.
- Cooling rack: Allows your cupcakes to cool uniformly, preventing them from becoming soggy.
Ingredients
These S’mores Cupcakes combine chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallow buttercream frosting for a dreamy treat. It’s perfect for summer parties and dessert tables. 🧁🍫🔥
For the Cupcakes
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs – around 1 sleeve/9 graham crackers
- 5 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoon butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (stir, spoon & level)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural, not dutch-processed)
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large/XL egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup oil (vegetable/canola)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup boiling water
For the Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting
- 2 cups 4 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
- 14 oz marshmallow creme (two 7oz jars)
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract (clear, if you have it)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
For Topping
- Thick Chocolate Sauce (Ghirardelli or Torani)
- Graham Cracker Crumbs
How to Make S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Graham Cracker Mixture
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and melted butter.
2. Mix until well combined; it should resemble wet sand.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In another large bowl:
1. Whisk together granulated sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add the egg, milk, oil, vanilla extract, and boiling water. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gently fold the graham cracker mixture into the cupcake batter until just combined.
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tins. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool on a wire rack.
Step 6: Prepare Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting
In a separate bowl:
1. Beat room temperature butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add marshmallow creme and mix until fluffy.
3. Add vanilla extract and salt; slowly incorporate powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 7: Frost Your Cupcakes
Once cooled:
1. Generously pipe or spread marshmallow frosting on each cupcake.
2. Drizzle thick chocolate sauce over the top.
3. Sprinkle with additional graham cracker crumbs for decoration.
Enjoy your homemade S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting! They’re perfect for sharing or indulging in yourself!
How to Serve S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting
These delightful S’mores Cupcakes are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just treating yourself, here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
Use Fun Serving Plates
- Consider using themed plates that match the campfire vibe, like rustic wood or s’mores-themed designs.
Add Extra Toppings
- Top each cupcake with additional graham cracker crumbs, mini marshmallows, or a drizzle of thick chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Pair with Ice Cream
- Serve these cupcakes alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The cold ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the cupcakes.
Create Dessert Shooters
- Crumble a cupcake into a small glass, layer it with marshmallow frosting and chocolate sauce for a fun dessert shooter presentation.
Display on a Dessert Table
- Arrange your cupcakes on a tiered stand at parties. This not only looks impressive but makes them easy for guests to grab and enjoy.
Include Coffee or Hot Chocolate
- Offer coffee or hot chocolate as a beverage option. The warm drinks complement the sweet flavors of the cupcakes perfectly.
How to Perfect S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting
To ensure your S’mores Cupcakes come out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
Bake Evenly: Rotate your cupcake pan halfway through baking for even cooking and browning.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cupcakes to cool completely before adding marshmallow buttercream frosting to prevent melting.
Best Side Dishes for S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting
These S’mores Cupcakes shine on their own but can be enhanced with these delicious side dishes.
Fruit Skewers: Fresh fruit skewers add a refreshing contrast and balance the sweetness of the cupcakes.
Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip strawberries or bananas alongside their cupcakes.
Mini Cheesecakes: Individual mini cheesecakes provide another rich dessert option that complements the flavors of s’mores well.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Create an ice cream sundae bar with various toppings, allowing guests to customize their desserts.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: The caramelized pineapple brings a tropical twist that pairs nicely with the flavors of chocolate and marshmallow.
S’mores Dip: A gooey s’mores dip served warm with graham crackers provides an interactive dessert experience alongside your cupcakes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong cocoa powder: Always opt for unsweetened cocoa powder that is natural, not Dutch-processed. This ensures the right flavor and texture in your cupcakes.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to avoid too much or too little of any ingredient.
- Skipping the boiling water step: This step helps activate the cocoa powder and keeps the batter moist. Don’t skip it!
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to keep your cupcakes light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
- Ignoring the frosting temperature: Ensure your butter is at room temperature before making the marshmallow buttercream. Cold butter won’t whip properly, affecting texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting
- You can freeze these cupcakes for up to 3 months.
- Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes, keeping them covered.
- Microwave: Heat individually on low power for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, covering until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting.
Can I use different types of frosting?
Yes! While marshmallow buttercream is traditional, you can experiment with chocolate or vanilla frosting for a different twist.
How should I store leftover cupcakes?
Store leftover S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
You can crush regular cookies like digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers as a substitute for graham cracker crumbs.
Final Thoughts
These S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting are a delightful treat that brings together rich chocolate and sweet marshmallows. Perfect for any occasion, they can be easily customized by adding toppings like chocolate shavings or extra graham cracker crumbs. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to impress!
S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting
S’mores Cupcakes with Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting are the ultimate summer indulgence, combining decadent chocolate cake, crunchy graham crackers, and a fluffy marshmallow frosting. These delightful treats evoke memories of campfires and warm nights, making them perfect for birthday parties, picnics, or cozy evenings at home. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more. Easy to make and visually stunning, these cupcakes are sure to impress both kids and adults alike!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 14 oz marshmallow creme
- 2 cups unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In one bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Then add egg, milk, oil, vanilla extract, and boiling water; mix until smooth.
- Gently fold the graham cracker mixture into the batter.
- Pour batter into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
- For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy; add marshmallow creme and mix until fluffy. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar until smooth.
- Frost cooled cupcakes with marshmallow buttercream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (75g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
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