S’mores Cupcakes

If you’re a fan of the classic campfire treat, you’re in for a real treat with S’mores Cupcakes. These delightful creations encapsulate everything you love about s’mores: rich chocolate, sweet marshmallow, and crispy graham crackers, all nestled within a soft, moist cupcake. Imagine the taste of a gooey marshmallow and rich chocolate combined with the crunch of graham crackers, all enveloped in a fluffy cupcake base. Perfect for family gatherings, birthday celebrations, or any occasion that calls for sweet indulgence, S’mores Cupcakes bring a nostalgic twist to your dessert table. With their rich flavors and sublime textures, these cupcakes will undoubtedly become a favorite among adults and kids alike.

this recipe

What You’ll Need for S’mores Cupcakes

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, gathering the right ingredients is essential for the perfect S’mores Cupcakes.

Complete Ingredients List

• 1 (15.25-oz.) box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
• 4 fresh large egg whites
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 5 graham crackers (divided)

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

• Chocolate Cake Mix: If you need to avoid gluten, consider using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
• Egg Whites: For a vegan alternative, you can substitute with aquafaba (chickpea brine) – approximately 3 tablespoons of aquafaba equals one egg white.
• Sugar: For a lower glycemic option, use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia.
• Chocolate Chips: Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan twist.
• Graham Crackers: If you need a gluten-free option, there are gluten-free graham cracker choices available at many stores.

How to Make S’mores Cupcakes

Creating the perfect S’mores Cupcakes might seem daunting, but follow these detailed steps, and you’ll have a deliciously sweet treat that impresses everyone.

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Begin by preheating your oven according to the temperature instructions listed on the chocolate cake mix box. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to ensure easy removal and serving of your cupcakes. In a medium bowl, prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the instructions provided on the box, which typically involves mixing the cake mix with eggs, water, and oil. Once you blend all the ingredients together, evenly divide the batter among the cupcake liners. This is where the magic begins! Bake according to the box instructions, typically around 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool completely in the tin on a wire rack.

Step 2: Prepare the Fluffy Marshmallow Frosting

While the cupcakes cool, it’s time to make the frosting. In a small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of water over medium heat until it simmers. In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the 4 egg whites and 1 cup of granulated sugar, then place this bowl over the saucepan (creating a double-boiler). Stir the mixture constantly for about 5 minutes, or until the sugar dissolves, and the mixture feels warm to the touch. Gently remove the bowl from the heat. Using a handheld mixer on high speed, beat the egg white mixture for about 8 minutes until it turns fluffy and forms soft peaks. Add in 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract and 1/2 tsp of kosher salt, folding them gently into the mixture before transferring it to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

In a clean medium heatproof bowl, place the 3/4 cup of semisweet chocolate chips. Carefully set this bowl over the reserved saucepan of simmering water, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth—this typically takes around 4 minutes. After melting, remove the bowl from the heat and keep it warm until you’re ready to use it. This molten chocolate will add an extra touch of decadence to your cupcakes.

Step 4: Prepare Graham Crackers

You’ll need to break 2 of the graham crackers into squares, setting these aside for garnishing later. With the remaining 3 graham crackers, place them in a resealable plastic bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a wooden spoon or a heavy pot. Transfer the graham cracker crumbs to a shallow bowl or plate for easy dipping later on.

Step 5: Assemble the Cupcakes

Here comes the fun part! Adjust your oven rack to the closest position to the heating element and turn on the broiler. Start by dipping the edges of each cupcake into the melted chocolate, giving them a lovely glossy finish. After dipping, roll the edges in the graham cracker crumbs until they’re well-coated. This not only adds flavor but also gives your cupcakes that classic s’mores appearance.

Step 6: Frost and Finish

Now that your cupcakes are beautifully dipped and crumbed, it’s time to pipe on the marshmallow frosting. Take your piping bag and swirl the fluffy frosting onto each cupcake, creating tall peaks for that classic look. To give it that signature toasted flavor, arrange the frosted cupcakes on a baking sheet and place them under the broiler, watching closely until the frosting turns golden brown for about 30 seconds. Finally, garnish each cupcake with one of the reserved graham cracker squares on top for the ultimate s’mores experience!

Serving Suggestions for S’mores Cupcakes

Your S’mores Cupcakes are now ready to impress! Here’s how to serve these delectable treats.

How to Serve S’mores Cupcakes

These cupcakes are best served warm or at room temperature, allowing the marshmallow frosting to maintain its fluffiness. When serving, you don’t need to cut them—simply place them on a decorative platter or individual dessert plates to show off their beautiful, gooey tops. Consider adding a few more graham cracker squares or chocolate pieces around the plate for a whimsical touch.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

For an extended dessert experience, serve your S’mores Cupcakes alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor. Chocolate or caramel sauces drizzled over the top can elevate them even further. You can also offer milk or hot chocolate as a perfect beverage pairing, creating a nostalgic, campfire-inspired ambiance.

Storing & Preserving S’mores Cupcakes

To keep your S’mores Cupcakes fresh, proper storage is essential.

Best Storage Methods

Store your S’mores Cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to enjoy them within a couple of days. They can stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’re thinking of storing them for a longer period, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week; just allow them to come back to room temperature before serving. Frozen S’mores Cupcakes can last for about a month. If freezing, it’s best to frost them after defrosting to maintain the best texture.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

When reheating frozen cupcakes, allow them to defrost in the refrigerator overnight before warming them in a microwave. Heat on low power in 10-second intervals to ensure that the cupcake stays moist but does not dry out. Avoid reheating frosted cupcakes in the microwave; instead, reheat the cupcake base separately and add fresh frosting afterward.

Tips for Perfect S’mores Cupcakes Every Time

To ensure that you create the ultimate S’mores Cupcakes, keep these tips in mind.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

One common error is overmixing the cake batter, leading to tough cupcakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Additionally, be careful not to overheat the egg whites in the double boiler, as they should become fluffy but not cooked. Finally, be cautious when broiling the cupcakes; they can burn quickly, so keep a close eye during this process.

Helpful Tricks for Success

To save time, you can prepare the cupcake batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also use store-bought chocolate frosting if you’re short on time; just add the toasted s’mores elements to keep the flavor profile intact. Finally, a half teaspoon of espresso powder can be added to the chocolate batter to enhance the chocolate flavor further.

Fun Variations of S’mores Cupcakes

Once you master the traditional S’mores Cupcakes, feel free to experiment with these creative variations.

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

Introduce flavor add-ons to customize your cupcakes! Consider mixing in crushed nuts, such as toasted pecans or almonds, for added texture. Alternatively, for a fruity version, fold in small pieces of fresh strawberries or raspberries into the batter. You can also play with the frosting by incorporating flavored extracts, like almond or orange, to give a unique twist to your cupcakes.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

For a vegan rendition of S’mores Cupcakes, replace the egg whites with aquafaba and use dairy-free chocolate chips and a vegan chocolate cake mix. You can even substitute coconut oil for butter in the cupcakes and frosting for a tropical twist. For those following a keto diet, use almond flour or coconut flour for the cupcakes, along with a sugar substitute for sweetness.

FAQs

What If My S’mores Cupcakes Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your cupcakes turn out dry, it may be due to overbaking or too much flour in the batter. Next time, check them a minute or two earlier. If your frosting doesn’t hold its shape, try reducing the mixing time or making sure you’re adding the sugar slowly during the double boiler step. If the marshmallow frosting doesn’t fluff up, ensure the sugar is fully dissolved before mixing and check your egg whites for freshness.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Yes! You can prepare S’mores Cupcakes ahead of time. Bake the cupcakes and store them in an airtight container for up to three days. The frosting can be made in advance, but it’s best to pipe it on fresh cupcakes just before serving to maintain that pillowy texture and prevent a soggy cupcake.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

Graham crackers can be replaced with crushed cookies or gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions. Sugar can be substituted with a sweetener of your choice, and the chocolate cake mix can be substituted with homemade chocolate cupcake batter or a gluten-free mix if needed.

With thoughtful preparation and creativity, you can make S’mores Cupcakes that are not only delicious but also cater to various dietary preferences. Enjoy the nostalgia and sweetness of this cherished treat with these ready-to-follow steps and tips!

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