Easy S’mores Cupcakes with Fluffy Marshmallow Frosting: Your Ultimate No-Fuss Recipe

Imagine the warm, gooey delight of classic s’mores, transformed into a perfectly portioned, incredibly easy cupcake. These S’mores cupcakes offer all the beloved flavors of a campfire treat – rich chocolate, crunchy graham crackers, and sweet, toasted marshmallow – without needing a bonfire. They start with a simple chocolate cake mix base, crowned with luxurious swirls of homemade marshmallow cream frosting, making them an irresistible dessert that’s both impressive and surprisingly straightforward to create.

Why This S’mores Cupcake Recipe is a Must-Try

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These S’mores cupcakes aren’t just delicious; they’re incredibly simple to make, largely thanks to the smart shortcut of using a boxed chocolate cake mix. While a homemade chocolate cupcake base is always an option if you’re looking for a more involved baking project, the convenience of a mix ensures consistent results every time and drastically cuts down on prep time.

What truly elevates this recipe from good to extraordinary is the light, airy, and utterly divine marshmallow frosting. This isn’t just any marshmallow topping; it’s a meticulously developed recipe designed for perfect piping and a delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture. We’ve included detailed tips below to help you achieve that ideal consistency for picture-perfect swirls. Once baked and frosted, these cupcakes are finished with classic S’mores elements: a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers and a small wedge of Hershey’s chocolate bar, delivering that iconic flavor combination in every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a nostalgic treat, or simply want to impress with minimal effort, these S’mores cupcakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They combine the cherished memories of s’mores with the delightful simplicity of cupcakes, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion, from summer barbecues to cozy indoor gatherings.

Gather Your Simple Ingredients

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Crafting these delectable S’mores cupcakes requires just a few key ingredients, making it an accessible baking project for everyone. The full list of measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post. For now, let’s explore the components that bring this classic treat to life.

Ingredient Details & Smart Substitutions

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Understanding each component is key to achieving the perfect S’mores cupcake. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt it to your preferences.

• CUPCAKES – Our recipe prioritizes ease and consistent deliciousness by using a standard 15-ounce box of chocolate cake mix. Feel free to choose your favorite brand; any good quality mix will work beautifully. Remember to follow the specific preparation instructions on your chosen box, as they often vary slightly in required additional ingredients like eggs, oil, or water.

  Pro Tip for Boxed Mixes: To elevate a basic box mix to a more “bakery-style” cupcake, try these simple hacks:

  • Add an extra egg: This makes the cupcakes richer and more moist.
  • Substitute milk for water: Using whole milk (or even buttermilk for a subtle tang) instead of water makes the cake more flavorful and tender.
  • A touch of coffee: For a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor, replace a portion of the liquid with brewed coffee. Don’t worry, it won’t taste like coffee, just enhance the chocolate!
  • Add a dash of vanilla extract: Most box mixes don’t include vanilla, but a teaspoon can significantly boost the overall flavor.

  If you prefer to bake entirely from scratch, a batch of my double chocolate cupcakes provides a rich and decadent homemade base that would be perfect for this recipe.

• FROSTING – The star of these S’mores cupcakes is undoubtedly the homemade marshmallow frosting. This recipe has been thoroughly tested to ensure it’s fluffy, stable, and perfectly pipable. It delivers that authentic, sticky-sweet marshmallow experience that complements the chocolate cake so well.

  Marshmallow Fluff vs. Marshmallow Creme: We’ve specifically tested this recipe using Marshmallow Fluff, which typically has a lighter, more aerated texture. While some bakers report success with Marshmallow Creme, results may vary. If you opt for creme, be prepared that the consistency might be slightly different. For the best, most reliable results, stick with Marshmallow Fluff.

• GRAHAM CRACKERS – Crushed graham crackers add that signature S’mores crunch and flavor. You’ll need about one full sheet, finely crumbled.

  Crushing Tip: Place graham crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon for varying textures, or use a food processor for a very fine crumb.

• HERSHEY’S CHOCOLATE BARS – The classic Hershey’s milk chocolate bar is iconic for S’mores. Breaking it into small sections or squares provides the perfect finishing touch and an authentic S’mores experience. You’ll need about two bars, broken into individual sections to top each cupcake.

  Alternatives: While Hershey’s is traditional, you can experiment with other chocolate bars if you have a favorite. Dark chocolate or even white chocolate could offer an interesting twist, though it might stray slightly from the classic S’mores profile.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your S’mores Cupcakes

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These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe with ease. For the complete printable version, including all measurements and instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.

1. Bake the Cupcakes: Prepare your chosen chocolate cake mix according to the package directions. Spoon the batter into lined cupcake pans, filling each liner about two-thirds full. Bake as directed until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial; attempting to frost warm cupcakes will cause your marshmallow frosting to melt and slide off!
2. Prepare the Marshmallow Frosting: While your cupcakes cool, prepare the marshmallow frosting according to its dedicated recipe instructions. This frosting requires careful preparation to achieve its signature fluffy and stable texture. Once ready, transfer the frosting into a piping bag fitted with an 808 piping tip (or any large open star or round tip for generous swirls). To ensure the frosting holds its beautiful shape when piped, place the filled piping bag in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill and firm up slightly.




3. Frost and Garnish: Once the frosting is chilled, pipe generous swirls onto each cooled cupcake. Immediately after piping, sprinkle each cupcake with your crushed graham cracker crumbs. This ensures the crumbs adhere nicely to the sticky frosting. For added stability, especially if you’re making these ahead, place the frosted and crumb-topped cupcakes into the fridge. This chilling period allows the marshmallow frosting to set and hold its shape even better. Repeat this process for all your cupcakes.



4. Final Chocolate Touch: After the cupcakes have chilled for about an hour, gently push a single section of a Hershey’s bar into the side of the marshmallow frosting. This not only adds the classic S’mores visual but also provides that essential chocolate element in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

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Creative Serving & Presentation Ideas

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While a simple Hershey’s bar wedge and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers make for a perfectly classic S’mores cupcake, don’t hesitate to get creative with your serving and presentation:

• Classic Presentation: Stick with the traditional look by pushing a single Hershey’s bar section into the side of the marshmallow frosting, then generously sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs. This is always a hit!
• Reversed Toppings: For a slightly different aesthetic, reverse the toppings! Push a small wedge or half of a graham cracker into the frosting, then garnish with delicate chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips instead of the bar.
• Mini S’mores: For an extra fun touch, top each cupcake with a mini marshmallow and gently toast it with a kitchen torch (remembering the freezing tip from our FAQ!) before adding the graham cracker and chocolate.
• Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted chocolate syrup over the finished frosting can add an extra layer of chocolatey goodness and visual appeal.
• Cocoa Dusting: A light dusting of unsweetened cocoa powder can add a sophisticated touch and cut through the sweetness slightly.
• Ice Cream Pairing: Serve these S’mores cupcakes alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience, especially perfect for summer gatherings.

More S’mores Inspired Delights

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If you’ve fallen in love with the S’mores flavor profile, you’ll be thrilled to know there are many more ways to enjoy this classic combination. Explore these other fantastic S’mores recipes:

• S’mores Bars
• Frozen S’mores
• S’mores Lasagna
• S’mores Icebox Cake

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