Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes

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I’m absolutely obsessed with these Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes. The first time I made them, I had no idea just how addictive they’d be. One bite into the moist chocolate base, the buttery graham cracker crust, the gooey marshmallow surprise inside, and the silky chocolate frosting on top, and I was hooked. It’s like camping nostalgia meets bakery-quality indulgence.

Every layer of these cupcakes offers a unique texture and flavor that work together so well. The golden crust adds that classic s’mores crunch, the chocolate cake is decadently soft, and the marshmallow center is a fluffy cloud that brings it all together. They’ve become my go-to treat for special occasions or when I simply want to spoil myself and those I love.

What makes this recipe even better is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical. It’s creative, fun to make, and even more fun to eat. I’ve even served these at parties alongside a few other hits from my site like the ooey gooey bars and mini cinnamon roll cheesecakes, and they disappeared within minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes Recipe

These cupcakes bring all the beloved elements of traditional s’mores into a handheld dessert that’s perfectly baked and wildly irresistible. You’ll love the rich chocolate flavor and the surprise marshmallow filling hidden inside. They’re easy to prepare, freeze beautifully, and are always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a summer BBQ, birthday party, or just a cozy treat at home, these cupcakes will impress every time.

How to Make Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with paper liners. In a small bowl, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter until well combined. Press about a tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner to form a firm crust. Bake for 5 minutes, then let them cool slightly while preparing the batter.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cupcake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry, whisking until smooth. Slowly stir in boiling water — this will thin the batter but make it ultra moist.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Pour the chocolate batter over the pre-baked graham crust, filling each liner halfway. Drop a large marshmallow or a spoonful of marshmallow fluff in the center. Top with a little more batter to cover the marshmallow. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the edge (not center) comes out clean. Let cool completely.

Step 4: Frost and Finish

Once the cupcakes are cool, spread a thick layer of chocolate frosting on each. You can use store-bought frosting or whip up a homemade ganache or buttercream for a richer finish.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can tweak this recipe based on what you have or your dietary needs. Swap regular graham crackers for cinnamon ones for a warm twist. If you’re dairy-free, use almond milk and dairy-free chocolate chips. Don’t have marshmallows? A scoop of marshmallow creme works just as well and oozes deliciously.

Want extra indulgence? Add chocolate chips to the batter for double chocolate goodness. You can also top the frosting with mini marshmallows, a graham cracker piece, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for that extra wow factor. These cupcakes are versatile, forgiving, and always delicious.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These cupcakes are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot mug of coffee takes them over the top. I especially love serving them warm with the marshmallow center still slightly gooey. For special occasions, you can serve them on a dessert platter alongside treats like ooey gooey bars or cheesecake deviled strawberries, making them the star of any dessert spread.

If you’re entertaining, consider adding a hot cocoa station with whipped cream and chocolate shavings to complement the s’mores theme. For something chilled, a tall glass of cold milk or a creamy iced latte is always a win.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. If you want to make them ahead, they freeze wonderfully — just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

If you prefer that warm, gooey marshmallow texture, pop a cupcake in the microwave for about 10 seconds before eating. It brings the whole s’mores experience back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the marshmallow from disappearing while baking?

To keep the marshmallow intact, use large whole marshmallows instead of mini ones, or use marshmallow fluff and don’t overbake. That helps retain the gooey center.

Can I use a boxed cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?

Yes! A chocolate boxed cake mix works just fine and makes the process quicker. Just prepare it according to package instructions and follow the layering and baking steps.

What kind of frosting works best?

Chocolate buttercream or ganache gives the richest flavor, but you can also use marshmallow frosting or even a classic vanilla buttercream if you want contrast.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix and use gluten-free graham crackers.

Are these cupcakes kid-friendly?

Very! They’re always a hit with kids because of the fun surprise in the center and that irresistible chocolate-marshmallow combo.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you’re in love with these Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes, there’s a whole world of indulgent treats waiting for you. I highly recommend checking out the Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes, which deliver the same wow factor in a totally different format. Another must-try is the Ooey Gooey Bars — ultra-rich and buttery, they practically melt in your mouth.

For a fruity contrast to these cupcakes, try the Strawberry Flaky Puff Dreams for something crisp and light yet still indulgent. These desserts all belong to the same family of wow-worthy creations that leave people asking for seconds.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

If you’re as smitten with these Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes as I am, don’t forget to pin this recipe to your dessert board on Pinterest so you can always find it. Better yet, share it with your friends and family — they’ll thank you. Whether you post it on your Instagram story, email it to a fellow dessert lover, or bookmark it for a rainy day, spreading the love means more people get to enjoy the s’mores magic. Happy baking!

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