
Introduction to Heavenly S’mores Cupcake
Welcome to the delightful world of baking, where chaos can be transformed into a sweet symphony! Life can be a juggling act, especially for us busy moms and professionals, right? That’s why I’m thrilled to share my Heavenly S’mores Cupcake recipe with you. It’s not just a cupcake; it’s a quick solution for a busy day or the perfect treat to impress your loved ones after dinner. Picture biting into that rich chocolatey goodness, paired with buttery graham crackers and fluffy marshmallow frosting. Trust me; this will become your new favorite indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Heavenly S’mores Cupcake
Let’s face it: we all crave a treat that feels like a warm hug, but we also want it to be easy to whip up. These Heavenly S’mores Cupcakes deliver on both fronts. With a simple process that takes just over 40 minutes, you can indulge in decadence without fuss. Each bite is a delightful journey of flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, who doesn’t love a beautiful dessert that makes you feel like a superstar chef?
Ingredients for Heavenly S’mores Cupcake
Gathering your ingredients is like gearing up for a mini adventure in the kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Heavenly S’mores Cupcakes:
- Graham cracker crumbs: Your base layer for that classic s’mores texture. You can crush store-bought graham crackers or buy pre-made crumbs for quick assembly.
- Melted butter: This brings richness and binds the graham cracker base, creating an irresistible crust.
- Sugar: Just a touch to enhance the sweetness of the graham cracker base, giving it that dessert vibe.
- Devil’s food cake mix: The star of the show! It keeps things easy and ensures your cupcakes are decadently rich. You can also use a chocolate cake mix for a different twist.
- Sour cream: It adds moisture and a lovely tang, giving your cupcake that perfect fluffy texture.
- Large eggs: Vital for structure and binding the ingredients, providing that soft crumb we all love.
- Warm water: Enhances the richness of the cupcake batter while activating the cake mix beautifully.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: This secret ingredient amplifies the chocolate flavor and keeps the cupcakes moist.
- Vegetable oil: A key player for adding moisture to your cupcakes without being heavy.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash will elevate the overall flavor, making these cupcakes feel fancy.
For those feeling adventurous, you can also add mini marshmallows to the cupcake batter for an explosion of gooeyness! Just think; surprise bites of marshmallow happiness await your family!
You can find the exact measurements for everything at the bottom of the article, ready for printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Heavenly S’mores Cupcake
Step 1: Prepping Your Oven and Cupcake Pans
The first step in your cupcake journey is to preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F. This ensures that the cupcakes rise beautifully and cook evenly. While the oven warms up, grab your cupcake pan and line it with cute paper liners. This little step makes cleanup a breeze and adds a touch of charm to your cupcakes. Trust me, these liners are worth it! It’s like the icing on the cake, or in this case, the frosting on the cupcake!
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Base
Now, let’s move on to that buttery graham cracker base, which is the foundation of your Heavenly S’mores Cupcakes. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until it’s all nicely blended—think beach sand, but yummier! Once combined, dive in and distribute this mixture evenly into your lined cupcake wells. Press firmly down with your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a solid crust. This step is crucial for holding everything together like the perfect hug!
Step 3: Mix the Cupcake Batter
Next, it’s time for the fun part—making the cupcake batter! In a separate large bowl, mix the devil’s food cake mix and instant chocolate pudding mix together. This blend is the secret for super moist cupcakes. Then, add the sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and warm water to the dry mixture. I like to use a whisk for this part—it really brings everything together with tenderness. Whisk until smooth and creamy; we want a batter that feels light, just like a fluffy cloud! Don’t rush though; let it combine fully. If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in some mini marshmallows for extra gooey fun!
Step 4: Fill the Liners
Now, let’s get that heavenly mixture into the cupcake liners! Using a large cookie scoop or a measuring cup, carefully fill each liner with batter about two-thirds full. This step is like filling tiny treasure chests with chocolatey goodness! Ensure the batter is evenly distributed among the muffins to guarantee they rise beautifully. Just don’t overfill them; we want our cupcakes to have room to puff up perfectly!
Step 5: Baking Time
It’s time to pop those cupcakes in the oven! Bake for about 18-22 minutes, but please don’t forget about them while they’re in there! Start checking for doneness at the 18-minute mark. Press gently on the tops; they should spring back when they’re ready. If a toothpick comes out clean, you know you’re golden. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of chocolate and graham cracker, a true sign of heaven on earth!
Step 6: Cooling and Frosting
After baking, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This step helps them firm up a bit! Once cool enough to handle, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here—frosting warm cupcakes is a recipe for disaster (and sticky fingers)! While they cool, whip up your marshmallow frosting for a fluffy, dreamy topping. This is where your creativity can shine—make it as smooth or as swirly as you like!
Step 7: Optional Garnishes
Your Heavenly S’mores Cupcakes are nearly complete, but let’s kick it up a notch! Consider using a kitchen torch to lightly brown the frosting for that campfire feel. It gives the cupcake a toasty look that’s hard to resist! For a final touch, place a square of melting chocolate on top, reminiscent of the classic s’mores treat. These little garnishes not only look stunning but also bring out that scrumptious s’mores vibe every single time!
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the cooling time! Frosting warm cupcakes leads to a gooey mess.
- Use a cookie scoop for even batter portions—no more overfilled or underfilled cupcakes.
- Experiment with toppings; feel free to add crushed graham crackers or mini chocolate chips on the frosting.
- Make your frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a fluffier texture.
- For a fun twist, try using flavored cake mixes like chocolate fudge for even richer cupcakes!
Equipment Needed for Heavenly S’mores Cupcake
- Oven: Your trusty companion for baking, but any kitchen appliance that reaches 350°F will do.
- Cupcake pan: Standard or mini size works; silicone pans can be a fun, non-stick alternative!
- Mixing bowls: Use a large bowl for batter and a smaller one for the graham cracker base.
- Whisk: A hand whisk or electric mixer will help blend your ingredients smoothly.
- Cookie scoop: For evenly filled cupcake liners; a measuring cup will work in a pinch.
Variations on Heavenly S’mores Cupcake
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and a gluten-free chocolate cake mix—deliciously inclusive!
- Switch up the chocolate by using a white chocolate cake mix, topped with a vanilla marshmallow frosting for a fun twist.
- Add a hint of peanut butter by mixing in some creamy peanut butter into the cupcake batter; it’s a match made in heaven!
- For a fruity version, incorporate finely chopped strawberries or raspberries in the batter for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Try using flavored extracts like almond or coconut in the frosting for an exciting twist on the classic marshmallow taste!
Serving Suggestions for Heavenly S’mores Cupcake
- Pair your Heavenly S’mores Cupcakes with a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate childhood treat experience.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
- For a cozy touch, arrange the cupcakes on a rustic wooden platter.
- Add fresh berries or mint leaves as a pop of color and freshness on the side.
FAQs about Heavenly S’mores Cupcake
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Heavenly S’mores Cupcakes can be baked in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them on the day you plan to serve for the best results. This makes it easier to get dessert ready when you’re busy!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your decadent cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you can resist them that long! Keeping them sealed helps maintain their fluffy texture and flavor, waiting for your next sweet craving.
Can I use a homemade cake mix instead of boxed?
Of course! If you’re feeling adventurous and want to take a stroll down memory lane, a homemade cake mix can be used. Just follow a trusted chocolate cake recipe, and you’ll have delicious homemade Heavenly S’mores Cupcakes!
What if I don’t have a kitchen torch for the frosting?
No worries if you don’t have a kitchen torch! You can achieve a similar effect by placing the frosted cupcakes briefly under a broiler. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning—just a minute or so will do the trick!
Are there dietary modifications I can make?
Absolutely! For a vegan twist, substitute eggs with applesauce and use a plant-based cake mix. You can also swap the sour cream for a non-dairy yogurt. This way, everyone can enjoy a bite of these heavenly treats!
Final Thoughts
Baking these Heavenly S’mores Cupcakes is more than just creating a dessert; it’s about crafting moments of joy and connection in your busy life. Each bite transports you back to campfire gatherings, bringing warmth and comfort with rich flavors and delightful textures. These cupcakes are like a little spot of sunshine on a hectic day, perfect for sharing with family or indulging in solo with a cup of coffee. By treating yourself and loved ones to this easy yet impressive treat, you’re making memories that are as sweet as the frosting on top. Enjoy the heavenly experience!
Print
Heavenly S’mores Cupcake
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate and buttery graham crackers with Heavenly S’mores Cupcakes, topped with fluffy marshmallow frosting.
Ingredients
- For the graham cracker base:
- 5 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- For the cupcakes:
- 1 package devil’s food cake mix
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line cupcake pans with paper liners.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar, then divide between liners and press firmly.
- Beat cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, eggs, vanilla, and water until well combined.
- Distribute batter between cupcake wells using a large cookie scoop.
- Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until tops spring back when touched.
- Cool cupcakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare marshmallow frosting and pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes.
- Optionally, use kitchen torch to lightly brown frosting and top with milk chocolate square before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting.
- For a more authentic s’mores flavor, consider adding mini marshmallows into the batter.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg