Oh, the smell of a crackling campfire! That sweet, smoky scent of melted marshmallow gets me every time. I remember those nights well.
Now, imagine that memory baked right into a cupcake. That’s what we’re doing today!
Welcome back to Sunday Flavor. I’m Chloe Thompson. I left my corporate life for this joy.
I believe baking should bring happiness daily. These S’Mores Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are pure kitchen magic.
They mix rich chocolate, gooey marshmallow, and crunchy graham flavor. You’ll love making these easy family treats.

Gathering Your Ingredients for S’Mores Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Getting ready to bake is half the fun, right? For truly great S’Mores Hot Chocolate Cupcakes, precision matters.
We need specific items for the cake, the frosting, and that amazing toasted top. Don’t skip any steps here.
Following this list exactly gives you perfect results every time. Let’s see what treasures we need!
Dry Ingredients for the Cake Base
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar.
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda.
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder.
- 3/4 teaspoon salt.
Wet Ingredients for the Cake Base
These liquids make our chocolate batter so moist.
- 1 large egg, whisked lightly.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk for tang.
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- 3/4 cup hot water or hot brewed coffee.
That hot liquid is key for deep chocolate flavor in these treats.
Flavor Components Mixed into the Batter
Time to add the s’mores essence inside the cake!
- 1 cup mini marshmallows for gooey pockets.
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers for texture.
Creating the Rich Chocolate Frosting
This frosting is decadent and so creamy.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened well.
- 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy.
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder for richness.
- 1/4 cup milk or cream for smoothness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for balance.
Final Topping Elements
We need these marshmallows separate for the grand finale.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows reserved for topping.
Keep everything measured out. It really speeds up the baking process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making S’Mores Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Now we get to the fun part: mixing and baking!
This recipe for S’Mores Hot Chocolate Cupcakes moves fast once you start combining things.
Let’s walk through this together so you get those perfect, rich cakes.
Preparing and Mixing the Cupcake Batter
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line that 12-cup tin with paper liners right away. No sticking allowed!
In a big bowl, whisk all your dry stuff. Flour, sugar, cocoa, soda, powder, and salt go in.
Next, add the egg, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla to the dry mix.
Beat this on medium speed for about two minutes. Don’t stop early.
Now, carefully stir in that hot water or coffee. The batter will look thin. That’s okay!
Gently fold in those marshmallows and graham crackers. Be gentle now.
Fill those liners about two-thirds full. Don’t overfill them, please!
Baking and Cooling the Chocolate Cupcakes
Bake them for 18 to 20 minutes total.
Test with a toothpick in the center. It must come out clean.
Let ’em cool in the tin for ten minutes first. This stops breakage.
Then, move them to a wire rack. They must cool completely. Totally cool!
Whipping Up the Chocolate Frosting
While they cool, cream that soft butter until it looks fluffy.
Slowly add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder next.
Alternate adding the milk or cream. Keep mixing until smooth.
Finally, beat in that last teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Keep beating until the frosting is light and airy. It should hold its shape.
Assembling and Toasting the S’Mores Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Once cool, top each cake with a swirl of chocolate frosting.
Now, place the remaining mini marshmallows right on top of the frosting.
Put the tray under the broiler for just a minute.
Watch them like a hawk! They toast super fast, seriously fast.
Pull them out when they are golden brown. These S’Mores Hot Chocolate Cupcakes are ready now!

Tips for Perfect S’Mores Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Baking is science, but it’s also heart. I’ve learned a few tricks.
These little tips help guarantee success with your S’Mores Hot Chocolate Cupcakes.
Follow these pointers for the best flavor and texture balance.
Flavor Boosts and Texture Control
Want the deepest chocolate taste possible?
Use hot brewed coffee instead of hot water.
I promise, they won’t taste like coffee at all!
It just deepens that cocoa flavor wonderfully.
Remember the rule for the batter, though.
Do not overmix once the wet ingredients are in there.
Toasted Marshmallow Safety Tip
That final broil step is pure gold, truly.
It gives you that real campfire char flavor.
But marshmallows burn in a blink, my friends.
Keep your oven door open slightly if you can.
Stand right there and watch that topping closely.
Thirty seconds is often all it takes for perfection.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Baking
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference.
I want to talk about buttermilk and coffee here.
These small choices really shape the final cake.
Buttermilk is my secret weapon for moist cakes.
It reacts with the baking soda well.
This gives you a tender crumb structure.
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t fret.
Simply take out three-quarters cup of regular milk.
Add one teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice.
Let that sit for five minutes, then use it.
It acts just like buttermilk in this recipe.
I mentioned coffee earlier for flavor depth.
If kids are eating this treat, skip the coffee.
Use hot water instead if you prefer no caffeine.
The hot liquid helps bloom the cocoa powder.
It releases so much more chocolate intensity.
This is a simple trick I always use.
For the graham crackers, crush them finely.
A food processor works best for this task.
You want crumbs, not big chunks.
Frequently Asked Questions About S’Mores Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
I get so many questions after sharing a recipe like this.
It means you all are eager to bake, which makes me happy!
Let’s tackle some common queries about these goodies.
These tips should help with your baking prep.
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can make the cake part early.
Bake the chocolate cupcakes completely first.
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
They keep well for up to three days this way.
Do not add the frosting or toast the marshmallows yet.
Frosting and toasting should happen right before serving.
What is the best way to crush graham crackers?
Getting the right texture is important here.
You want fine crumbs for the batter.
Place the crackers in a sturdy zip-top bag.
Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan.
Roll over them until they look like coarse sand.
This avoids tiny dust and big chunks.
Estimated Nutritional Overview for S’Mores Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Baking should feel good, inside and out.
Knowing what goes into your treats helps a lot.
Please remember these are just estimates for our tasty dessert.
Serving size is one glorious cupcake here.
I base these numbers on the ingredients listed above.
Your actual figures might shift a bit, of course.
- Calories: Estimate 350-450 per serving.
- Fat Content: Estimate around 20g total fat.
- Carbohydrates: Expect about 45g of carbs.
- Protein: Roughly 4g of protein per cake.
- Sugar Amount: Estimate around 40g of sugar here.
We use good quality cocoa powder for flavor.
That helps keep the fat profile reasonable.
These are definitely a sweet indulgence! Enjoy them as the special treat they are meant to be.
They are worth every single delicious bite.
Share Your Sunday Flavor Creations
Now it’s your turn to bring the Sunday Flavor home!
I’ve shared all my secrets for these treats.
I truly hope you loved making them.
Did your kitchen smell amazing while baking?
Did the kids go wild for the toasted tops?
Please tell me all about your experience below.
Leave a rating for these S’Mores Hot Chocolate Cupcakes.
Comments help me know what to bake next time.
If you snap a photo of your batch,
share it on social media, please!
Tag me so I can see your beautiful work.
Seeing your creations makes my day brighter.
Happy baking, everyone!
Cheers,
Chloe
PrintAwesome 10 S’Mores Hot Chocolate Cupcakes
Whip up these S’Mores Hot Chocolate Cupcakes for a fun, family-friendly treat that brings together gooey marshmallow, rich chocolate, and graham cracker flavor in one delicious bite. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup hot water or hot brewed coffee
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (for batter)
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (for batter)
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup milk or cream (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, 3/4 cup cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the egg, buttermilk, oil, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed for two minutes.
- Carefully stir in the hot water or coffee until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.
- Gently fold in the 1 cup of mini marshmallows and 1/2 cup of crushed graham crackers.
- Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely in the tin for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool fully.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and 1/2 cup cocoa powder, alternating with the milk or cream. Mix until smooth, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Once cupcakes are cool, pipe or spread the chocolate frosting onto each one.
- For the topping, place the remaining 1 cup of mini marshmallows on top of the frosting. Broil for 30 seconds to 1 minute, watching closely until the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using hot coffee instead of hot water deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cupcakes taste like coffee.
- Do not overmix the batter once the wet ingredients are added.
- Watch the marshmallows under the broiler carefully; they burn quickly!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: Estimate 350-450
- Sugar: Estimate 40g
- Sodium: Estimate 200mg
- Fat: Estimate 20g
- Saturated Fat: Estimate 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: Estimate 10g
- Trans Fat: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Estimate 45g
- Fiber: Estimate 2g
- Protein: Estimate 4g
- Cholesterol: Estimate 30mg

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