Easy S’mores Cupcakes (with cake mix)

These easy S’mores cupcakes start with a chocolate cake mix base that’s topped with fluffy swirls of creamy marshmallow frosting.

Why this recipe works

S’mores cupcakes are crazy easy thanks to a little help from a boxed cake mix. You could always use a homemade chocolate cupcake base if you want to put a bit more love and labor into it, though!

Now, what makes this recipe truly stand out is the dreamy, creamy, marshmallow frosting. There are a few tips listed below that I recommend following for the perfect pipeable consistency every time. Other than that, making them is really simple. Bake, frost, and top with crushed graham crackers and a wedge of a Hershey’s bar in classic S’mores fashion.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

CUPCAKES – To keep this recipe quick and easy we opted for a standard 15-ounce box of chocolate cake mix. Use your favorite brand! You’ll need to prepare the box of cake mix according to package instructions, so be sure to account for the ingredients called for on the back of your particular box as well. You can always make a batch of my double chocolate cupcakes if you prefer to make them homemade.

FROSTING – I highly suggest using my marshmallow frosting recipe. I tested this recipe several times in order to get it just right! There are tons of tips and tricks in this post to make sure it comes out perfectly. We have only tested this recipe with Marshmallow Fluff, not with Marshmallow Creme, but some say that the latter works as well.

How to Make S’mores Cupcakes

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Bake cupcakes according to box mix instructions and let cool completely.
2. Make frosting according to instructions and place into a piping bag fitted with an 808 tip. Allow frosting bag to chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before piping.
3. Pipe frosting onto a cupcake and sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs. Place the cupcake into the fridge. This helps the frosting hold its shape. Repeat this process for each cupcake.
4. Allow cupcakes to chill for about an hour, then push a single Hershey bar section into the frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Our testing says yes and no. This frosting will not brown in the same way as an actual marshmallow. In our experience, the heat from the torch will melt the frosting and will not brown as lovely as something like meringue will. It is possible to brown these if you don’t mind the slightly melted look. To do so, it’s important to freeze the frosted cupcakes for at least an hour first. This will help the frosting hold up to the flame. Hold the flame close to the frosting (be careful not to light your paper cupcake liners on fire!) and work quickly. Again, the frosting will melt a bit, but the flavor far outweighs the appearance!

If you’ve prepped the cupcakes with the frosting on top, it’s best to store them in an air-tight container, or cupcake carrier, kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The frosting will begin to soften as it sits at room temperature, which can make it less stable. You can prepare and cool the cupcakes and store them without frosting at room temperature for up to 3 days. Feel free to prepare the frosting in advance as well, but store it in the fridge in the meantime (for up to 4 days). Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Top your s’mores cupcakes with a Hershey’s bar wedge along with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers. You can reverse the toppings by sticking a wedge of graham cracker into the frosting and garnishing with shaved chocolate.

More S’mores Recipes

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

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