Campfire cupcakes bring all the fun of s’mores into one sweet treat. With a soft graham cracker base, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallow topping, they’re perfect for parties, summer nights, or just a fun dessert at home. These cupcakes are easy to make and are always a hit with kids and adults.
Why We Love This campfire cupcakes
These campfire cupcakes take everything we love about a classic s’mores dessert and turn it into a cozy, handheld treat. They’re not just cute—they’re packed with that nostalgic flavor of gooey chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and buttery graham crackers that remind us of warm summer nights by the fire.
But what really makes these cupcakes special?
- Kid-friendly fun – From prepping the batter to toasting the marshmallow topping, this recipe is perfect for little helpers in the kitchen.
- Great for any season – You don’t need a real campfire to enjoy these. A kitchen torch or your oven broiler does the trick, making this an easy year-round dessert.
- Party-ready charm – Their rustic look and familiar flavor make them ideal for birthdays, BBQs, or cozy get-togethers.
- Simple ingredients, big payoff – With just a few pantry staples like chocolate, graham crackers, and mini marshmallows, you get a dessert that feels special without the fuss.
If you’ve ever wanted the joy of a campfire treat without the smoke and mess, this is your go-to recipe. It’s all the comfort of s’mores, baked into a soft, delicious cupcake you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients for campfire cupcakes
All-purpose flour – Gives structure to the cupcakes.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – This adds chocolate flavor.
Baking powder – Helps the cupcakes rise.
Salt – Enhances the flavor.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cupcakes.
Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
Vegetable oil – This keeps the cupcakes moist.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients together.
Whole milk – Adds moisture.
Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
For the graham cracker crust:
Graham cracker crumbs – Form the crust base.
Melted butter – Binds the crust together.
Brown sugar – It adds sweetness to the crust.
For the topping:
Mini marshmallows – provide the marshmallow flavor.
Chocolate squares or chips (optional) – Adds extra chocolate richness.
Instructions
Making these campfire cupcakes is a breeze, and you’ll love how they come together step by step. Here’s a simple guide to help you create a dessert that’s as fun as it is delicious:
Prepare the Cupcake Base:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, mix granulated and brown sugar with vegetable oil until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in milk and vanilla extract.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
Make the Graham Cracker Crust:
Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar in a small bowl until coated and crumbly.
Spoon 1 tablespoon of the mixture into each cupcake liner, pressing lightly to form a base.
Bake the Cupcakes:
Divide cupcake batter evenly over the crusts, filling liners ¾ full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Toast the Marshmallow Topping:
Top each cooled cupcake with mini marshmallows.
Use a kitchen torch to toast marshmallows until golden brown. Alternatively, broil in the oven for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
Add the Finishing Touch:
Optionally, add chocolate squares or chips on top for extra richness.
Pro Tips
To make these campfire cupcakes even more irresistible, here are a few pro tips that will ensure you get the best results:
Don’t Overmix the Batter – When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes, and we want them to be light and fluffy.
Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Cupcakes – For uniform cupcakes, use a cookie scoop to portion out the batter. This ensures all cupcakes bake evenly and look just as good as they taste.
Toast Marshmallows with a Torch – A kitchen torch is your best friend when making the perfect toasted marshmallow topping. It gives a beautifully golden color and a crispy edge, just like a campfire treat. If you don’t have one, you can broil them in the oven for a minute or two—but be sure to keep an eye on them! They can go from golden to burnt in no time.
Chill the Cupcakes Before Topping – Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before adding the marshmallows. If they’re still warm, the marshmallows may melt too much, losing that signature fluffy texture.
Add Extra Chocolate for More Decadence – If you’re a chocolate lover, try adding chocolate chips or a small piece of chocolate square to the center of the cupcake before baking. As it melts, it creates a gooey, chocolaty surprise inside each bite.
Make Ahead for Convenience – You can prepare the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, just toast the marshmallows, and you’re all set.
Variations
While campfire cupcakes are delicious as they are, it’s always fun to experiment and add a personal twist. Here are a few variations to get creative with so you can customize this treat to your taste or the occasion:
S’mores Cupcakes
Transform your cupcakes into the ultimate s’mores dessert by adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the graham cracker crust and cupcake batter. You can also top them with chopped graham crackers and a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra crunch and flavor.
Peanut Butter Campfire Cupcakes
For a peanut butter twist, fold creamy peanut butter into the cupcake batter or spread a thin layer of peanut butter over the graham cracker crust before adding the cupcake batter. The creamy peanut butter pairs perfectly with the chocolate and marshmallow topping!
Mini Campfire Cupcakes
For a fun party snack, make these cupcakes mini-sized by using a mini muffin tin. These bite-sized cupcakes are perfect for sharing at gatherings and give everyone a chance to enjoy these sweet treats without the guilt of a full-sized dessert.
Serving Suggestions
These campfire cupcakes are a delightful treat on their own, but you can easily elevate them with a few creative serving ideas. Here are some suggestions to make your cupcakes even more exciting for any occasion:
Serve with a Cold Glass of Milk
A classic pairing, milk enhances the rich, chocolatey flavor of these cupcakes. Serve them with a chilled glass of whole milk or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk for a comforting and nostalgic experience.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
For an indulgent dessert, top each cupcake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite flavor. The cold ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm toasted marshmallows, creating a decadent treat that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
Perfect for Outdoor Gatherings
These cupcakes are a great addition to any outdoor picnic or barbecue. Their campfire-inspired theme makes them a perfect fit for a summer evening by the fire. Arrange them on a rustic wooden platter to enhance the campfire vibe.
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FAQs about campfire cupcakes
Here are some frequently asked questions about campfire cupcakes to help you along the way:
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, simply toast the marshmallows just before serving to ensure they stay light and fluffy. This is a great way to save time and reduce stress when preparing for a gathering.
How can I make the marshmallows more toasted?
To get that perfect toasted marshmallow texture, use a kitchen torch for a quick, even browning. If you don’t have one, you can broil them in the oven for 1-2 minutes. Just be sure to keep an eye on them, as they can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free or vegan?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. To make them vegan, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) and use plant-based milk instead of dairy. Vegan marshmallows can be found at most health food stores for the perfect finishing touch.
How long can I store these cupcakes?
You can store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cupcakes without the marshmallow topping, then defrost and toast the marshmallows when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use other types of marshmallows for the topping?
While mini marshmallows are commonly used for a uniform topping, you can use any marshmallows you prefer, such as regular-sized marshmallows or even flavored marshmallows. Just make sure they’re evenly distributed and toasted to perfection.
Campfire Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Cupcake Base
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
For the Topping
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- Chocolate squares or chips optional
Instructions
Prepare the Cupcake Base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a separate large bowl, mix the sugar (granulated and brown) with vegetable oil. Stir until smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps the cupcakes light and fluffy.
Make the Graham Cracker Crust:
- In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until everything is well-coated and the crumbs form a loose, crumbly mixture.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each cupcake liner, pressing down lightly to form a base.
Bake the Cupcakes:
- Evenly divide the cupcake batter over the graham cracker crusts, filling each liner about ¾ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Toast the Marshmallow Topping:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, top each one with mini marshmallows.
- Using a kitchen torch, gently toast the marshmallows until golden brown. If you don’t have a torch, you can broil them in the oven for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Add the Finishing Touch:
- If desired, top with chocolate squares or chocolate chips for extra richness.