S’mores Cupcakes

Name: S’mores Cupcakes
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 sleeves graham crackers, about 36, crushed, about 2 2/3 cups; 4 tablespoons butter, melted, ½ stick; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup brewed coffee; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 8 large egg whites, room temperature; 2 cups granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

The Estate Bakery

S’mores Cupcakes

Print Recipe

The Strategy:

A truly memorable dessert should transport you back to the simplest, most joyful moments of life, and these S'mores Cupcakes are a sophisticated tribute to cozy fireside gatherings. Built upon a buttery, golden graham cracker crust, the deep-chocolate cupcakes are exceptionally moist, enriched by buttermilk and a hint of brewed coffee. Crowned with a towering, glossy mountain of homemade marshmallow meringue that is toasted to a caramelized perfection, this playful yet elegant dessert offers a luxurious harmony of childhood nostalgia and refined estate hospitality.

Makes: about 18 to 20 cupcakes | Total Time: 45 minutes till cupcake time

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Crust

2 sleeves graham crackers, about 36, crushed, about 2 2/3 cups
4 tablespoons butter, melted, ½ stick
¼ cup granulated sugar

Cupcake Batter - Dry

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Cupcake Batter - Wet

1 cup buttermilk
1 cup brewed coffee
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Marshmallow Frosting

8 large egg whites, room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

The raw ingredients (mise en place) for S'mores Cupcakes, arranged on a rustic wood estate table. Organized neatly in copper and white porcelain bowls are: graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, unbleached flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, kosher salt, buttermilk in a glass pitcher, brewed coffee in a copper cup, vegetable oil, fresh brown eggs in a small wire basket, and vanilla extract.

Instructions

Make and bake graham crust

Preheat your oven to 350°.
Line two cupcake tins with paper liners.
Use a food processor to pulse the graham crackers into crumbs.
Pour in the butter and add ¼ cup sugar.
Continue to pulse until the crackers come together to form coarse crumbs.
Spoon 2 tablespoons of crumbs into the bottom of the cupcake liners. Press down gently with the back of the spoon.
Bake until the crumb crust is just beginning to turn brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Cool to room temperature.

Make and bake cupcakes

Whisk together the flour, 2 cups sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
Pour in the buttermilk, coffee, and vegetable oil.
Whisk to combine.
Whisk in the eggs and vanilla.
Continue to whisk until the batter is smooth and shiny.
Pour the batter on top of the graham crusts to about ¾ full.
Bake until a tester inserted into the center of the cupcakes comes out clean, about 22 to 25 minutes.
Cool the cupcakes to room temperature.

Make marshmallow frosting and decorate

For the frosting, place the egg whites, 2 more cups granulated sugar, and cream of tartar into a bowl sitting over simmering water (double boiler).
Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the eggs are warm, about 5 minutes.
Pour the mixture into the bowl of an electric mixer.
Beat the warmed egg whites, starting on low and gradually increasing the speed to high, until the frosting is shiny and peaks form, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Reduce the speed and mix in the vanilla.
Use an ice cream scoop to dollop a scoop of frosting on top of each cupcake.
You can use a kitchen torch to gently brown the tips of the frosting to resemble roasted marshmallows.

Clean hands using a small culinary kitchen blowtorch to gently toast and brown the towering, glossy peaks of white marshmallow meringue frosting on top of chocolate S'mores Cupcakes. A warm blue and orange flame is captured mid-action, carmelizing the meringue edges into a beautiful golden-bronze.

The full recipe lives in the Vault

Ingredients, step-by-step method, and every chef-tested detail are reserved for members of the Estate Registry.

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The Heart of the Table

There is a profound magic in the crackle of a warm fire that naturally draws people together, encouraging us to lower our guards and share our truest stories. These S'mores Cupcakes are designed to evoke that very spirit of unpretentious connection and pure comfort. By taking a rustic campfire classic and elevating it with meticulous, scratch-made layers, we invite our guests into a space where they feel deeply cared for and delighted. Savoring these toasted, sweet treats around a glowing fire pit is a beautiful reminder that the sweetest sanctuary we can build is one where laughter flows easily, memories are rekindled, and every person finds a warm place at our table.

Eight guests laughing, sharing warm conversation, and enjoying S'mores Cupcakes. They are gathered around a long rustic wood table on the beautiful outdoor terrace of a North Carolina Estate at twilight. On the table are copper plates with cupcakes, a stone fire pit glowing warmly in the background, copper lanterns casting soft light, cozy hand-knit blankets, and copper mugs of hot cocoa.

Neighborly Grace

THE PRESENTATION: Present these cupcakes on a rustic copper or wooden serving board, showcasing the beautiful toasted golden-brown peaks of the marshmallow frosting, and serve them alongside a bowl of fresh seasonal berries or chocolate shavings.
THE POUR: A rich, creamy hot cocoa with a splash of bourbon, a freshly brewed dark roast French press coffee, or a glass of sweet Ruby Port.
THE VIBE: An early autumn evening on the terrace of a luxury North Carolina Estate. A grand stone fire pit crackles merrily, sending soft golden embers rising into the twilight sky and illuminating the surrounding pine forest. The air is cool and crisp, smelling of woodsmoke and autumn pine. The rustic table is adorned with flickering copper lanterns, warm cozy throws, and steaming mugs of hot beverages, where guests lean close in laughter and easy conversation, wrapped in the comforting embrace of neighborly grace.

Chef’s Recommendations

Coffee in Both Batters: Peanut Butter and Mocha Cake in Mini-Mason Jars
Coffee and Cocoa, Again: Chocolate Mahogany Cake
The Glass Alongside: Kentucky Derby Mint Juleps
What to Serve With Them: Roasted Peach Caramel Ice Cream

The Estate Table

Build tonight’s menu around this dish.

✦ Set the Table

S’mores Cupcakes

S’mores Cupcakes

The full recipe lives in the Vault

The Heart of the Table

Neighborly Grace

✨ The Gilded Swaps