S'mores Inspired Cupcake Stacks

Mastering the Cupcake Batter

The foundation of these cupcakes is the batter, which is a carefully balanced blend of wet and dry ingredients. Using both buttermilk and boiling water enhances moisture and ensures a soft, tender crumb. If you’re out of buttermilk, you can easily substitute it by combining regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for five minutes. This small change will still yield desirable results, keeping your cupcakes irresistibly soft.

When mixing the batter, it’s vital to avoid overmixing; otherwise, the cupcakes can become dense and heavy. Instead, mix just until the ingredients are combined. The boiling water might seem odd, but it helps bloom the cocoa powder and ensures a more intense chocolate flavor. You’ll know your batter is ready when it's smooth and slightly glossy—this indicates that the ingredients have come together perfectly.

Crafting Fluffy Marshmallow Frosting

To achieve the light and airy texture of marshmallow frosting, precise temperature control is essential. As you heat the mixture of egg whites, sugar, corn syrup, and cream of tartar over simmering water, ensure you're whisking consistently. This step prevents the egg whites from cooking, and the sugar should dissolve completely to form a silky mixture. Use a thermometer to check that the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety and optimal performance.

After whisking, transferring the warm mixture to a stand mixer allows you to whip it into fluffy peaks. This is where the magic happens—beat the mixture until it is glossy and has formed stiff peaks, which may take around 5 to 7 minutes. This indicates that enough air has been incorporated, giving you that perfect frosting that holds its shape when piped onto the cupcakes. If your frosting is too runny, it likely wasn’t whipped long enough, so give it a few more minutes.

Garnishing Your Creation

When it comes to garnishing, there are no hard rules—get creative! The graham cracker crumbs not only add a pleasing crunch but also enhance the S'mores aesthetic. To make them finer and easier to sprinkle, crush them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin or food processor until they resemble sand. This makes for an attractive presentation, so don’t skip this step.

Using a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallow frosting gives it that authentic campfire flavor, transforming the texture from soft and fluffy to slightly crispy on the outside. If you don’t have a torch, you can achieve similar results by placing the frosted cupcakes under a broiler for a few seconds—just watch them closely to avoid burning. Finally, for an extra touch of indulgence, experiment with toppings like caramel drizzle or chocolate sauce to elevate the flavor combination.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These S'mores Inspired Cupcake Stacks can be made ahead of time, making them convenient for gatherings. Once baked, store the cooled cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cupcakes without frosting for up to three months. Just ensure they are wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.

To frost the cupcakes later, simply thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours before applying the marshmallow frosting. Fresh frosting will adhere better to room-temperature cupcakes. If you want to frost and store them, keep them in a cool environment as the marshmallow frosting can become too soft in warm conditions.

Scaling the Recipe

If you find that these cupcakes disappear too quickly, or you’re planning an event, scaling the recipe is straightforward. Simply double all of the ingredients to make two dozen cupcakes instead of one. Make sure to use two muffin tins to ensure even baking; you can bake them in batches if you don’t have enough pans.

Keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly when adjusting the recipe size. When doubling, also be cautious not to overcrowd your oven, as hot air needs to circulate around each cupcake to bake them properly. Check for doneness around the original baking time and adjust as necessary.