When I think of summer I can’t help but feel nostalgic for a trip I took when I was in high school. A friend and I went up North in Wisconsin to her parent’s cabin for a week one summer. The trip was full of all the memorable things a summer vacation should have: Fishing, Swimming in the Lake, Card games, Bonfires and of course S’mores. That trip was amazing and sometimes I’d like to go back to the days when nothing made me more excited than waking up at dawn to go watch the sun rise and jump in the lake.
Anyway- these cupcakes are perfect. Graham cracker crust layered with a rich chocolate cake, topped with a fluffy toasted marshmallow frosting. Though I’d give anything for a verse of “Kumbayah” around the campfire, these did the trick in a pinch! They really tasted just as I’d imagined and I can’t wait to make more S’mores-themed desserts. I also got to use my Kitchen Torch again which was actually so fun! (If you don’t have one you can try toasting the tops under a well-monitored broiler.)
- For the graham cracker crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup sugar
- 5⅓ tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz. bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped or chocolate chips
- 2 cups plus 2 tbsp. sugar
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup plus 1 tbsp. cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp. baking powder
- 1½ tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil?
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- For the frosting:?
- 8 large egg whites, at room temperature?
- 2 cups sugar?
- ½ tsp. cream of tartar
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter; mix well with a fork. Drop about 1 tablespoon of the graham cracker mixture in the bottom of each cupcake liner and press down to line the bottom.
- Sprinkle a small amount of the chopped chocolate on top of the graham cracker crusts. Bake for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, and maintain the oven temperature.
- To make the cake batter, sift together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium sized bowl, whisk together to combine.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, milk, vegetable oil and vanilla extract; whisk together. Add to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the boiling water and stir just to combine (batter will be thin).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ of the way full. Return the pans to the oven and bake about 18-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, rotating the pans halfway through baking. Allow to cool in the pans 5-10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, combine the egg whites, sugar and cream of tartar in a heat-proof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Heat the mixture, whisking frequently, for 3-4 minutes or until it reaches 160° F with an instant-read thermometer.
- Remove bowl and mix using an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk starting at low speed and gradually increasing to medium-high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form. (Be patient- this may take 7 minutes or so.) Mix in the vanilla until combined. Frost cooled cupcakes as desired. Brown with a kitchen torch and garnish with graham cracker segments (optional).
DD says
wow they look awesome.
This is a nice thought and wonderful give away. Hope i win it!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!
EVent-Quick & Easy Recipes-FBN
Event-Healthy Snacks-GFR
Maria says
Hi! It’s Maria. I’m wanting that cool spice rack. It’s a piece that would always be in use!
kc says
Hi there ;) the copper canyon cake stand is to die for!
Kelli Chaves
Lauren says
Wow. Nambe has such beautiful dishes. I would love to have the Cradle Tri-Server Bowl.
Kelly @ Eat Yourself Skinny says
First I want to say how CUTE these cupcakes are!! Great job!! There are so many great items on that website that I just can’t choose :) I would definitely use this tiered serving tray for my best friend’s bridal shower coming up!! It’d be perfect!!
cwforsman says
Well, my favorite item on the Nambe site is the Anvil Multi-Candle centerpiece (I think it will go well with my Anvil 2 Tier Server). And, I want a smore cupcake! Carl Forsman
thewhimsicalcupcake says
i’ve never been to this website and OMG the Cradle Round Bowl was the first thing to pop out at me and holy bowl, is it beautiful!!!
jpinnick86 (at) gmail (dot) com
Jennifer says
The Cradle Pasta bowl is amazing- I cook pasta all the time and need something like that. Same goes for that server!
Office Girl says
I would love to display some of those DELICIOUS smores cupcakes on the Anvil 2 Tier Server at my wedding!
JocelynEve says
1st… I LOVE SMORES and therefore I LOVE these cupcakes!
2nd… Nambe has great products… their vases are awesome but I REALLY like their wood salad bowls and servers!
HOPE I WIN! lol I love giveaways!
-jocelyn
Tune Murderer says
Kay L.
I would love to have the Morphik Two-Tier Server to display my sophisticated caketails! Rockin’ job on cupcakes, btw.
Sonia says
Hi, it’s Sonia from My Little Kitchen Laboratory. I love the Nambe cradle pitcher, and all their bowls are lovely!
bexbakesandcakes says
Wow, love this stuff! The wood & metal mixed pieces are great! And I love the copper cake stand! I would love to put my own cupcakes on the tiered server!
Señora H-B says
Oh wow. I would love to display a batch of s’mores cupcakes on that. I can’t wait to try the recipe!! It’s bookmarked for me.
icancookthat says
ooh these look divine!
I’d love to enter the contest! I’d love to display my Guinness Cupcakes with Bailey’s Icing on this serving tray!
I also love the wooden cheese block with knife and spreader on the Nambe website.
Thanks for such an amazing giveaway!
debbie says
the cradle round bowl caught my eye! so simple and elegant. of course cupcakes would grace the tier server at birthday dinner celebrations when i serve my most requested chocolate black bottom cupcakes!
sensiblecooking says
I feel in love with Copper Canyon Cake Stand. So elegant. And also the cupcake stand on the competition.
Stephanie says
Oh my gosh you are amazing, Audra!! Those could be in my kitchen right now and not last till tomorrow hahaha Love your work! :)
Steph
That’s Better.
Katrina {In Katrina's Kitchen} says
That is a stunning cupcake! Certainly deserving of a gorgeous serving tray!
SFavale says
I love the Anvil Wine Basket. What’s better than some wine with dessert? Love showcasing my better bottles of wine, perfect!
Wendy says
Ooh! I love your recipes and I loved the products on the Nambe website. I think I would choose the Sunburst 2-tier server. So elegant! I really hope I win!
Helen says
I love the TILT glassware – so different. The wood and Alloy pieces are lovely too – especially the 2-tier stand. And I’m going to try your s’mores cupcake recipe next baking chance I get!
Thanks for sharing this website! Helen Clarke
Jackie says
I love this post, especially the delicious cupcakes. I have a recipe similar to this but we make them in a casserole dish..Mmmm.
If I were to win the 2-tiered serving piece I’d have to display my aunts delicious Lemon Mini’s. (little cupcakes)
-Jaclyn
http://www.a-sugarnspice-life.com
Tina says
If I had to choose one it would be the copper canyon cake stand. It is so unusual and eye catching, unlike the standard clear glass ones that everybody seems to have.
Your cupcakes look fantastic. I have been wanting to put my torch to use, but I am having problems with it now.
-Tina
flourtrader.blogspot.com
karrie says
The Copper Canyon Cake Stand is gorgeous! There is little that would not look amazing on it! Thanks for introducing me to this company! The drooling has begun.
~Karrie
SlipperCityCakes says
Omg your cupcakes are gorgeous! I want to sink my teeth into one! I have a recipe for a chocolate raspberry fudge cupcake that I make with chocolate ganache and raspberry sauce that I would definitely display on this tray!
The Culinary Lens says
Love your recipe and my favorite item on the site is actually the Anvil 2-Tier Server which I actually think would be great for a sushi display
browneyedgirl0504 says
I love the cradle server bowl!
:sheila: says
I’m in love with your cupcakes! They look amazing! =) I really like everything on the site, but especially like the copper canyon collection. I really like the Anvil 2 tier server as well!
Erin says
These cupcakes are gorgeous!! I just had a great time looking at their site!! They have so many serving platters that I loved! The Mauropa Serving Platter was probably my favorite.
Donna says
I would love the tier rack to show off my vanilla vegan cupcakes
something frugal at yahoo dot com
Cami & Zach says
Fun! I’d love to show off these Nutella cupcakes I’ve been dying to try.
Betty Martha says
Wowzers! Great site, great items!
Oh and your cupcakes look devine :)
I could surely use this for my wedding shower coming up (since I am making my own desserts HAHA)
Thanks for having the giveaway and thanks to Nambe!
http://runningwiththedevil-eggsthatis.blogspot.com/
Ann says
Wow – GREAT cupcakes and stand! I’m going to answer both questions!
I have these coconut cupcakes that are a family favorite that I would put on them. I am also making my nieces wedding cake – and it’s going to be all individual cheesecakes…those would be beautiful on it!
The second – did you see their Copper Canyon Cake Stand? Holy Cow – that is ART!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Diethood.com says
I love everything on that site…especially the Copper Canyon Cake Stand!
Anonymous says
The treats I’d like to show off on the 2-tiered tray are bite-size cookies like peanut butter blossom.
Cindy B.
cindyskitchen@yahoo.com
Karey says
That tray is gorgeous and I want to display my chocolate chip cookie pie or frangipan on it. Thanks for the fabulous giveaway.
kareylwhite@gmail.com
Carrie says
I love the Cradle Pasta bowl! This tray would come in handy for the monthly mommy meet ups that I have at my place. Great looking cupcakes!
callard76 at yahoo . com
Julien says
I absolutely love the simple elegance of the Grande Wood Tray. The way the wood and metal set each other off perfectly.
(It’s in the “wood” section.)
Mae says
I just bought some cupcake decorating supplies, so I would display cupcakes. Thanks.
dessica says
I would put little assorted cobblers baked in jars on this server.
Kristen says
Audra these cupcakes look amazing! Next on my list to try along with the homemade oreos! I would definitely use the tiered tray to display funky decorated cupcakes! Nambe products are great, we got a few as wedding gifts and use them everytime we have a party!
The Malko's says
What a lovely server! Your cupcakes look so good on it! I think fruit and cheese would be lovely on it as well because of the natural wood! Beautiful!
~Brooke
brooke.malko at gmail dot com
Sarah says
Ahhh I just discovered your blog and must admit, I’m smitten! S’mores cupcakes, red velvet truffles, strawberry lemonade bars…yum!! I think there could be nothing cuter than a batch of your Mini Banana Cream Pies (from June) displayed on the Nambe tier server. Thanks for sharing!
Sarah
Lauren at Keep It Sweet says
Oh wow, these look amazing! The chocolate cake looks rich and delicious.
rachel garber says
Ahhh! I just got married and did cupcakes at the luncheon – so could have used the anvil two tier server or copper canyon three tier server. Would definitely use either a lot in the future!
Love your site!
Sandra says
Wow..what an awesome cupcakes..I love how you burned them just a little on top, very very pretty..like from the magazines!
And I absolutely love your giveaway! Everything from their sites look amazing and beautiful..and your tier server look fantastic, personally I think that I would serve also cupcakes, looks more elegant right?!!
Erin says
Erin here! Wow I bet many things would look great on that tray. But it kind of makes me want to put two different types on cake on it – a mock-tiered cake!
Liz says
The cradle pasta bowl is gorgeous. I’m a big nambe fan, I’ve inherited a couple pieces already. I would love to add the 2-tiered server to my collection!!
Victoria says
I love the cheese block w/ knife & spreader by Neil Cohen.
offstagebaking says
Those s’mores look absolutely delicious, and kudos on an awesome job torching the marshmallows!
If I had to choose one thing to display on this stand it would be my Lavender Vanilla Cupcakes with Whipped Raspberry Buttercream frosting. The chunky texture of the frosting would make a great contrast with the smooth lines and polished wood of the stand.
Suzanne says
I’m making cupcakes for a friend’s wedding in October and this would be a GREAT display!
eclairre says
my favorite item on the Nambe site is the Anvil Multi-Candle centerpiece
Heidi says
The “Sunburst 2 tier server” is what caught my eye on the Nambe website. Very elegant and would make a beautiful presentation for my pastries. Thanks for the chance to win something. It’s always thrilling!
Heidi Namba
Shari Brand says
The tray you you display the cupcakes on is almost as beautiful as the cupcakes themselves. I know that my neice who has had a major loss recently would treasure it.
I’m off to bake :)
Lauren says
Hiya~ I’m Lauren and I love your site!I love the Copper Canyon Pitcher! I wish we had one so I could put my homemade lemonade in something besides a plastic Target one!
Heidi @ Food Doodles says
Those cupcakes look incredible! And what a great giveaway! I love the baby Nambe stuff actually, especially the baby spoons and forks with the loop – too cute!
Give Peas A Chance says
that tiered server is GORGEOUS I would use it for my whole wheat carrot cake cupcakes with vanillabean cream cheese frosting peasblog AT hotmail DOT com
All That's Left Are The Crumbs says
Your cupcakes looks amazing. All of the Nambe products looks stunning and I really like the Swoop Cheese Board with Knife and the Anvil Salad Bowl with Servers. The Anvil 2 Tier Server is a show-stopper and I would love to serve my mini Meyer lemon meringue pies on it.
Samantha says
You’re Strawberry Margarita and Mojito cupcakes would look divine on that tray! Too bad I won’t have one for this weekend–I’m making these two recipes for our house warming party. I’ll let you know how they’re received!
Excellent post as usual, Audra. And what an wonderful way to drum up more publicity!
Samantha Haddow
Lynette says
Oooh, I love that tier serving tray. So beautiful and unique! I would use it to display some yummy cupcakes from your website ;)
The Procrastobaker says
Perfection! Literally temptation in a cupcake right there (im from the uk so cant be in the giveaway but this post was just too cute to ignore!)
Laura says
OOOOOH!!! I HAVE to try these s’mores cupcakes. Delicious!! I display my favorite “Chubby Monkey” cupcakes: Banana cake filled with chocolate ganache, peanut butter frosting, with pretzel sprinkles and banana chips!
Therese says
The tiered server, with any of your fabulous cupcakes, would be a dream to own. Thanks for sharing such wonderful ideas and inspiration with us! You’re the greatest.
Kara says
Those cupcakes look delicious! I love the Rocks Cake Plate and I would love to show off some delicious summer pies!
Roscia says
Well, shoot…..now I’m gonna have to go out and buy me one of those kitchen torches just so I can make these cupcakes (which look awesome by the way!) And I love the Copper Canyon cake stand on the Nambe site… Thanks for sharing!
Joyce
Lisa says
My husband and I are moving to a new town in hot Virginia and I would love to serve a double hitter of Baked Alaska cupcakes on top and cool mint chocolate chip bars on bottom on the tiered server. All in hopes it would win us new friends.
LBSomogyi@gmail.com
Amy's Cooking Adventures says
What a unique serving tray! Wouldn’t it look neat with a couple pies on it? or the pie on top and the plates below for a party?
Pam says
I have been thinking about a s’mores cupcake recipe and here it is! Now I can make it for my next dessert request. I have loved Nambe for a long time and own many pieces. My new favorite is the Anvil Quad Condiment Server, my all time favorite to use are the butterfly bowls.
Tracy says
I am expecting a baby girl so I’d love the Baby Nambé Love Bowl-Pink – and I am having a cupcake craving right now….
Tracy says
I may be a bit old fashioned but my favorite Nambe product is the Butterfly Bowl my sister has had sitting on her living room table for the last decade. Nothing makes me feel more comfortable or at home than seeing it on the table. The s’mores cupcakes look beautiful but I would not share them with anyone. So to me they are kinda dangerous to my lavish thighs.
I would use the Anvil 2 Tier Server for a tapas night. I just see myself with several kinds of cheeses and some grapes on the top with olives and crackers on the bottom. Of course with some lovely red wine to set the tone.
Tracy Lea Hensley
Irene Carr says
I toasted up my first s’more at Girl Scout summer camp … and 40 years later … still calling for s’mores! Love the idea of a s’mores cupcake–this recipe is a keeper!
The Sunburst 2-Tier Server caught my eye … lovely to serve scones in the morning and sweet delights in the evening. Love the versatility of this server–dress it up/dress it down.
Kristi says
I really like the Nambe Scoop chip and dip server, my sister got one for her wedding and it’s gorgeous.
Those cupcakes look amazing, I can’t wait to try the recipe.
Kristi Hays
3 Girls and a Guy says
OMG I absolutely loooove nambe. My first piece was a champagne flute pair that we used to toast at our wedding, and since then our collection has grown…thanks to our wonderful friends and family who have given us such beautiful pieces. My newest one is the morphik 3 tier tea light candle holder, which is absolutely beautiful and they have a matching tiered cake platter. I am so saving my money to get that one.
I would love to add the Anvil 2-tier cake Server to use at my gatherings. I would have a lovely show piece to display all of the delicious delectable’s that I loooove to make. Friday I just got done making beautiful swim lover’s cupcake conecakes that featured a lifeguard teddy graham bear and a gummy floatation device, for my daughters swim party! The presentation would have been divine on Nambe’s 2 tier server piece!
Good Luck to all, whom ever wins will absolutely love the piece!!!!
Jolene Bueno
Lindsey says
I would use this stand to show off the Keylime cupcakes l am testing out. I came across this site checking out how people have used graham cracker crusts on cupcakes. These look delicious! I’ll have to add them to the list of recipes to try out.
– Lindsey Barr
noobon says
My favorite item on the the nambe website is the morphik two tiered server, it is elegant and unique, as are all their gorgeous designs. This recipe looks delish, I cant wait to make them with my daughter, Thank you for sharing, you have inspired baking time in our schedule tomorrow.
– Narissa C. Bonne
Linda Reinman says
We received a Nambe tray for our wedding more than 49 years ago, and we still use it! I love using it to heat and serve hors deuvres! And even after all of the use it’s had, it is still beautiful, and unique! My brother and his wife sent me a lovely vase last year, and I just ordered a trivet, since the other products have held up so well. I’m a real fan, and hope to get the exquisite Anvil 2-Tier Server,as well. I’m looking forward to making those cupcakes for the family soon.
lyerk says
I love the Copper Canyon collection. My favorite is the Copper Canyon Wine Chiller. It is beautiful and functional.
Lauren Yerk
Anonymous says
My favorite piece that I love from Nambe is of course my everyday Claire flatware. I love love love them. I wish I could own more Nambe pieces. They are so beautiful and elegant. All my dinner guest comment on how pretty my spoons and forks are. They always want to take them away in their purses.
Monica LaCome
Venus says
I love the Copper Canyon Collection! Very earthy, but modern!! Anyway, thanks for your fun recipes!
Venus Glasgow
loretra says
I can’t say I don’t enjoy the multitude of products Nambe have to offer from their flatware to their serving trays. I think I have a little of them all. I do however like their Cooper Canyon collection just out. As for your recipes . . . I do believe I have a found a new site with some very delicious and creative recipes I will have to try and share with everyone I know. Thank you for sharing!
Emily says
I would love to display some of my yummy vegan cupcakes on this tray. Thanks for having such a great site!
Sarah says
oh my goodness, that website is amazing! (As is the copper canyon cake stand. Christmas List: Activated.)
Hooray!
edmontonjb says
Those cupcakes look amazing! I love the look of the Morphik Triple Bowl.
Jonnie
dftrew(at)gmail(dot)com
Margot Crandall says
I am in love with your blog, and check it all the time! I made the pink grapefruit sorbet last week!
Anyway I love everything from Nambe, but especially the Scoop Server! It is absolutely beautiful!
Hope I win!
Margot Crandall
motherhen says
The Copper Canyon Collection- anything in it, but I especially like the big 15 inch bowl. These cupcakes sound fun- we are going to try to make them in the morning. I hope we win!- Fern Henley
Stephanie says
I can’t wait to try these cupcakes–they look amazing! I love the Pirouette Bowl on the Nambe website. Stephanie Mansfield
Letteration says
I’d love to win! I would serve my favorite people a tray of local food goodness!
http://localme.tumblr.com
Lizzy says
Oh, these cupcakes look amazing! We, too, took a vacation up to northern Wisconsin…and s’mores were made every night over a campfire. We needed LOTS of smoke to keep the mosquitoes away!
Tabby Bear says
Oh my! This is a temptation on my figure. Yummy!But I will ask my mom if she can bake some for me just to know what is really the taste.LOL.
Rose Unique says
I love the serving plate! When I will spot it in a shop I will definitely buy it! The cupcakes are really delicious! I just whipped a batch!
Piano Toy says
Hi!S’mores cupcake is a favorite of mine. I feel I’m in heaven every time I eat it. I’ll definitely try your recipe asap. Thanks for sharing!
Shannon says
could I use 3% milk instead of the whole milk? Thanks
Audra says
Yes that should be fine!
twitter followers free 100 says
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto
a co-worker who was doing a little homework on this.
And he in fact ordered me lunch because I found it for him.
.. lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!
! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk
about this topic here on your website.