Name: S'mores Nutella Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 57 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup all purpose flour, sifted if lumpy; 3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar; 1/3 cup dutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup vegetable oil, or canola oil; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup whole buttermilk, or plain kefir; 1/2 cup strong black coffee, warmed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup Nutella® hazelnut spread, for the filling; 2 large egg whites; 1/2 cup caster sugar or granulated sugar; 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, a pinch; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Picture this: a rich chocolate cupcake hugging a gooey Nutella center, topped with fluffy marshmallow frosting and a crunchy graham cracker base. That’s exactly why the S'mores Nutella Cupcakes Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites—it’s a nostalgic twist with a fancy, indulgent spin that you and your friends will rave about!

A close-up of a chocolate cupcake in a light brown paper liner with a thick swirl of toasted white meringue on top, showing golden brown char marks. A dark chocolate drizzle is artfully draped over the meringue peak. The cupcake sits on a gold plate with several whole toasted hazelnuts scattered around it and some crumbs lightly dusted on the plate. In the background, more cupcakes with the same topping can be seen slightly out of focus. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make S'mores Nutella Cupcakes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve S'mores Nutella Cupcakes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
S'mores Nutella Cupcakes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

There’s just something magical about combining the best parts of s’mores with the smooth, indulgent hazelnut flavor of Nutella inside a cupcake. Every bite brings that melty toasted marshmallow vibe you crave, with a sophisticated touch that takes it beyond campfire treats.

Perfect Balance: The crispy graham cracker crust adds a buttery crunch that complements the moist chocolate cupcake beautifully.
Nutella Surprise: Each cupcake has a luscious Nutella filling that oozes out when you bite in—pure joy for any hazelnut lover.
Marshmallow Frosting: The fluffy meringue topping brings that iconic toasty sweetness without being overly sugary or heavy.
Impressive Yet Easy: It looks fancy but you’ll be surprised at how straightforward the steps are—plus, the coffee in the batter amps up the chocolate flavor perfectly.

The image shows a cupcake with three clear layers: the bottom layer is a bright orange crumbly crust, the middle layer is a dark, moist chocolate cake with a soft texture, and the top layer is a thick drizzle of melted milk chocolate inside the cake center. On top of the cupcake is a layer of light, fluffy white marshmallow cream that is toasted to a golden brown in spots, giving it a slightly rough texture. The cupcake liner is brown and the cupcake sits on a white marbled surface with crumbs scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this S'mores Nutella Cupcakes Recipe lies in how simple, classic ingredients come together to mimic that s'mores campfire taste with an elegant twist. Here’s what you need and why I love each one!

Flat lay of a small mound of golden graham cracker crumbs, a few flakes of coarse kosher salt scattered near, a small white ceramic bowl filled with melted golden butter, a simple white bowl holding all-purpose flour, a neat pile of packed light brown sugar, a white bowl with rich dark cocoa powder, a small heap of light baking powder, a tiny pile of fine baking soda, a small pinch of kosher salt, a white bowl with clear vegetable oil, a single large whole brown egg with a smooth clean shell, a white bowl of creamy whole buttermilk, a small white bowl with dark black coffee, a small white bowl of amber vanilla extract, a smooth swirl of glossy Nutella hazelnut spread on a white plate, two whole large egg whites in their clean shells, a white bowl with fine granulated sugar, and a tiny pinch of kosher salt placed in a white bowl, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Graham Cracker Crumbs: The base for that crunchy, buttery crust that sets the stage for the s’mores vibe.
Kosher Salt: Just a pinch here and there to elevate sweetness and balance flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Melted to bind the graham crumbs into a sturdy crust — plus it adds richness.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cupcakes, sift it if lumpy for a tender crumb.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone that complements the chocolate.
Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: Provides that deep, intense chocolate flavor; sifting avoids clumps.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Work together for the perfect lift and light texture.
Vegetable or Canola Oil: Keeps cupcakes moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.
Egg: Helps with structure and richness – don’t skip it!
Buttermilk or Kefir: Adds a slight tang and helps with tender crumb; buttermilk is easy to find and reliable.
Strong Black Coffee: Enhances chocolate flavor wonderfully — trust me, you won’t taste the coffee itself.
Vanilla Extract: Subtle sweetness that ties everything together.
Nutella Hazelnut Spread: The star filling for that unmistakable creamy, nutty surprise.
Egg Whites: For the marshmallow frosting, whipped into a glossy meringue that’s light and airy.
Caster or Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and stabilizes the meringue.
Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: Adds a lovely depth to the marshmallow frosting.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love experimenting with this S'mores Nutella Cupcakes Recipe to suit different tastes and occasions. Feel free to tweak the filling or frosting to make it truly yours—it’s such a fun base to play with!

Variation: Once, I swapped the Nutella for peanut butter and it was an unexpected but delicious twist that everyone still talks about!
Dietary Tip: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based milk and vegan margarine; just be mindful the marshmallow frosting uses egg whites, but you can experiment with aquafaba meringue instead.
Seasonal Change: Sprinkle some mini peppermint bits on the frosting for a festive winter treat.
Difficulty Level: While there are a few steps like creating the meringue, take it slow and enjoy the process. Trust me, the results are totally worth that little extra effort.

Step-by-Step: How I Make S'mores Nutella Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Create the Crispy Graham Cracker Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with liners. The graham cracker crust is the base to this entire cupcake experience, so mix your crumbs, salt, and melted butter until it feels like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into each cupcake liner – I use the back of a spoon or my fingers to pack it tightly. Pop these in the oven for about 10 minutes. This step locks in that buttery crunch that balances the soft cupcake later.

Step 2: Whip Up the Chocolatey Cupcake Batter

While the crust cools, combine your dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk them well so everything is evenly mixed. Adding the coffee to the wet ingredients might feel unusual but it amplifies the chocolate depth without a hint of bitterness. Mix the wet into the dry until smooth — the batter will be on the runnier side, and that’s just right. Pour the batter over the cooled crust, filling each about two-thirds full.

Step 3: Bake and Cool Your Cupcakes

Bake for 20-22 minutes. You’ll want to insert a toothpick into the center to check that it comes out clean—watch closely so you don’t overbake and dry them out. After baking, let cupcakes cool for at least 10 minutes before moving on. This makes hollowing and filling easier without crumbling.

Step 4: Add the Ooey-Gooey Nutella Filling

Use a small knife or the back of a pastry tip to gently carve out a small core from each cupcake. Don’t throw away those little cake bits—I like to nibble them or crumble them over the top for garnish! Using a piping bag or zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, fill the cavity with Nutella until it reaches the top. This surprise center is the best part, so be generous.

Step 5: Prepare and Pipe the Marshmallow Frosting

Here’s where the frosting turns these cupcakes from delicious to downright dreamy. Set up a double boiler with simmering water and whisk sugar, egg whites, and a pinch of salt in a heatproof bowl until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm and frothy—about 5-6 minutes. Take it off the heat, add your vanilla, then beat on high until stiff glossy peaks form. The key is patience here; your arm might get tired, but the fluffy clouds of frosting are worth it. Pipe or spread atop the cupcakes generously.

If you want to pull out all the stops like I do sometimes, lightly toast the marshmallow frosting with a kitchen torch for that signature golden brown finish—pure campfire bliss!

Top Tip

From all the times I’ve baked this S'mores Nutella Cupcakes Recipe, a few tricks made a huge difference in texture and flavor. Here are my best tips to nail it on your first go:

Press the Graham Cracker Crust Firmly: It keeps a nice crunch and doesn’t fall apart when you enjoy the cupcake.
Use Warm Coffee: It helps the cocoa bloom and enriches chocolate flavor without leaving a coffee taste.
Double Boiler for Frosting: This step dissolves the sugar perfectly – skipping it can leave gritty frosting.
Don’t Overbake Cupcakes: Moist cupcakes make filling easier and the texture heavenly. Check early to be safe!

How to Serve S'mores Nutella Cupcakes Recipe

S'mores Nutella Cupcakes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few crushed graham crackers and mini toasted marshmallows on top of the frosting—it adds extra texture and amps up that campfire vibe. Sometimes a light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate turns heads too!

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes alongside a hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate to balance the sweetness. For a fun party spread, I like pairing with fresh berries or a simple cream cheese dip filled with cinnamon and sugar for dipping graham crackers.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or gatherings, I’ve arranged them on a tiered stand decorated with fairy lights and rustic wood slabs for a cozy vibe. Adding little skewers with marshmallows roasted on a torch or mini chocolate bars on the side can make these cupcakes the star of your dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover S’mores Nutella Cupcakes covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, store them in the fridge but allow them to come to room temp before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully. Just don’t frost until you’re ready to serve. Freeze the cooled unfrosted cupcakes wrapped well, then thaw completely before piping on that dreamy marshmallow frosting.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked feeling, warm the cupcake (without frosting) for about 10 seconds in the microwave. Then add or re-pipe the frosting fresh to keep it fluffy and light.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought marshmallow fluff instead of making the frosting?

While store-bought marshmallow fluff is convenient, the homemade marshmallow frosting in this recipe has a lighter, more airy texture and a subtle vanilla flavor that really elevates the cupcakes. Plus, making the frosting yourself lets you control the sweetness and get that lovely toasted look with a kitchen torch.

How do I prevent the cupcakes from sinking around the Nutella filling?

Make sure the cupcakes are fully cooled before hollowing out the centers to avoid damaging their structure. Also, avoid overfilling with Nutella; fill just to the top of the cavity without overflowing. Following baking time closely to avoid over or under baking helps maintain a sturdy but moist crumb that holds the filling well.

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! Bake and fill the cupcakes a day ahead, then prepare the marshmallow frosting right before serving for best freshness. You can also pipe the frosting early and keep them covered in the fridge overnight, just remember to bring them to room temperature before serving.

Do I need a stand mixer to make the marshmallow frosting?

While a stand mixer makes whipping the frosting easier and more efficient, you can also use a handheld electric mixer. Just be patient and make sure to beat the meringue until it holds stiff peaks for that perfect fluffy texture.

Final Thoughts

This S'mores Nutella Cupcakes Recipe is truly one of those desserts that feels like a hug—familiar, a touch nostalgic, but elevated in all the right ways. I love sharing these with friends because they bring out smiles every single time, and I have no doubt you’ll feel the same joy baking and eating them. So, grab your ingredients, give it a go, and enjoy every delicious bite—you deserve it.