S'mores Cheesecake

The S’mores Cheesecake is a dessert that brings the nostalgia of childhood campfires into your kitchen. With its buttery graham cracker crust, luscious chocolate-infused cheesecake layer, and torched marshmallow topping, it offers an indulgent twist on a classic treat.

This recipe is not only beginner-friendly but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself to a luxurious dessert, this cheesecake is rich, creamy, and unforgettable. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect no-stress option for any event.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled

For the topping:

1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until well combined.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Stir in vanilla extract.
Gently fold in the melted chocolate chips until fully incorporated.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the center is almost set.
Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Just before serving, top the cheesecake with mini marshmallows and toast them lightly with a kitchen torch or under a broiler. Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers and chocolate chips if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
Kcal: 465 kcal | Servings: 12 slices

The Ultimate S’mores Cheesecake Experience

The beloved campfire treat just got a decadent upgrade with this S’mores Cheesecake. Imagine everything you love about traditional s’mores—crunchy graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, and rich melted chocolate—all combined in a creamy, dreamy cheesecake that’s as impressive as it is indulgent. This dessert is a showstopper for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights when you crave something sweet and nostalgic. Unlike the typical toasted marshmallow-on-a-stick, this cheesecake transforms the flavor and texture into a luxurious, layered experience.

What sets this S’mores Cheesecake apart from other desserts is the balance it strikes between familiarity and elegance. It captures the essence of a rustic treat but presents it in a form that’s suitable for celebrations and special occasions. The graham cracker crust serves as a sturdy and flavorful foundation, the chocolate-infused cream cheese layer brings richness and depth, and the toasted marshmallow topping adds whimsy, texture, and sweetness. Together, these layers offer a harmony of crunch, creaminess, and a soft, caramelized finish.

Why This Cheesecake Works So Well

Cheesecakes, in general, have an aura of luxury and indulgence, and the s’mores version adds a sense of fun to the mix. The beauty of this particular dessert lies in the complementary nature of its components. The graham cracker crust offers a slightly salty, buttery base that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and tangy cream cheese filling. When you add melted chocolate into that filling, it introduces an irresistible richness without overwhelming the senses.

Then comes the magic: the marshmallow topping. Whether you use a kitchen torch or place the cheesecake under a broiler, toasting the marshmallows until they’re golden brown and slightly crisp on top adds visual appeal and an unmistakable aroma that instantly reminds you of outdoor fire pits and sticky fingers. That toasted marshmallow layer isn’t just for decoration—it enhances both the flavor and texture of the dessert, providing a gooey contrast to the dense and creamy filling.

Perfect for Beginners and Pros Alike

One of the standout features of this S’mores Cheesecake is its accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your journey, this recipe is designed to be approachable. There’s no need for complicated techniques or specialty tools. It relies on basic baking staples and offers the flexibility to adjust certain steps to suit your preference or available kitchen equipment.

You can prepare the crust using store-bought graham crackers or even pre-crushed crumbs for convenience. The chocolate layer can be customized using milk, semi-sweet, or even dark chocolate depending on how rich you like your desserts. And for those who love experimenting, the marshmallow topping could be replaced or enhanced with marshmallow fluff or mini torched meringues. These small variations allow you to put your personal twist on a universally loved flavor combination.

A Make-Ahead Dream Dessert

One of the best things about cheesecake is that it improves with time. Unlike many desserts that need to be served immediately, this S’mores Cheesecake actually benefits from chilling in the fridge overnight. The flavors have time to meld together, and the texture becomes smoother and more cohesive. That makes it a fantastic choice for entertaining because you can prepare it the day before and focus on other dishes—or simply relax—on the day of your event.

Once chilled, this dessert slices beautifully and holds its shape, making it perfect for serving at birthday parties, potlucks, holiday celebrations, or even casual BBQs. The marshmallow topping can be added right before serving so that it’s still warm and slightly crisp, providing a fresh contrast to the cold cheesecake.

Great for All Ages

There’s something deeply nostalgic about the taste of s’mores. It’s a flavor that brings back childhood memories of summer camping trips, bonfires, and sticky fingers. By transforming that flavor into a cheesecake, you’re bridging the gap between childlike wonder and adult indulgence. Kids love the gooey marshmallow topping and chocolate center, while adults appreciate the rich, creamy texture and the elegant presentation.

It’s also a dessert that invites creativity and participation. If you’re making this with kids, let them help sprinkle the crushed graham crackers or layer the marshmallows on top. That level of engagement makes the experience even more enjoyable and memorable.

Stunning Presentation, No Fuss Needed

Despite its sophisticated appearance, this S’mores Cheesecake is relatively simple to present. The golden marshmallow topping naturally creates a beautiful, rustic finish. A light dusting of crushed graham crackers or a few extra chocolate chips on top can elevate the aesthetic without requiring complicated garnishing techniques. Serve each slice with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to add an extra touch of elegance.

For photographers, food bloggers, or anyone who enjoys sharing their creations on social media, this cheesecake is pure content gold. The contrast of textures, the warm golden tones of toasted marshmallow, and the glossy chocolate make every slice incredibly photogenic.

Tips for the Best Results

To ensure your S’mores Cheesecake turns out perfect every time, here are a few expert tips:

Use room-temperature ingredients – This helps your filling blend smoothly and prevents lumps.
Don’t overmix – Mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can introduce air and cause cracks.
Use a water bath if desired – Though optional, baking your cheesecake in a water bath can help maintain even baking and prevent the top from cracking.
Cool gradually – Let your cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked open. Sudden changes in temperature can cause the top to crack.
Toast just before serving – For the best taste and texture, add the marshmallows and toast them right before serving your cheesecake.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftover cheesecake in the fridge, covered tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4–5 days. If you’re storing slices individually, parchment paper between them can help preserve the toasted marshmallow topping.

You can also freeze the cheesecake (without the marshmallows) for longer storage. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before topping and serving.

Conclusion: A Dessert Worth Repeating

The S’mores Cheesecake is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of flavors, memories, and indulgence. It takes everything you love about a classic campfire treat and elevates it into a dish that’s worthy of any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to something special, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation.

It’s approachable enough for beginners but impressive enough for more experienced bakers to enjoy and customize. Its make-ahead nature and nostalgic flavor profile make it the kind of dessert people ask for again and again. So go ahead—make your kitchen smell like toasted marshmallows and rich chocolate. You won’t regret it.

Pin8

8 Shares