S'mores Cheesecake

Featured in: Sweet Treats That Create Memories

S'mores Cheesecake transforms the beloved campfire treat into a luxurious dessert that captures all the classic flavors in cheesecake form. The foundation is a buttery graham cracker crust that pays homage to traditional s'mores, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy layers above. The centerpiece is a rich, velvety cheesecake infused with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips that melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey sweetness throughout. After chilling, the cheesecake is crowned with a glossy chocolate ganache that adds another layer of decadence. The finishing touch is a ring of jumbo marshmallows that are toasted until golden and slightly charred, mimicking that perfect campfire toastiness. This impressive dessert requires several steps and chilling time, but the result is a showstopping treat that combines nostalgia with sophistication. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow that makes s'mores so irresistible, but in an elevated form perfect for special occasions.
marry from tastelikemagic.com
Updated on Mon, 17 Mar 2025 04:36:02 GMT
A slice of cake with marshmallows and chocolate. Pin it
A slice of cake with marshmallows and chocolate. | tastelikemagic.com

This Perfect S'mores Cheesecake blends rich, creamy cheesecake with classic flavors of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. The graham cracker crust provides that familiar crunchy base we all love, while the marshmallow-filled cheesecake creates a light, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. Topped with velvety chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallows, this dessert brings campfire memories to your kitchen table without the bugs and smoke.

I made this for my sister's birthday last month and the cake disappeared in minutes. My brother-in-law, who claims to dislike cheesecake, ate two slices and asked for the recipe. That's how irresistible this combination of flavors truly is.

Ingredients

  • Graham Cracker Crust: Graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, unsalted butter.
  • Marshmallow Cheesecake Filling: Cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, salt, large eggs, mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips.
  • Ganache Topping: Chocolate chips, heavy cream.
  • Toasted Marshmallow Topping: Jumbo marshmallows.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a springform pan and prebake for 8-10 minutes.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then mix in sour cream, vanilla, and salt. Add eggs one at a time, followed by marshmallows and chocolate chips.
Bake the Cheesecake:
Pour filling over the crust. Bake for 60-70 minutes until set. Cool gradually before refrigerating overnight.
Prepare the Ganache:
Heat heavy cream, pour over chocolate chips, and whisk until smooth. Spread over chilled cheesecake.
Final Touches:
Arrange marshmallows on top and toast using a kitchen torch or broiler.
A slice of cake with white frosting and nuts. Pin it
A slice of cake with white frosting and nuts. | tastelikemagic.com

The Perfect Blend of Textures

This cheesecake is truly a symphony of textures that keeps each bite interesting. The contrasting elements – from the crunchy graham base to the creamy filling, gooey marshmallows, and silky ganache – create a dessert experience that's impossible to forget.

Beyond the Campfire

While traditional s'mores are delightful, transforming those flavors into a sophisticated dessert brings a whole new dimension to the classic combination.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with vanilla bean ice cream or aged bourbon for a refined dessert experience.

Seasonal Variations

Add cinnamon to the crust for fall, peppermint extract for winter, or fresh berries for summer.

A slice of cake with white icing and chocolate drizzle. Pin it
A slice of cake with white icing and chocolate drizzle. | tastelikemagic.com

After making this cheesecake dozens of times, I've come to believe it's not just a dessert but a conversation starter. The familiar flavors transformed into something new get people reminiscing about camping memories and childhood treats. That's the real magic of cooking – creating not just food, but moments that bring people together around the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?
While a springform pan is ideal, you can use a deep 9-inch cake pan lined with parchment paper with extra hanging over the sides to help lift the cheesecake out after chilling. Just be aware it won't be as easy to remove cleanly.
→ How can I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the eggs, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, and follow the slow cooling process in the turned-off oven. The good news is that even if cracks form, they'll be covered by the ganache and marshmallows.
→ Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cheesecake portion up to 3 days ahead. Add the ganache and marshmallows the day you plan to serve it for the best presentation and texture contrast.
→ I don't have a kitchen torch. What's the best way to toast the marshmallows?
You can place the marshmallow-topped cheesecake under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching very carefully to prevent burning. Position the rack in the middle of the oven rather than too close to the broiler element.
→ How should I store leftover cheesecake?
Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered loosely with foil (to avoid squishing the marshmallows) for up to 5 days. The toasted marshmallows will soften over time but will still taste delicious.

S'mores Cheesecake

This S'mores Cheesecake combines a graham cracker crust with marshmallow-studded cheesecake, chocolate ganache, and toasted marshmallows for an indulgent dessert.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
70 Minutes
Total Time
100 Minutes
By: Marry

Category: Sweets & Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 9-inch cheesecake)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Graham Cracker Crust

01 1 1/2 cups (213 grams) finely crushed graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full-sized sheets)
02 1/3 cup (66 grams) granulated sugar
03 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted

→ For the Marshmallow Cheesecake Filling

04 32 ounces (908 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
05 1 cup (198 grams) granulated sugar
06 2/3 cup (151 grams) sour cream, at room temperature
07 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 4 large eggs, at room temperature
10 1 cup (43 grams) mini marshmallows
11 1/2 cup (90 grams) mini chocolate chips

→ For the Chocolate Ganache

12 1 cup (170 grams) chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate
13 3/4 cup (170 grams) heavy cream

→ For the Topping

14 Jumbo marshmallows (about 10-12 for toasting)

Instructions

Step 01

Let's start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix together those graham cracker crumbs and sugar until they're well combined. Pour in your melted butter and stir until every crumb is coated in buttery goodness. This butter is the glue that will hold your crust together! Now press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down tight – this helps prevent a crumbly crust later. Pop it in the oven for about 8-10 minutes until it's lightly golden and smells amazing. Set it aside to cool while you work on the filling.

Step 02

Now for the star of the show – that creamy, dreamy cheesecake filling! In a large bowl, beat your softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it's smooth and silky – about 1-2 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps hiding in there! Gradually add in the sugar while mixing, letting it fully incorporate. Next, mix in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt. The sour cream adds this wonderful tangy flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness. Now comes the important part – add your eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until each is incorporated. Don't overmix here! This is the secret to avoiding cracks in your cheesecake. Finally, with a gentle hand, fold in those mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. They'll create pockets of gooey, melty goodness throughout your cheesecake!

Step 03

Pour your cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 60-70 minutes. You'll know it's done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan – kind of like Jell-O! Now here's a pro tip for a crack-free cheesecake: once the baking time is up, turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for another hour. This gradual cooling process works wonders! After that hour, take it out and let it finish cooling at room temperature before covering and refrigerating for at least 4 hours – though overnight is even better if you can resist that long!

Step 04

When your cheesecake is properly chilled, it's time to add that decadent chocolate layer! Heat your heavy cream in a small saucepan until it's just starting to simmer – you'll see tiny bubbles forming around the edges, but don't let it come to a full boil. Pour this hot cream over your chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl and let it sit untouched for about 2-3 minutes. This gives the cream time to work its magic, melting the chocolate. Then, whisk it all together until you have a smooth, glossy ganache. Let it cool for about 5-10 minutes – you want it pourable but not so hot that it melts your cheesecake. Once it's ready, pour it over your chilled cheesecake, tilting the pan gently to create an even layer of chocolate bliss.

Step 05

Now for the fun part that really brings the s'mores experience to life! Arrange your jumbo marshmallows on top of the ganache while it's still a bit soft so they'll stick. You can place them in a pattern or just scatter them around – either way works! Grab your kitchen torch and toast those marshmallows until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside but still gooey inside – just like you'd want them around a campfire! If you don't have a kitchen torch, you can pop the whole thing under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it – marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to completely charred in seconds!

Step 06

Return your masterpiece to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the ganache fully set. When you're ready to serve, run a thin knife around the edge of the springform pan to loosen any stuck bits before releasing the clasp. For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, then slice. Repeat the hot water dip between each cut. Your guests will be absolutely amazed when you bring this showstopper to the table – all the beloved flavors of a campfire s'more transformed into a luxurious cheesecake that's creamy, chocolatey, and topped with those iconic toasty marshmallows!

Notes

  1. This S'mores Cheesecake combines the beloved campfire treat with a rich, creamy cheesecake for a dessert that's sure to impress at any gathering.
  2. Having your ingredients at room temperature is crucial for a smooth cheesecake batter - cold cream cheese can lead to lumps that never fully incorporate.
  3. The gradual cooling method (leaving the cheesecake in the turned-off oven) is the secret to preventing cracks in your cheesecake surface.
  4. This cheesecake can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated, making it perfect for entertaining. Just add the toasted marshmallows right before serving for the best presentation.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Electric mixer (hand or stand)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Small saucepan
  • Kitchen torch (or oven broiler)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten (graham crackers)
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, butter, heavy cream, chocolate)
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 620
  • Total Fat: 45 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 9 g