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These dreamy S'mores Cheesecake Pudding Cups turn traditional campfire memories into a no-cook treat that blends two favorite desserts. I whipped these layered goodies up for my niece's summer birthday last year, and now the family begs for them at every get-together.
The first batch of these cups happened during a planned tent night in our yard. When rain ruined our s'mores plans, the kids started crying. These indoor treats quickly turned their frowns upside down. They've become our go-to dessert in any weather now.
What You'll Need
- For the Graham Cracker Base
- Graham cracker crumbs: Creates that familiar s'mores foundation—grab honey grahams for the real deal taste
- Melted butter: Glues everything together and makes it rich—pick unsalted to control the sweetness yourself
- Granulated sugar: Brings out graham flavor and helps your base stay intact
- For the Cheesecake Mix
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Forms your speedy filling base—don't cheap out here
- Cold milk: Turns your powder into pudding—full-fat makes it extra smooth
- Cream cheese: Gives that signature cheesecake zip—make sure it's soft or you'll get bumps
- Powdered sugar: Melts right in for smooth sweetness and helps everything stay put
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth to your dessert—stick with real stuff, not the fake kind
- For the Finishing Touches
- Milk chocolate pieces: Delivers that must-have s'mores element—pick one that gets gooey nicely
- Mini marshmallows: Creates that classic toasted look—tiny ones work better in cups than big ones
How To Make It
- Get Your Base Ready:
- Mix your graham bits with melted butter and sugar until it looks like damp sand. Getting this mix right matters a lot. It should stick when you pack it but not swim in butter. Put about two spoonfuls in each cup and push down hard with a spoon to make it flat. Pressing firmly helps create a solid foundation that won't fall apart under the soft stuff on top.
- Create Your Creamy Center:
- Beat that cream cheese until it's perfectly smooth with zero lumps. This usually needs about 2 minutes at medium speed. Any bumps now will stay bumpy later. Slowly add your powdered sugar and vanilla until it's all mixed and fluffy. In another bowl, stir pudding mix with cold milk for 2 full minutes until it starts getting thick. Gently fold the pudding into your cream cheese mix using light motions to keep it airy while making sure everything blends completely.
- Build Your Cups:
- Carefully spoon your cheesecake blend over each graham bottom, filling about three-quarters full. Use your spoon back to smooth the top for a clean chocolate layer. Take your time here since neat rows make everything look fancier. Scatter chocolate pieces evenly on top, using enough for chocolate in every bite but not so much that it takes over.
- Top It Off:
- Place mini marshmallows over the chocolate, slightly overlapping them for full coverage. Brown them with a kitchen torch using gentle back-and-forth moves about 2 inches away until they turn golden. This gives you that awesome contrast between crispy outside and gooey inside that makes real s'mores so good. If you're using your oven broiler instead, watch them like a hawk and turn the cups for even browning.
- Let It Set:
- Put your finished cups in the fridge for at least 2 hours so everything can firm up properly. Waiting feels like forever but makes all the difference. This cooling time helps your cheesecake layer get just right and lets all the flavors mix together perfectly.
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Those tiny marshmallows really make this dessert shine. I found out by chance that the little ones create just the right balance with the filling in each spoonful. My daughter once talked me into trying big marshmallows, and while they tasted good, they totally overpowered the subtle cheesecake flavor underneath. Sometimes the little things make the biggest impact.
Do-Ahead Tricks
These cups are perfect for planning ahead when you've got company coming. The cheesecake part actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge as the flavors mingle together. You can put everything together except the marshmallow top up to a day before serving. Keep them covered in your fridge, then add and toast the marshmallows just before your guests show up. This way, you get both convenience and that fresh-made feel, plus your friends get to see those gorgeous just-toasted marshmallows.
Fun Twists
Once you've got this basic recipe down, you can play around with it tons of ways. For chocolate fans, swap in chocolate pudding instead of vanilla or use chocolate graham crackers for your base. In the fall, throw a dash of cinnamon into your graham mix and use chocolate candies with caramel centers for a cozy autumn feel. Want something fancy for the grown-ups? Add a spoonful of coffee liqueur to your cheesecake mix and top with dark chocolate curls alongside your toasted marshmallows. You can switch it up countless ways while keeping that classic s'mores feeling everyone loves.
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Ways To Serve
These S'mores Cheesecake Pudding Cups work great on their own but can turn into a real showstopper with thoughtful presentation. Try setting up a toppings station next to your prepared cups with extras like chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, crushed grahams, and chocolate bits so everyone can add their own final touches. During summer, offer fresh berries on the side to balance the sweetness. For holiday gatherings, arrange your cups on a tray with pine sprigs or serve with minty hot chocolate to play up those cozy campfire feelings in a festive way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap milk chocolate for dark?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate brings a deeper flavor to this treat. Adjust to suit your tastes.
- → How do I toast marshmallows if I don’t have a torch?
Your oven’s broiler works perfectly. Toast for a minute or two, but keep an eye on them!
- → Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day before, but save the marshmallow toasting for right before serving.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Leave marshmallows off until serving for the best texture.
- → Can I freeze these cups?
Yes, just skip adding the marshmallows when freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and toast fresh ones before enjoying.
- → What containers look best for serving?
Clear glass or small mason jars let you show off the dessert’s pretty layers.