If you’re searching for a dessert that’s fun, irresistibly chocolatey, and bound to bring a spark of excitement to any gathering, look no further than Camp Fire Cupcakes. These playful treats capture the essence of a cozy night by the fire, combining gooey marshmallows, crunchy graham crackers, and flickering “flames” made from candy, all atop a moist chocolate cupcake. Every bite offers the nostalgia of campfire s’mores, with a colorful twist that’s just as delightful for kids as it is for adults!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Camp Fire Cupcakes use accessible ingredients to mimic all the best elements of a classic campfire treat, with every component carefully chosen to add flavor, texture, or that perfect pop of campfire color. Here’s what you’ll need to turn simple pantry staples into something memorable:
- Chocolate cake mix: The base of these cupcakes, giving you that rich, moist chocolate flavor in every bite while keeping prep quick and easy.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Essential for preparing your cake mix (exact amounts depend on your brand), delivering structure and moisture.
- Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional): Sprinkle these in for bursts of melty chocolate throughout the cupcake.
- Crushed graham crackers: Add a delightful crunch and instantly conjure up that campfire s’mores experience.
- Mini marshmallows: Toast these for a gooey, golden topping that brings true campfire vibes to your cupcakes.
- Chocolate frosting: A thick, luscious layer that holds all your toppings in place, just like rich campfire dirt.
- Pretzel sticks: Stand these up for edible “logs,” creating the structure of your mini edible campfire.
- Orange and red hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers): When melted and cooled, they form the show-stopping “flames” crowning each cupcake.
How to Make Camp Fire Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep Your Cupcake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Mix the chocolate cake ingredients according to your box’s instructions, blending in the mini chocolate chips if you want that extra decadent touch. Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow for a perfect rise.
Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes
Slide the tin into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know your Camp Fire Cupcakes are ready when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean, with maybe a little melted chocolate if you used chips. Let them cool completely on a wire rack — patience is key so the frosting doesn’t melt!
Step 3: Frost and “Dirt” Your Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, generously spread chocolate frosting over each one. Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers to resemble a bed of dusty, delicious campfire dirt. This adds flavor and creates the perfect sticky surface for your decorations.
Step 4: Toast and Add the Marshmallows
Gently toast your mini marshmallows under the oven broiler or over a gas stove flame until they’re golden brown and beautifully caramelized — just like classic s’mores! Carefully press a few toasted marshmallows onto the center of each frosted cupcake.
Step 5: Create the Campfire Logs
Take two or three pretzel sticks and stand them upright in the center of each cupcake, anchoring them right into the frosting and marshmallow pile. These will look just like miniature logs stacked for a nighttime blaze.
Step 6: Make Candy Flames
Line a baking sheet with parchment, then scatter the crushed orange and red candies into small piles. Bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, just until melted and bubbling. Allow them to cool, then break into jagged “flame” shapes. Carefully nestle the cooled candy flames among the pretzel sticks on each cupcake, bringing your edible campfires to life!
How to Serve Camp Fire Cupcakes
Garnishes
Go all out by adding extra mini marshmallows, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even edible gold glitter for a magical campfire sparkle. You can also drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate for even more decadence.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes shine alongside cold glasses of milk, hot cocoa, or even a creamy chocolate milkshake. For a more grown-up gathering, serve them with rich, dark coffee or pair with a platter of fresh berries to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Camp Fire Cupcakes on a rustic wooden board for a true camping feel, or nestle them into a bed of crushed graham crackers for that outdoor “dirt” look. For parties, set out lanterns and faux logs to complete the campfire theme on your dessert table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cupcakes left, keep them loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days. The decorations will stay crisp and the cupcakes moist — just be sure to keep them away from direct heat or sunlight, which can melt your candy flames.
Freezing
The unfrosted, undecorated cupcakes can be wrapped and frozen for up to one month. If you want to get ahead, prep the candy flames in advance too, but store them in a dry, airtight container outside the freezer to prevent sticking.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen cupcake, let it thaw at room temperature (still wrapped) for about 30–60 minutes. Refresh the toasted marshmallow by giving it a quick blast under the broiler before assembling with the other toppings.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake and frosting instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Homemade chocolate cupcakes and rich chocolate buttercream take Camp Fire Cupcakes to the next level. Just use your favorite recipes and follow the decorating instructions as described.
What’s the best way to toast marshmallows if I don’t have a broiler?
If you don’t have a broiler, hold marshmallows over a gas stove flame with tongs or use a small kitchen torch for maximum control. Keep a close watch to avoid burning!
How far in advance can I make the candy flames?
You can make candy flames a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at cool room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and vibrant, ready to perch atop your cupcakes when you’re ready to assemble.
Do I have to use both red and orange candies for the flames?
No, you can use just one color if you prefer, but the combination of fiery red and orange creates a realistic “flame” effect that really brings these Camp Fire Cupcakes to life!
Are Camp Fire Cupcakes suitable for outdoor parties?
Definitely! They’re sturdy, adorable, and don’t require refrigeration, making them a perfect dessert for backyard BBQs, camping-themed birthday parties, or any outdoor celebration.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to spark joy at your next party, bring a taste of adventure indoors, or simply add a little magic to an everyday treat, Camp Fire Cupcakes are the answer. Gather your ingredients, invite your favorite people, and let these enchanting cupcakes light up your table and your memories!
Print
Camp Fire Cupcakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Camp Fire Cupcakes are a fun and delicious treat that bring the flavors of a campfire s’more into a cute cupcake form. These cupcakes are perfect for a camping-themed party or as a special dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for)
- 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Toppings:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chocolate frosting
Decorations:
- 12 pretzel sticks
- 12 orange and red hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers), crushed and melted into flame shapes
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Prepare chocolate cake mix according to package instructions, adding chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake cupcakes: Fill each liner 2/3 full and bake for 18–20 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Decorate cupcakes: Frost with chocolate frosting, sprinkle with crushed graham crackers, toast marshmallows, place on top, insert pretzel sticks, and add candy flames.
- Serve: Serve immediately or store covered until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- You can use homemade chocolate cupcakes and frosting if preferred.
- Candy flames can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
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