…s’more or less
Happy 4th of July! It’s time to celebrate America’s Birthday with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, baseball games, and family reunions. One cannot have too large a party to rejoice such a momentous time in American history. This year, my parents rounded up the Ellis crew and threw an extravagant party in celebration of the fourth, and of my brother’s (long awaited) visit home. Knowing my mom, I knew she would be preparing for the party weeks in advance—crafting homemade decorations, stashing up on (adult) beverages, and prepping enough food for an army. There was not one thing that I could contribute that she didn’t already have. However, I didn’t feel right showing up without something to offer—especially now that everyone knows me as the ‘girl that always brings dessert.’ I thought long and hard about the treat I wanted to make and finally came up with my version of a s’mores cupcake. There’s so many ways to make a s’more, but the ingredients remain the same: graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows. The tricky part is using those ingredients to craft a cupcake that resembles the flavor and texture of the famous bonfire treat. With a toasted graham cracker crust, a rich, chocolatey cupcake, and a smooth, creamy marshmallowy buttercream, this cupcake screams s’mores, in a distinctively indoor-friendly sort of way. Everyone at the party was incredibly pleased and slightly obsessed with these cupcakes. They were the perfect ending to yet another wonderful weekend. Enjoy! :)
Oh, and for those of you that want s’more bonfire-inspired recipes, make sure to check out:
* S’mores Stuffed Brownies
* S’more Cookies [please]
Graham Cracker Crust
(Recipe by Culinary Concoctions)
3/4 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
1/8 cup granulated sugar
3-4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
‘One Bowl’ Chocolate Cupcakes
(Recipe by Martha Stewart)
(Makes 24 cupcakes)
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3/4 cup warm water
3/4 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons safflower oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Marshmallow Buttercream
(Recipe by Baked Bree)
(Makes 2.5 cups)
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow cream
2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 vanilla bean (optional)
Graham Cracker Crust
(1) Prepare two muffin pans with liners
(2) In a food processor, blend together graham cracker crumbs and sugar
(3) Add 3 Tbsp. melted butter; pulse a few times. If it seems like it needs more butter add the remaining Tbsp.
(4) Distribute evenly among cupcake liners and press to form a shell using a spoon
(1) Preheat oven to 350°F and line standard muffin tins with paper liners; set aside
(2) Sift together cocoa powder, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl
(3) Add eggs, warm water, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla, and mix until smooth, about 3 minutes; scrape down the sides and bottom of bowl to assure batter is well mixed
(4) Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (pouring directly over graham cracker crust), only until about 2/3 full
(5) Bake until tops spring back when touched, about 20 minutes, rotating pan once if needed; transfer to a wire rack; let cool completely
(1) Using electric mixer, cream the butter until it is light and fluffy
(2) Add the marshmallow cream and whip for 2 minutes
(3) Add the confectioners’ sugar and continue to beat for 2 minutes
(4) Add vanilla extract and vanilla bean; if needed, add more confectioners’ sugar or milk until desired thickness is reached