S’Mores Cheesecake
Craving the comforting flavors of a campfire s’more, but don’t have the time or space for roasting marshmallows over an open flame? Say hello to your new favorite dessert: S’mores Cheesecake!
This easy-to-make recipe brings together the creamy, rich texture of cheesecake with all the nostalgia of a gooey s’more. With a graham cracker crust, a decadent cream cheese filling, and a toasted marshmallow topping drizzled with melted chocolate, this dessert is sure to impress at your next gathering or simply indulge your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This S’mores Cheesecake Recipe
This s’mores cheesecake combines the best elements of both a classic cheesecake and a beloved campfire treat. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor in every bite. Not to mention, it’s surprisingly simple to make, and the result is a showstopper!
The hardest part of this recipe is the waiting – between the chilling time and the baking process, the cheesecake needs some patience. But trust me, it’s well worth the wait! Plus, it’s perfect for prepping ahead, so you can make it the day before your event.
Key Ingredients for S’mores Cheesecake
Let’s break down the ingredients that come together to make this showstopper dessert:
For the Crust:
- Graham crackers: The base of every good s’more, these crushed graham crackers will give your cheesecake that perfect crunchy foundation.
- Butter: Unsalted butter holds the crumbs together and gives the crust a rich, buttery flavor.
- Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the graham cracker crust.
For the Filling:
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a smooth and creamy texture that serves as the base for your cheesecake.
- Sugar: Sweetens the filling to balance the richness of the cream cheese.
- Eggs: Help bind the filling and set it into a perfect, dense consistency.
- Flour: A small amount of flour helps stabilize the filling, ensuring a smooth texture as it bakes.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the filling.
- Sour cream (or Greek yogurt): This helps create a smooth and tangy filling. Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative without compromising the flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Mini chocolate chips are scattered through the filling, giving you little pockets of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
- Mini marshmallows: Soft, fluffy marshmallows melt beautifully into the cheesecake filling, enhancing that classic s’mores flavor.
For the Topping:
- Mini marshmallows: Toasted marshmallows on top of the cheesecake give it that iconic s’mores appearance and taste.
- Chocolate chips: Melted and drizzled on top, this chocolate finish adds a glossy, decadent touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make S’mores Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Then, prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining it with foil or parchment paper. Lightly coat the pan with non-stick spray to ensure your cheesecake doesn’t stick. This is important, especially since we’ll be adding a delicious, gooey filling!
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium-sized bowl, combine two sleeves of crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Next, press this mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared springform pan. This step creates the sturdy, buttery crust that will hold your cheesecake together.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Now, for the creamy filling. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese and sugar. Beat them together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all of the ingredients.
Add in the flour and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully combined. Then, add the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and continue mixing until smooth.
Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. These elements will add pockets of gooey goodness throughout the cheesecake.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
Pour the filling into the prepared graham cracker crust. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet (this makes it easier to handle in and out of the oven). Bake the cheesecake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle when you move the pan.
Step 5: Add the Marshmallow Topping
Once the cheesecake is done baking, remove it from the oven and sprinkle the remaining mini marshmallows on top. Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffy and just starting to turn golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, loosely cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for 6-8 hours (or overnight). This step allows the cheesecake to set properly and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
Step 7: Add the Chocolate Drizzle
When you’re ready to serve, melt the remaining chocolate chips.
Then drizzle them over the chilled cheesecake. This final touch adds a decadent finish to the dessert and makes it look even more irresistible!
Serving and Storage Tips
Once your s’mores cheesecake is ready, slice it up and enjoy! You’ll find that the combination of crunchy graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, gooey marshmallows, and melted chocolate will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Storage: Keep any leftovers of your s’mores cheesecake (if there are any!) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze this cheesecake for longer storage. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Tips for Success
- Softening the cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy filling, so take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start baking.
- Avoid overbaking: Cheesecake continues to cook as it cools, so be sure not to overbake it. You want the edges to be set, but the center should still jiggle slightly when moved.
- Make ahead: This cheesecake is perfect for making the day before you plan to serve it. Just be sure to give it enough time to chill and set in the fridge.
Conclusion
This S’mores Cheesecake is a perfect blend of two classic desserts: rich, creamy cheesecake and the beloved s’more. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, looking for a fun family dessert, or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat, this cheesecake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
PrintS’Mores Cheesecake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 6-8 hours
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 8–12 Servings 1x
- Category: Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Dessert
Description
Looking for a new and absolutely decadent cheesecake for the Thanksgiving season? If you’re a fan of s’mores, you’ll love this S’mores Cheesecake recipe.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 sleeves graham crackers, crushed
- ½ c unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ c sugar
For the filling:
- 2–8oz packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 c sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3 T flour
- 1 t vanilla
- 2 c sour cream (or greek yogurt)
- 1 c mini chocolate chips
- 1 c mini marshmallows
For the topping:
- 1 c mini marshmallows
- ½ c chocolate chips, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9 inch springform pan with foil or parchment and coat in a light layer of non-stick spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Stir until it looks like wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese and sugar. Cream until smooth.
- Add in the eggs and mix thoroughly – scraping the sides and mixing again.
- Add in the flour and vanilla. Mix to combine.
- Add in the sour cream (or yogurt) and mix well, again scraping the sides often and mixing thoroughly.
- Add in the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows and fold gently to combine.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Place springform pan on a baking sheet and place in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes or until the outside edges are set and there is a slight jiggle in the center when moved.
- Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle with the additional mini marshmallows.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the marshmallows are puffy and just starting to brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Cover loosely and refrigerate for an additional 6-8 hours.
- When ready to serve, drizzle with the remaining melted chocolate.
Notes
Cheesecake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.