Description

If you’ve ever gathered around a campfire, you know the bliss of biting into a perfectly toasted s’more. That combination of graham crackers, melted chocolate, and gooey marshmallow is the essence of comfort and nostalgia. Now, imagine taking that same indulgent experience and transforming it into a delightful, handheld treat—enter the S’mores Whoopie Pies. These heavenly confections marry the flavors of classic s’mores with the soft, cake-like texture of whoopie pies, creating a dessert that’s both sophisticated and playful. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these S’mores Whoopie Pies are sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients

• For the Cakes:
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9-11 crackers, crushed)
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• For the Marshmallow Buttercream:
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup marshmallow fluff
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Chocolate Ganache:
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 14-ounce bag chocolate chips
• Pinch of salt

Preparation Method

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.

Make the Cake Mix: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, all-purpose flour, and baking powder. This dry mixture will serve as the base for your whoopie pies, giving them that distinctive graham cracker flavor.

In a separate bowl, mix together the whole milk, vanilla extract, baking soda, and vinegar. The vinegar and baking soda react to create a light, fluffy texture in the cakes.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer, cream together the room temperature butter and brown sugar for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy. The brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like depth of flavor that complements the graham cracker crumbs. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth, even batter.

Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients to maintain the batter's structure. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense cakes, and we want these whoopie pies to be light and tender.

Shape and Bake: Transfer the batter to a zip-top bag, snip off a small corner, and pipe 2-inch circles onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each circle. This ensures the whoopie pies have room to spread without merging into one another. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cakes are set and spring back when lightly touched. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Fillings:

Marshmallow Buttercream: In a large bowl, whip together the powdered sugar, butter, marshmallow fluff, milk, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. The buttercream should be smooth, with a slightly sticky texture reminiscent of classic marshmallow filling. Chill the buttercream in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up slightly before assembling the whoopie pies.

Chocolate Ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy whipping cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly so it thickens but is still spreadable.

Assemble: To assemble the S’mores Whoopie Pies, spread a generous layer of chocolate ganache on the flat side of one whoopie pie. On the flat side of another pie, spread the marshmallow buttercream. Press the two sides together gently, allowing the fillings to ooze slightly at the edges, mimicking the gooey center of a traditional s’more. Repeat with the remaining whoopie pies.

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra touch of authenticity, toast the marshmallow buttercream slightly using a kitchen torch before sandwiching the whoopie pies. This will give you that signature campfire flavor without needing an open flame.

S’mores Whoopie Pies are more than just a dessert; they’re a nostalgic trip back to summer nights by the fire, reimagined in a fun, portable form. The combination of soft graham-flavored cakes, rich chocolate ganache, and fluffy marshmallow buttercream captures the essence of a s’more in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a treat for yourself, these whoopie pies are sure to bring smiles and requests for more. So, fire up your oven and get ready to indulge in this decadent, gooey, and utterly delightful treat that takes the classic s’more to new heights.