S’mores Cheesecake is everything you love about the classic campfire treat, reimagined into a show-stopping dessert. Imagine velvety cheesecake layered over a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with rich chocolate ganache and perfectly toasted mini marshmallows. It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and wildly delicious.
This dessert is surprisingly beginner-friendly and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply treating yourself after a long week, this cheesecake delivers cozy comfort with a gourmet twist. Serve it chilled for the ultimate contrast between creamy filling and gooey, caramelized marshmallow topping.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
Crust:
-
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
-
1/4 cup granulated sugar
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
-
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
3 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1/2 cup sour cream
-
1/4 cup heavy cream
Chocolate Ganache Layer:
-
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
Marshmallow Topping:
-
2 cups mini marshmallows
-
Kitchen torch (for toasting)
Directions:
-
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
-
Make the crust by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press mixture into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
-
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Stir in vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream until smooth.
-
Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
-
Place the pan in a water bath (wrap bottom in foil and place in a larger pan with 1 inch of hot water). Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
-
Turn off oven and leave cheesecake inside for 1 hour with the door slightly open. Remove and cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
-
Make ganache by heating heavy cream until steaming, then pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Spread ganache over chilled cheesecake.
-
Top with marshmallows and use a kitchen torch to lightly toast them until golden. Serve and enjoy!
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 65 minutes | Total Time: 6 hours (includes chilling)
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
A Rich Take on a Classic: The S’mores Cheesecake Experience
The humble s’more has long held a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers. That perfect trio of graham crackers, melty chocolate, and toasted marshmallows brings back fond memories of summer nights around the campfire. But what if you could take that nostalgic flavor profile and elevate it into something even more indulgent and sophisticated? That’s where S’mores Cheesecake comes in.
This dessert offers the best of both worlds: the gooey, crunchy comfort of a classic s’more and the smooth, creamy decadence of a baked cheesecake. With each bite, you’re treated to layers of contrasting textures and flavors—crisp graham cracker crust, lush and silky cheesecake filling, rich chocolate ganache, and fluffy, toasted marshmallows that melt just slightly into the chocolate below. It’s everything you want from a s’more—but dressed up for a dinner party or holiday gathering.
The Inspiration Behind the Dessert
S’mores Cheesecake is a creative fusion born from love for traditional campfire snacks and a desire to bring that same joy indoors and into a more elegant presentation. Cheesecake has always been a luxurious dessert, but combining it with rustic s’mores elements gives it a playful edge.
It’s the type of recipe that appeals across generations—grandparents and kids alike will light up at the sight of those torched marshmallows. And because it’s chilled, it’s a fantastic choice for spring and summer occasions. No sticky fingers or smoky fires needed—just a fork and a sweet tooth.
Perfect for Celebrations and Everyday Indulgence
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, throwing a backyard BBQ, or planning a cozy dessert night at home, S’mores Cheesecake fits right in. Its visual appeal alone—golden marshmallows, shiny ganache, and a thick cheesecake layer—makes it a centerpiece dessert. Serve it at dinner parties, bridal showers, or just as a weekend baking project that brings joy to the whole household.
It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Since it requires chilling, you can prepare it the night before your event. That means less stress on the day-of and more time to enjoy yourself and your guests. Just toast the marshmallows with a kitchen torch right before serving to impress everyone at the table.
Why This Cheesecake Works So Well
What makes S’mores Cheesecake such a standout dessert is the layering of textures and flavors. The graham cracker crust is buttery and just crumbly enough to contrast beautifully with the creamy filling. The cheesecake layer is classic—rich, velvety, and lightly tangy from sour cream and cream cheese. The chocolate ganache? Pure luxury. It sits between the silky filling and the fluffy marshmallows, anchoring the sweet top layer with deep cocoa flavor.
And then there’s the crowning glory: toasted mini marshmallows. Using a kitchen torch creates those beautiful golden edges and slightly melty centers without the mess of a campfire. It adds just the right amount of sweetness and visual drama to the dessert.
This recipe isn’t just about indulgence—it’s about balance. The sweetness is offset by the tanginess of the cheesecake and the bitterness of dark chocolate. Every component is designed to work in harmony with the others, creating a dessert that feels complex and deeply satisfying.
Customization Options for Every Baker
Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. Want to make it gluten-free? Just use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. Prefer a darker chocolate flavor? Swap in bittersweet chocolate chips for the ganache.
You can also get creative with the presentation. Make mini cheesecakes in muffin tins for individual servings. Add a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella to the filling for an extra flavor twist. Or even top the marshmallows with crushed graham crackers or chocolate shavings for added flair.
Those looking for an extra layer of flavor could also experiment with flavoring the cheesecake itself—adding a hint of espresso, cinnamon, or even a splash of bourbon to the filling could transform the overall profile while keeping the s’mores spirit alive.
Tips for a Perfect S’mores Cheesecake
Achieving the perfect S’mores Cheesecake comes down to technique. First and foremost, make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing—it ensures a smooth, lump-free filling. Always mix on low speed to avoid adding too much air, which can lead to cracks in the baked cheesecake.
Baking in a water bath helps regulate the temperature and adds moisture, both of which prevent the cheesecake from drying out or cracking. And don’t skip the cooling steps! Letting the cheesecake sit in the oven after baking and then chilling it for several hours (preferably overnight) makes a big difference in both texture and flavor.
For the ganache, be sure your cream is hot enough to fully melt the chocolate chips. Let it sit undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring to create a glossy, smooth finish. When it comes time to torch the marshmallows, go slowly and use sweeping motions for an even toast without burning.
A Dessert Worth Sharing
There’s something special about S’mores Cheesecake that makes people stop and savor. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a moment. A bite-sized celebration of warmth, sweetness, and nostalgia. It reminds us of summer nights and sticky fingers, but with a grown-up twist that adds elegance and depth.
Sharing this cheesecake with loved ones often sparks stories of camping trips and childhood memories. It becomes more than just a sweet treat—it’s a way to connect. And thanks to its stunning presentation and rich flavors, it’s a dessert that will be remembered long after the last bite.
Conclusion
S’mores Cheesecake is a dessert that delivers on every level. Visually stunning, texturally layered, and packed with comforting, familiar flavors—it’s the kind of treat that turns an ordinary day into something memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner looking to impress, this recipe offers a manageable yet impressive experience in the kitchen.
It brings nostalgia and novelty together in one beautifully presented slice. And the best part? It’s endlessly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your own tastes or dietary needs. So next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the campfire and head to the kitchen. This cheesecake is proof that you really can have it all—flavor, fun, and a touch of finesse.