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S’mores Baked Donuts
S’mores Baked Donuts{#1} are my favorite weekend treat, and I can’t wait to tell you how I turned that ooey, toasty campfire memory into a quick, warm bake at home. I’m usually more of a savory breakfast kind of gal, but these donuts pulled me right over to the sweet side, and you will probably feel the same. Also, they are forgiving, so if you overmix a little or toast the marshmallows a touch too dark, no judgment here. By the way, if you like fun baked treats, you might enjoy this baked bloomin apples recipe I tried once baked bloomin apples.
What Are S’mores Baked Donuts?
S’mores Baked Donuts{#2} are a baked donut version of the classic campfire sandwich, made with graham flavors, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallow topping. They are lighter than fried donuts, but still plush and tender inside. Because they bake in a pan, they are easy to make for a crowd, and you can swap toppings without fuss. These donuts are perfect for a cozy dessert or an indulgent brunch treat that brings a little nostalgia to your kitchen.
Ingredients Overview for S’mores Baked Donuts
Ingredients below are straightforward, and you can tweak them based on what you have on hand.
- All-purpose flour — 1 1/2 cups; plain flour gives structure. Swap with half whole wheat for nuttier flavor.
- Granulated sugar — 1/2 cup; for balanced sweetness. You can use coconut sugar but color will deepen.
- Baking powder — 1 1/2 teaspoons; keeps the donuts light.
- Salt — 1/4 teaspoon; enhances flavor without being noticeable.
- Cocoa powder — 2 tablespoons; adds chocolate depth. Dutch-process also works.
- Milk — 3/4 cup; use dairy or almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Egg — 1 large; binds the batter. Use a flax egg for vegan swaps, although texture shifts slightly.
- Melted butter — 3 tablespoons; keeps them tender. Use coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
- Vanilla extract — 1 teaspoon; rounds out the flavor.
- Graham cracker crumbs — 1/2 cup; this gives that signature s’mores crunch. You can pulse whole grahams or use cookie crumbs.
- Mini chocolate chips — 1/2 cup; melts into pockets of goo.
- Mini marshmallows — 3/4 cup; or use marshmallow fluff to swirl on top.
- Chocolate for glaze — 4 ounces; bittersweet or semi-sweet, depending on taste.
If you’re curious about savory bakes too, I once paired a sweet bake with a hearty baked brie and roasted plums recipe that makes a fun contrast baked brie in puff pastry with roasted plums and thyme.
How To Make S’mores Baked Donuts (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a donut pan. Also, mix graham crumbs and set aside.
Dry ingredients: In a bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder until evenly combined.
Wet ingredients: In another bowl beat the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla together. Then pour the wet mix into the dry and fold gently so you keep the batter light.
Stir-ins: Gently fold in the graham cracker crumbs and mini chocolate chips, but don’t overmix. The batter should be thick but scoopable.
Fill the pan: Spoon batter into the donut cavities about 3/4 full. Use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped for neater filling.
Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.
Glaze and toast: Melt your chocolate for glaze and dip the tops of the cooled donuts. Then add mini marshmallows on top and use a kitchen torch to toast them lightly until golden. If you don’t have a torch, pop them under the broiler for 20 to 30 seconds, watching carefully so they do not burn.
When I first tried this, I overfilled the pan and ended up with muffin-like centers, so now I use a measuring spoon to keep portions even. Also, a light hand with the torch keeps the marshmallow from turning bitter.
If you want a savory crowd-pleaser afterward, try my baked chicken quesadillas for dinner once your sweet tooth is satisfied baked chicken quesadillas.
Serving Ideas and Pairings
Serve S’mores Baked Donuts{#3} warm, with the marshmallow still gooey and the chocolate slightly melty. They pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a hot latte, and you can arrange them on a platter for brunch gatherings. For a grown-up twist try a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side and drizzle extra chocolate over the top. Also, sprinkle extra graham crumbs for texture and a pretty presentation. 
If you need sandwich-style savory ideas later, these baked Italian subs are on rotation at my house baked italian sub sandwiches.
Tips For The Perfect S’mores Baked Donuts
- Use room temperature eggs and milk so the batter mixes smoothly and gives lighter donuts.
- Don’t overmix the batter; fold until just combined to keep donuts tender.
- Toast marshmallows at the end to preserve that soft, gooey center and a pretty char on top.
- If you lack a donut pan, bake in muffin tins for mini cakes, but reduce bake time slightly.
- Freeze extras in an airtight bag; reheat in the oven at low heat to refresh texture.
- Swap mini chocolate chips for chopped chocolate for melty pockets, and adjust sweetness with dark chocolate.
- For vegan changes, try plant milk, coconut oil, and a flax egg with similar results.
- For an extra crunchy top, mix a spoonful of crushed graham crackers into the glaze before it sets.
I once tried adding thick marshmallow fluff before torching, but the fluff spread too much, so now I keep marshmallows small and concentrated on the top.
For breakfast inspo and protein-rich options, I love pacing sweet treats with my baked protein pancake bowls on busy mornings baked protein pancake bowls.
Q&A Section
Q: Can I make S’mores Baked Donuts{#4} ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake them a day ahead and store in an airtight container. Toast marshmallows right before serving for the best gooey texture.
Q: Can I freeze these donuts?
A: Absolutely. Freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes.
Q: What if I do not have a kitchen torch?
A: No problem. Use the broiler on low and watch closely for 10 to 30 seconds. Alternatively, melt marshmallow fluff and spoon it on.
Q: Are there gluten-free options?
A: Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free graham crackers to keep the flavor similar.
Why You’ll Love It
You will love S’mores Baked Donuts{#5} because they pack all the cozy nostalgia of a campfire s’more into a soft, home-baked donut. They are approachable for beginners, forgiving to make, and easily customized for dietary tweaks. Also, they bring people together, since they look special but are simple to make. The texture is soft and pillow-y, while the toasted marshmallow adds that signature chew and smoky sweetness.
Behind My Kitchen Trials and Wins
When I first worked on S’mores Baked Donuts{#6}, I burned my first batch of marshmallows because I got distracted talking on the phone. After that mishap, I timed the torch in 3 to 5 second bursts and learned to cool the donuts slightly before glazing. Also, I discovered that folding in graham crumbs rather than coating the bottom keeps them from getting soggy. I pinned my favorite variations and snack boards to my Pinterest page while testing, and you can peek at ideas here: https://www.pinterest.com/MyRecipeCast/. Small mistakes taught me the quick fixes that now make this recipe reliable and repeatable.
Conclusion
If you want another take on these baked treats, this recipe reminds me a lot of the tutorial over at Baked S’mores Doughnuts – Handle the Heat, which offers a slightly different glazing technique that’s worth a look. Also, this version from Baked S’mores Donuts – Baran Bakery inspired my marshmallow topping ideas and helped me refine the toasting step.
