The Perfect S’mores Cheesecake Recipe: A Beginner’s Guide to Creating a Delicious, No-Bake Campfire-Inspired Dessert

S’mores hold a special place in many of our hearts, evoking memories of summer campfires, laughter, and starry nights. The combination of crispy graham crackers, gooey marshmallows, and melted chocolate is truly unbeatable. Now imagine that nostalgic treat transformed into a decadent cheesecake. Welcome to The Perfect S’mores Cheesecake Recipe, a rich, creamy dessert that takes all the beloved flavors of s’mores and elevates them into a stunning cheesecake. This dessert is perfect for beginners because it’s easy to prepare, doesn’t require advanced baking techniques, and results in a showstopper that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a sweet treat, this cheesecake will satisfy every chocolate and marshmallow lover. Not only is it beginner-friendly, but it’s also a versatile recipe you can customize to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s no-bake, meaning you don’t have to worry about complicated techniques or spending hours in the kitchen. If you’ve never made cheesecake before, this recipe will give you the confidence to try your hand at creating something delicious. By the end, you’ll have a perfectly creamy, perfectly toasted cheesecake that’s bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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Ingredients and Preparation

Before jumping into the process of making this indulgent dessert, it’s important to gather all the ingredients. The recipe is broken down into three key components: the crust, the marshmallow cheesecake filling, and the ganache. Each part complements the others, and by following the steps carefully, you’ll achieve the perfect balance of textures and flavors. For flexibility, I’ve also included a few alternatives for some of the ingredients, so you can make adjustments based on what you have at home or your personal taste.

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups (213 grams) finely crushed graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full-sized sheets)
• 1/3 cup (66 grams) granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, melted

The crust is the foundation of this cheesecake, and it’s incredibly simple to make. The graham crackers give the crust its signature crunch, while the butter and sugar help bind the crumbs together to form a sturdy base. You can find graham crackers at most grocery stores, but if you’re in a pinch, digestive biscuits work as a great substitute. If you want a slightly richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the crust.

For the Marshmallow Cheesecake Filling:

• 32 ounces (908 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (198 grams) granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup (151 grams) sour cream, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup (43 grams) mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup (90 grams) mini chocolate chips

The cheesecake filling is where the magic happens. Cream cheese provides the smooth, rich base, while the sugar adds sweetness and the sour cream gives a slight tang that balances out the richness. The eggs help set the cheesecake, giving it the perfect creamy yet firm texture. Mini marshmallows are folded in to give the filling that signature gooey s’mores texture, and mini chocolate chips add a touch of sweetness and crunch throughout the cheesecake. To ensure the best results, make sure to use room temperature cream cheese and eggs, as this helps them blend seamlessly into the mixture. If you don’t have mini marshmallows, regular-sized ones will work just as well, though you might want to chop them up into smaller pieces to make sure they fold in easily. If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly or use dark chocolate chips instead of the mini chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

For the Ganache:

• 1 cup (170 grams) chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate
• 3/4 cup (170 grams) heavy cream

The ganache is the final touch that brings the entire dessert together. It adds a glossy finish and deep chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. To make the ganache, simply heat the heavy cream until it starts to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to melt the chocolate, then whisk until smooth. You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a combination of both depending on your preference. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream in place of heavy cream, which will still give you a smooth, velvety texture. Once the ganache is ready, pour it over the chilled cheesecake and let it set. This will create a beautiful chocolate layer that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy marshmallow filling.

For Toasting the Marshmallows:

• Additional jumbo marshmallows for toasting

To give the cheesecake its signature s’mores topping, arrange jumbo marshmallows on top of the ganache before toasting them. The marshmallows will expand and puff up as they toast, giving the cheesecake that perfect, gooey, toasted texture that makes s’mores so irresistible. You can toast the marshmallows with a kitchen torch for that perfect golden-brown color, or you can place the cheesecake under the broiler for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. This final step adds both flavor and visual appeal, making the cheesecake look just like a campfire treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the process step by step. Making this cheesecake is straightforward, and I’ll guide you through each phase so you can achieve perfect results.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are well-coated and the mixture is moist.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, spreading it evenly to create a solid crust. If you’re using a regular pan, consider lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and firm. Let it cool completely before adding the cheesecake filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This step helps eliminate any lumps and ensures a silky texture.
2. Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing until the sugar is fully incorporated.
3. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt, and continue blending until everything is well combined.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. This will ensure the eggs are fully incorporated without overmixing the batter, which could cause cracks in the cheesecake later.
5. Gently fold in the mini marshmallows and mini chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
6. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (163°C) for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. It’s important not to overbake the cheesecake, as the center should remain creamy.
2. After baking, allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Once it’s cooled, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop and the texture to firm up.

Step 4: Prepare the Ganache

1. Heat the heavy cream over medium heat in a small saucepan until it starts to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil.
2. Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour the cream over the chocolate chips or chopped milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let the mixture sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
3. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the chilled cheesecake.

Step 5: Toast the Marshmallows

1. Arrange the jumbo marshmallows on top of the ganache layer. Leave space between them to allow for expansion as they toast.
2. Use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows to your desired level of doneness, or place the cheesecake under the broiler for a few minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Making cheesecake for the first time can feel a little intimidating, but this recipe is designed to be approachable and easy to follow. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before starting. Cold ingredients can result in a lumpy batter.
• Avoid Overbaking: The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Overbaking will result in a dry, cracked cheesecake.
• How to Tell When It’s Done: If you’re unsure whether the cheesecake is done, use a toothpick or cake tester. Insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Serving Suggestions

While this S’mores Cheesecake is delicious on its own, you can serve it with a variety of complementary sides to enhance the experience:

• Fresh Berries: Add a burst of freshness with strawberries or raspberries, which will provide a lovely contrast to the rich, creamy cheesecake.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add extra creaminess and lighten the overall richness of the dessert.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream pairs wonderfully with the graham cracker crust and chocolate ganache.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

This cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

Conclusion

The Perfect S’mores Cheesecake is a delicious and visually impressive dessert that combines the classic flavors of a campfire treat with the indulgence of a rich cheesecake. It’s a fantastic recipe for beginners, offering straightforward instructions and helpful tips for success. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a simple family gathering, this cheesecake is bound to be a hit with everyone. The combination of graham cracker crust, creamy marshmallow filling, and decadent ganache topped with toasted marshmallows creates a dessert that’s sure to impress. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the sweet, gooey, and chocolaty goodness of s’mores in cheesecake form.