There’s something magical about a dessert that instantly transports you back to warm summer nights by the campfire. That’s exactly what these S’mores Pudding Cups do, only with a playful twist that makes them perfect for year-round enjoyment. Imagine velvety layers of chocolate pudding, buttery graham cracker crumbs, and fluffy toasted marshmallows all in one spoonful. Trust me, you’re going to love this.
Behind the Recipe
The inspiration for these pudding cups came from the nostalgic charm of classic s’mores. I wanted to capture that same gooey, chocolatey, crunchy goodness without the need for a campfire. These cups bring all the fun of s’mores into a dessert you can enjoy at the table, making them a true treat for kids and adults alike.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
S’mores have been an American favorite for nearly a century, first appearing in a 1927 Girl Scout guidebook as “Some Mores.” Since then, they’ve become a cultural icon of outdoor gatherings. By reimagining the s’more in pudding cup form, we get the same flavor profile but in a neat, modern, and make-ahead friendly dessert.
Why You’ll Love S’mores Pudding Cups
Every bite is layered with flavor and texture, but there are plenty more reasons you’ll find yourself making this recipe again and again.
Versatile: Perfect for casual family dinners or fancy party spreads.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable pantry ingredients.
Quick and Easy: Comes together in under 30 minutes.
Customizable: Add peanut butter, caramel, or flavored puddings to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped hours in advance.
Great for Leftovers: Stays delicious in the fridge for a couple of days.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Getting the layers just right will make your pudding cups both delicious and stunning.
- Chill your pudding slightly before layering to prevent it from running into the crumbs.
- Use clear cups or jars to show off those gorgeous layers.
- Lightly toast the marshmallows with a kitchen torch for authentic s’mores flavor.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup between layers for extra richness.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Before we get cooking, gather a few essential tools to make assembly smooth and enjoyable.
- Mixing bowls: For preparing pudding and marshmallow topping.
- Whisk: Helps achieve lump-free pudding.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key for balance.
- Clear serving cups or jars: Showcase the layers beautifully.
- Kitchen torch or broiler: To toast marshmallows to perfection.
Ingredients in S’mores Pudding Cups
The magic of this dessert lies in the simple yet powerful combination of classic s’mores ingredients.
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1 ½ cups – Provide that familiar crunchy base.
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons, melted – Binds the crumbs together for structure.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) – The creamy, chocolatey middle.
- Cold milk: 4 cups – Blends with pudding mix for a silky texture.
- Mini marshmallows: 2 cups – The sweet, fluffy topping.
- Whipped topping: 1 cup – Adds extra creaminess between layers.
- Chocolate syrup: ¼ cup – A drizzle of indulgence that ties it all together.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re missing something, don’t worry. There are plenty of easy swaps.
Graham crackers: Use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers.
Chocolate pudding: Swap with dark chocolate or vanilla pudding.
Whipped topping: Replace with homemade whipped cream.
Mini marshmallows: Try marshmallow fluff for an even gooier finish.
Ingredient Spotlight
Graham Crackers: Their honey-kissed sweetness and crumbly texture are the perfect contrast to smooth pudding.
Mini Marshmallows: Once toasted, they transform into golden, gooey bites of nostalgia.
Instructions for Making S’mores Pudding Cups
Now let’s bring everything together step by step so you can create these irresistible cups with ease.
- Preheat Your Equipment: If using the broiler instead of a torch, set it to high and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, stir graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. Prepare pudding by whisking mixes with milk until smooth and thickened.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place a spoonful of graham mixture at the bottom of each cup or jar.
- Assemble the Dish: Layer pudding, then whipped topping, then repeat with graham mixture and pudding.
- Cook to Perfection: Place mini marshmallows on top and toast with a kitchen torch (or briefly under the broiler) until golden.
- Finishing Touches: Drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle extra crumbs if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Chill for 10 minutes or serve immediately for gooey marshmallow delight.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
The beauty of this dessert lies in contrast. The crunchy graham base gives way to smooth pudding, while the marshmallows add a chewy, caramelized finish. Each spoonful offers layers of creaminess, crunch, and gooey sweetness, perfectly balanced to keep you coming back for more.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Here are some extra tricks to help you perfect this recipe every time:
- Use cold milk to ensure your pudding sets properly.
- Torch marshmallows just before serving for the best flavor and look.
- Chill assembled cups for at least 30 minutes if you want cleaner layers.
What to Avoid
Even simple recipes have pitfalls, but these are easy to dodge.
- Don’t over-broil marshmallows, as they can burn quickly.
- Avoid watery pudding by measuring milk accurately.
- Don’t skip butter in crumbs, or they’ll fall apart.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 320
Note: These are approximate values.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These pudding cups are a dream for busy schedules. You can prep the layers a day in advance and keep them chilled, adding marshmallows just before serving. They store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as pudding can separate when thawed.
How to Serve S’mores Pudding Cups
Serve these cups in clear glass jars or fancy dessert bowls to show off the layers. Pair them with a drizzle of extra chocolate sauce or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top treat.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Turn any leftover pudding cups into milkshake bases by blending them with milk and ice cream. Or use the crumbs and pudding as a topping for pancakes and waffles for a decadent breakfast twist.
Additional Tips
Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the marshmallows to balance sweetness. For extra crunch, toss in chopped nuts or chocolate chunks between the layers.
Make It a Showstopper
Want to impress guests? Serve these cups on a rustic wooden board with mini skewers of marshmallows, chocolate squares, and graham crackers for a playful DIY s’mores bar experience.
Variations to Try
- Peanut Butter Lovers: Add a layer of peanut butter between pudding and graham.
- Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce between layers.
- Dark Chocolate Indulgence: Use dark chocolate pudding and bittersweet chocolate drizzle.
- Mint Chocolate: Add crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing twist.
- Cookies & Cream: Replace graham crumbs with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them up to a day in advance and keep them chilled. Add marshmallows before serving.
Q2: Can I use homemade pudding?
Absolutely, homemade pudding makes these cups even richer.
Q3: Do I need a kitchen torch?
No, the broiler works fine, but a torch gives you more control.
Q4: Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes, it’s a fun and safe recipe for kids, just handle the torching step yourself.
Q5: Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free graham crackers.
Q6: How long do leftovers last?
They stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q7: Can I freeze pudding cups?
No, freezing affects the texture of pudding.
Q8: What type of cups should I use?
Clear glass or plastic cups work best to show off the layers.
Q9: Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes, use dark chocolate pudding and unsweetened whipped cream.
Q10: What size servings does this recipe make?
It makes 6 medium cups, but you can adjust for smaller or larger portions.
Conclusion
These S’mores Pudding Cups are the perfect blend of nostalgia and creativity, transforming a campfire classic into a dessert you can enjoy anytime. With their creamy layers, crunchy crumbs, and toasted marshmallow topping, they’re a total game-changer. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite. Gather your ingredients, grab some jars, and treat yourself to this irresistible dessert adventure
Print
S’mores Pudding Cups
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layered, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
S’mores Pudding Cups bring all the gooey, chocolatey magic of campfire s’mores into a creamy layered dessert you can enjoy anytime. With graham cracker crumbs, silky pudding, and toasted marshmallows, every spoonful is nostalgic and indulgent.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 4 cups cold milk
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup whipped topping
- ¼ cup chocolate syrup
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: If using a broiler, set to high and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until coated. Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until smooth and thickened.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add a spoonful of graham mixture at the bottom of each cup or jar.
- Assemble the Dish: Layer pudding, then whipped topping, then repeat with graham mixture and pudding.
- Cook to Perfection: Top with mini marshmallows and toast with a kitchen torch (or under the broiler) until golden.
- Finishing Touches: Drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle extra crumbs if desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Chill for 10 minutes or serve immediately.
Notes
- Use cold milk for best pudding consistency.
- Toast marshmallows just before serving for maximum flavor.
- Chill assembled cups if you prefer neat, distinct layers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg