A creamy s’mores cheesecake with toasted marshmallow crunch and layers of chocolate chips throughout!
This Campfire S’mores Crunch Cheesecake is packed with everything people love about summer bonfires and late-night s’mores. Between the creamy cheesecake filling, marshmallow swirls, crunchy toasted graham topping, and chocolate drizzle running down the sides, every layer brings in a different texture and flavor. Also fair warning, the crunchy topping is just as addictive as the cheesecake itself.
Flavor Profile
This cheesecake is rich and creamy with buttery graham cracker crunch, soft toasted marshmallow flavor, and mini chocolate chips throughout the filling. The S’mores Oreo crust adds a deeper chocolate cookie flavor while the marshmallow fluff baked into the cheesecake creates little creamy swirls that taste almost like melted campfire marshmallows. Then the toasted graham crunch on top completely changes the texture with crispy buttery bites and gooey toasted marshmallows.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy cheesecake filling with mini chocolate chips in every bite.
The toasted marshmallow graham crunch adds buttery texture and crispy topping layers.
S’mores Oreos give the crust extra chocolate flavor without extra work.
The marshmallow fluff swirl makes the inside look fun once sliced.
Chocolate fudge drizzle finishes everything with classic campfire dessert flavor.
Perfect for summer parties, cookouts, birthdays, or weekend dessert tables.
The Twist
The toasted marshmallow graham crunch is what makes this cheesecake different from the usual s’mores cheesecake. Instead of just sprinkling graham cracker crumbs on top, this version turns the topping into a crunchy toasted layer with buttery graham clusters and gooey marshmallows that almost taste like the crispy edges of a campfire s’more.
Ingredient Highlights
S’mores Oreos: These give the crust extra chocolate flavor and add the marshmallow and graham flavor already built in.
Marshmallow fluff: Creates creamy swirls throughout the cheesecake and gives it that soft melted marshmallow flavor.
Mini chocolate chips: Add texture and small bursts of chocolate without overpowering the cheesecake.
Graham crackers: Used for the crunchy toasted topping layer that gives this cheesecake its signature texture.
Chocolate fudge: Adds a smooth rich finish over the crunchy topping and marshmallows.
Add the S’mores Oreos to a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. Stir the crumbs together with the melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand.
Press the crust firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until completely smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and mix until combined. Blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated after each addition. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust. Drop spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff over the top and lightly swirl it into the batter. Add the remaining cheesecake filling and smooth the top.
Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. As the cheesecake bakes, some of the marshmallow fluff will rise and peek through the top, creating toasted marshmallow-looking swirls throughout the cheesecake.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle.
Turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
To make the toasted marshmallow graham crunch, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl. Fold in the mini marshmallows until coated.
Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer, keeping most of the marshmallows toward the center so they do not melt too quickly around the edges.
Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden with toasted marshmallow spots throughout. Let cool completely, then gently break it apart into crunchy crumbs and gooey marshmallow clusters.
Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, spoon the toasted marshmallow graham crunch over the top. Finish with a drizzle of chocolate fudge and extra mini marshmallows before slicing.
FAQ
Can I use regular Oreos instead of S’mores Oreos?
Yes. The cheesecake will still taste great, although the crust will have a more classic chocolate cookie flavor instead of the full s’mores flavor.
Do I need a water bath?
No, but you can use one if preferred. This cheesecake still bakes well without it as long as you avoid overmixing the batter.
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes. This cheesecake actually tastes even better after chilling overnight because the texture becomes creamier and more set.
Can I toast the marshmallows with a kitchen torch?
Absolutely. A kitchen torch works great if you want darker toasted marshmallow spots on top.
How should I store leftovers?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The topping stays crunchiest during the first two days.
Sprinkle of Fun
Slice this up for an outdoor movie night with blankets, string lights, and a stack of summer movies playing in the background.