Campfire S’mores Lava Cakes

Gooey chocolate cakes with a melty marshmallow center and graham cracker crunch!

Campfire S’mores Lava Cakes bring all the best parts of a classic s’more into a warm, gooey chocolate dessert. Each cake has a soft marshmallow center and a sprinkle of graham cracker on top, so every bite tastes rich, melty, and familiar. They’re perfect for when you want a fun, chocolate-filled treat that feels fancy without a lot of work.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm chocolate lava cakes with a gooey marshmallow center.
• Classic s’mores flavors in an easy baked dessert.
• Perfect individual portions for parties or family nights.
• Rich, melty chocolate with soft, fluffy marshmallow inside.
• Graham cracker topping adds the perfect crunch.
• Bakes in about 12 minutes.
• Great for chocolate and s’mores lovers.
• Fun, nostalgic dessert without a campfire.

Ingredient Notes

• Butter: Unsalted butter gives the cakes a rich flavor and smooth texture. Let it melt gently with the chocolate so it stays silky.
• Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate keeps the cakes from being too sweet and gives them that deep chocolate flavor. You can use semi-sweet if you prefer a softer chocolate taste.
• Eggs + egg yolks: The extra yolks make the centers rich and soft while keeping the edges set.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works best here to balance the bitterness of the dark chocolate.
• Flour: Just a small amount helps the cakes hold their shape while staying gooey inside.
• Marshmallows: Large marshmallows create that classic melted center. Press them gently into the batter so they stay hidden inside.
• Graham crackers: Crushed graham crackers add the familiar s’mores crunch and a little texture on top.
• Vanilla ice cream: Totally optional, but a scoop on top makes the warm cakes even better.

Quick Prep Notes

Do the ramekins need to be greased?
Yes. Lightly spraying them helps the lava cakes release easily so you can serve them without sticking.

Should the chocolate mixture be warm or cool before adding it to the eggs?
Let it cool for a few minutes first. If it’s too hot, it can cook the eggs and affect the texture.

How deep should I push the marshmallow into the batter?
Press it gently into the center so it’s mostly covered but still close to the middle for that gooey lava effect.

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FAQ

Can I make these lava cakes ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can prep the batter a few hours ahead, cover the ramekins, and bake right before serving.

What if I don’t have ramekins?
You can use a muffin pan, but the baking time may be slightly shorter. Keep an eye on them so the centers stay soft.

How do I know when they’re done?
The edges should look set, but the centers should still be soft and slightly jiggly.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes. Milk chocolate will make them sweeter, while dark chocolate keeps the flavor richer.

Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely. Crushed chocolate, mini marshmallows, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce all work great.

Sprinkle of Fun

Turn your living room into a little indoor campsite and make these lava cakes part of the night. Blankets on the floor, a fun movie on in the background, and these warm s’mores-style desserts make everything feel relaxed and fun without needing an actual fire.