Get ready to meet your new obsession: Decadent S’mores Cheesecake, the dreamy dessert that combines the gooey joy of campfire s’mores with the creamy luxury of classic cheesecake. Imagine a crunchy graham cracker crust, silky chocolate in every bite, luscious cheesecake filling, and a mountain of pillowy toasted marshmallows on top. This showstopper is as much fun to make as it is to eat—and it’s made to bring smiles to every gathering, big or small!

Decadent S'mores Cheesecake** Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Decadent S’mores Cheesecake lies in the harmony of simple, familiar ingredients, each one bringing its own unique element to the table. From rich chocolates to tangy sour cream, every component is essential in building those crave-worthy layers you’ll soon be swooning over.

Graham cracker crumbs: The base of our cheesecake, their buttery crunch delivers those essential s’mores vibes.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the filling, balancing the tang of cream cheese.
Unsalted butter: Used in the crust and chocolate layer for richness and to help everything hold together.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melted over the crust for an extra hit of chocolate, perfectly balancing the creamy filling.
Cream cheese: The heart of the cheesecake, it makes the filling ultra-smooth and creamy.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor in the filling; a little bit goes a long way!
Salt: Enhances and deepens all the sweet, chocolatey notes.
Eggs: Provide structure to the cheesecake and add richness.
Sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt: Adds tangy creaminess and keeps the filling extra smooth.
Heavy cream: For the chocolate ganache topping, ensuring a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate: The star ingredient for ganache—they’re worth splurging on here!
Mini marshmallows: Bring that iconic s’mores magic to every slice when toasted golden and gooey on top.
Roughly chopped chocolate chunks: For a rustic, indulgent finish.
Graham cracker crumbs or crushed chocolate cookies (optional): Sprinkle for extra texture and flair.
Extra chocolate ganache or caramel (optional): Drizzle for a showstopping presentation.

How to Make Decadent S’mores Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start with prepping your trusty 9-inch springform pan and preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, blend together graham cracker crumbs and sugar, then stir in melted butter until every crumb is moistened and magical. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom and a little up the sides of your pan for that classic s’mores crust. Pop it in the oven for 8-10 minutes until it’s lightly golden, then let it cool—this structure is the foundation your Decadent S’mores Cheesecake will stand on!

Step 2: Create the Chocolate Layer Over the Crust

While your crust cools, melt your semi-sweet chocolate chips with butter in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until completely smooth. (Or, for an extra pro touch, use a slick layer of chocolate ganache instead.) Spread this dreamy chocolate mixture evenly over the cooled crust, then chill the pan to set this fudgy barrier—it keeps every slice delightfully decadent and chocolatey.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and sigh-worthy—no lumps allowed! Add sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing gently. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, keeping the mixer on low to avoid over-aerating the batter (which could cause cracks). Fold in your sour cream or Greek yogurt, blending just enough for a creamy, rich filling. All these steps ensure your Decadent S’mores Cheesecake will have that signature silky bite.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake

Wrap your springform pan snugly in several layers of foil, then pour the lush cheesecake filling over the chocolate-covered crust. Place this in a roasting pan and pour hot water halfway up the sides for a gentle water bath—a must for a crack-free, velvety smooth cheesecake. Bake until the edges are set and the center still wobbles just a bit (about 60-75 minutes). After baking, cool the cake in the water bath with the oven door cracked for an hour, then chill in the fridge for 6-8 hours (or overnight). Trust me: patience equals perfection here!

Step 5: Make the Chocolate Ganache Topping

To make this show-stopping topping, heat heavy cream until it’s just beginning to simmer. Pour it over the finely chopped good-quality chocolate and wait five suspenseful minutes, then whisk into a glossy, irresistible ganache. Let it cool until thick but still pourable—this layer takes your Decadent S’mores Cheesecake straight into legendary territory.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

Once your cheesecake has set, gently release it from the springform pan and place on a serving platter. Pour the glorious ganache all over, encouraging some to drip down the sides. Top with clouds of mini marshmallows and a scattering of chocolate chunks, pressing them into the ganache while it’s soft. For the grand finale, toast the marshmallows using a kitchen torch (for dramatic flair) or under the broiler. Add a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs or an extra ganache drizzle if you’re feeling extra, then slice and serve immediately for the ultimate s’mores joy.

How to Serve Decadent S’mores Cheesecake

Garnishes

An indulgent dessert like Decadent S’mores Cheesecake absolutely adores a little extra bling. Sprinkle extra graham cracker crumbs over the top for textural crunch, drizzle caramel for sweetness, or go wild with more ganache. If you love a salty-sweet twist, a pinch of flaky sea salt on the chocolate ganache is surprisingly irresistible. And of course, don’t forget to toast those marshmallows for maximum oozy, golden glory!

Side Dishes

Pairing this cheesecake with fresh raspberries or strawberries adds a tart, bright note to contrast the deep richness of the chocolate. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream is classic (and never fails at a party). For something playful, serve with tall glasses of cold milk, coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a chewy-meets-creamy delight.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Decadent S’mores Cheesecake into individual minis by using a muffin tin lined with cupcake papers—perfect for parties or picnics. Feeling fancy? Serve slices on rustic wooden boards with bowls of assorted toppings for guests to customize. Or go retro and garnish with candy bars and sparklers for a celebration to remember!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Decadent S’mores Cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay lush and delicious for up to five days (though it’s so tempting, it rarely lasts that long!). The marshmallows may soften over time, but the flavors will stay dreamy.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this beauty for future celebrations! For best results, freeze the cheesecake (without marshmallows or ganache) tightly wrapped for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add your ganache and toppings before serving for that just-made wow factor.

Reheating

While Decadent S’mores Cheesecake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, if you really love gooey marshmallows, you can briefly warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving. Just watch close so the marshmallows melt but don’t scorch.

FAQs

Do I really need to use a water bath?

For a silky, crack-free cheesecake, a water bath is a game changer! The gentle, moist heat helps the filling bake evenly. Just be sure to wrap your pan tightly so no water leaks in. If you need to skip it, you can place a pan of hot water on a lower oven rack for some of the same benefits.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter, milder chocolate flavor, milk chocolate works nicely both in the ganache and the melted chocolate layer. Feel free to mix and match to suit your personal s’mores style.

Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap in gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust and double-check the label on your chocolate and marshmallows to ensure they’re gluten-free. Every other ingredient will work as written!

How do I get perfectly clean cheesecake slices?

For those eye-catching, clean layers, dip a sharp knife into hot water and wipe it dry between slices. This helps each piece come out clean and striking—no more smudged ganache or squished marshmallows!

What’s the best way to toast the marshmallows if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

No torch? No problem! Place your topped cheesecake on a baking sheet and pop it under a broiler set to high for 1 to 2 minutes, watching constantly. The marshmallows will toast and puff up—just pull it out as soon as they’re golden brown.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like gathering loved ones around the table for a slice of Decadent S’mores Cheesecake—a dessert that’s both nostalgic and totally over-the-top in the best way. If you’re craving a treat that delivers drama, comfort, and delight in every bite, give this recipe a go. Ready, set, s’mores!