Experience the magic of your favorite campfire treat transformed into an irresistible dessert: these decadent S’mores Donuts are perfectly glazed, generously filled with luscious marshmallow buttercream, and crowned with rich chocolate ganache and crunchy graham crackers. Prepare for a bite of pure bliss!

Glazed and ganached, with crushed graham crackers on top, and a marshmallow buttercream center, these S'mores Donuts are delicious and decadent.

Irresistible S’mores Donuts: Your Ultimate Guide to Homemade Delight

There’s nothing quite like the classic combination of toasted marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crisp graham crackers. This beloved campfire treat takes center stage in our recipe for incredibly decadent S’mores Donuts! Perfect for celebrating National Doughnut Day, a summer gathering, or simply satisfying a deep craving, these donuts are a symphony of flavors and textures.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a light, fluffy fried yeast donut, glazed to perfection, revealing a creamy marshmallow buttercream filling. Then, a rich chocolate ganache cascades over the top, sprinkled with finely crushed graham crackers for that essential s’mores crunch. It’s truly a sensational bite that will transport you straight to a cozy fireside evening, no campfire required!

The Magic of S’mores in Every Bite: Why These Donuts Are a Must-Try

A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

What makes a s’more so universally loved? It’s the harmonious blend of its distinct components. These homemade S’mores Donuts capture that essence perfectly:

The Donut Base: We start with a traditional fried yeast dough, offering a soft, airy, and slightly chewy texture that acts as the ideal canvas for the s’mores flavors. Unlike cake donuts, yeast donuts provide a pillowy lightness that makes them exceptionally delightful.
Marshmallow Buttercream: Forget a simple marshmallow on top. Our secret lies in a luxurious marshmallow buttercream filling, piped generously into the heart of each donut. It’s creamy, sweet, and embodies that distinctive gooey marshmallow flavor without the stickiness.
Rich Chocolate Ganache: A luscious, smooth chocolate ganache forms the perfect topping, adding a layer of deep, indulgent cocoa flavor that balances the sweetness of the marshmallow. We recommend using quality milk chocolate chips for an authentic s’mores taste, but dark chocolate can also be a delicious twist.
Crunchy Graham Crackers: No s’mores is complete without the satisfying crunch of graham crackers. A generous sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top adds textural contrast and that iconic, wholesome flavor that brings the whole experience together.

Celebrating National Doughnut Day (or Any Day!)

While these S’mores Donuts are ideal for National Doughnut Day, their summery, nostalgic appeal makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, looking for a unique dessert for a family get-together, or simply treating yourself, these donuts are guaranteed to be a hit. They evoke memories of summer nights and outdoor adventures, making them an especially popular choice during the warmer months. Forget the hassle of a bonfire; these donuts bring the s’mores party right to your kitchen!

Simplified Homemade Donuts: The Secret Ingredient

Embracing Convenience: Frozen Yeast Dough

Making homemade donuts from scratch can sometimes feel daunting, especially with the time required for yeast dough. That’s why this easy S’mores Donuts recipe utilizes a fantastic shortcut: frozen yeast bread dough! Specifically, we recommend Rhodes White Bread Frozen Dough, which delivers that desired traditional yeast donut texture without the lengthy proofing and kneading process. It’s a game-changer for home bakers who want to enjoy the fresh taste of homemade donuts with less effort.

Many of the donut recipes on this blog previously used refrigerated biscuit dough, which produces a good result. However, for a truly authentic and fluffy fried donut experience, yeast dough is superior. Using a quality frozen product like Rhodes allows you to achieve bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Tips for Working with Frozen Dough

To ensure your easy homemade S’mores Donuts turn out perfectly, proper handling of the frozen dough is key:

Thawing: For best results, thaw the Rhodes bread dough overnight in the refrigerator. This slow thaw helps maintain the dough’s integrity and flavor.
Second Rise: After thawing in the fridge, let the dough sit on the counter for an hour or two in the morning. This allows it to come to room temperature and slightly rise, making it easier to roll and ensuring a light, airy donut. Look for the dough to be noticeably softer and slightly expanded.
Rolling and Cutting: Lightly flour your work surface. Roll the thawed and slightly risen loaf to about ½-inch thick. Using a 2¾-inch round biscuit cutter (or a donut cutter if you prefer rings), cut out your donut circles. Gently gather and re-roll any scraps to cut more donuts, but avoid overworking the dough.
Resting: Place the cut circles on a lightly floured sheet tray and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This brief rest helps the dough relax before frying, resulting in a more tender donut.

Mastering the Fry: Achieving Perfect Yeast Donuts

While the thought of frying can be intimidating, especially during summer, don’t let it deter you from creating these incredible S’mores Donuts. The flavor and texture of a freshly fried donut are unparalleled! With a few simple tips, you can master deep-frying at home and create perfectly golden-brown, fluffy donuts every time.

Choosing the Right Oil and Temperature

The type of oil and maintaining the correct temperature are crucial for successful fried donuts.

Oil Selection: Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or vegetable oil. These oils can withstand high temperatures without breaking down, ensuring a clean flavor for your donuts.
Oil Quantity: Fill a sturdy stockpot with 2 to 3 inches of oil from the bottom. This depth allows the donuts to float and cook evenly without touching the bottom.
Temperature Control: Heat the oil over medium-low heat. The ideal frying temperature for yeast donuts is 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer (candy thermometer or deep-fry thermometer) to monitor the oil temperature accurately. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown quickly while the inside remains raw. If it’s too cool, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become greasy.

Frying Techniques for Golden Perfection

Once your oil is at the correct temperature, follow these steps for frying your homemade S’mores Donuts:

Gentle Stretching: Before dropping them into the oil, gently stretch each donut circle slightly with your hands. This helps create a more open crumb structure.
Batch Frying: Fry only 2-3 donuts at a time. Overcrowding the pot will cause the oil temperature to drop dramatically, leading to greasy donuts. Frying in small batches ensures consistent temperature and even cooking.
Even Browning: Cook the donuts until they are dark golden brown on each side, usually 1-2 minutes per side. Flip them carefully using tongs or a slotted spoon.
Cooling: As soon as they are cooked, transfer the donuts to a cooling rack placed over a baking sheet. The baking sheet will catch any excess oil drippings and glaze.

Safety First: Frying at Home

When working with hot oil, safety is paramount:

Always use a deep, heavy-bottomed pot to prevent oil from splashing over.
Never leave hot oil unattended.
Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
Have a fire extinguisher rated for grease fires (Class K) nearby, or know how to smother a small grease fire with a metal lid or baking soda. Never use water on a grease fire.

Crafting the Signature S’mores Components

Beyond the perfectly fried donut, the glazes, fillings, and toppings are what truly make these S’mores Donuts sing. Each component is easy to prepare and contributes essential flavor and texture.

The Simple Vanilla Glaze

A quick dip in a thin, sweet glaze provides the perfect initial layer of sweetness and a slight sheen to the fried donuts. It’s simple: just powdered sugar and water, mixed until smooth. The glaze sets quickly, providing a stable base for the other delicious toppings.

Velvety Marshmallow Buttercream Filling

This is where the marshmallow magic happens! This buttercream is incredibly smooth, fluffy, and tastes just like the roasted marshmallows you adore. Made with softened butter, marshmallow creme (fluff), powdered sugar, heavy cream, and a hint of vanilla, it whips up into a dream. It might be a little soft, which is perfect for piping, but chilling it briefly in the refrigerator while the donuts cool will help it firm up to the ideal consistency.

Rich Chocolate Ganache: The Perfect Topping

The chocolate ganache adds a luxurious, bittersweet counterpoint to the sweet marshmallow. Heating heavy cream until just boiling, then pouring it over milk chocolate chips (we love using quality brands like Guittard for superior flavor), and stirring until smooth creates a glossy, rich topping. Allow it to cool slightly so it thickens to a dippable consistency before coating your donuts.

The Essential Graham Cracker Crunch

The final touch is, of course, the graham crackers. Crushing them finely (a zip-top bag and a rolling pin work wonders) and sprinkling them over the wet ganache ensures they adhere beautifully, providing that characteristic sandy texture and wholesome flavor that defines a s’more.

Assembling Your S’mores Donut Masterpieces

With all your components ready, it’s time to bring these decadent S’mores Donuts to life! The assembly process is straightforward and fun.

Glaze the Donuts: While your freshly fried donuts are still warm, dip each one into the thin vanilla glaze, turning to coat all sides. Place them back on the cooling rack to allow excess glaze to drip off and set completely.
Fill with Marshmallow Buttercream: Once the donuts are cool and the glaze is set, prepare them for filling. Use a sharp knife or the pointed end of kitchen shears to poke two holes on opposing ends of each donut. Gently wiggle the tool to create a hollow cavity inside. Transfer your chilled marshmallow buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Generously squeeze the frosting into each hole, ensuring the center is delightfully full.
Top with Chocolate Ganache: Dip the top surface of each filled donut into the thickened chocolate ganache. Allow any excess to drip off.
Add Graham Cracker Crunch: Immediately after dipping, sprinkle a generous amount of crushed graham crackers over the chocolate ganache before it sets.
Set and Serve: Allow the chocolate ganache to cool and set completely before serving. This will prevent mess and ensure the toppings stay in place.

5 from 1 rating

S’mores Donuts

Created by Amber Brady

Glazed and ganached, with crushed graham crackers on top, and a marshmallow buttercream center, these S’mores Donuts are delicious and decadent.

Print
Pin
Rate
SaveSaved!

Yields10 to 12 donuts

Ingredients

Donuts:

1 loaf Rhodes White Bread Frozen Dough, thawed and slightly risen
Canola or Vegetable Oil for frying

Glaze:

1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
¼ cup (59 ml) water

Marshmallow Buttercream Filling:

¼ cup (57 g) butter, softened
7 oz (198 g) jar marshmallow creme/fluff
1 ½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
½ cup (118 ml) heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla

Chocolate Ganache

½ cup (85 g) milk chocolate chips, (I use Guittard)
¼ cup (59 ml) heavy cream

Other:

2 graham crackers, crushed

Instructions

Thaw the Rhodes bread. I leave mine covered in the fridge overnight and then let it sit on the counter for an hour or two in the morning.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the loaf of dough to about ½-inch thick. Cut circles with a 2¾-inch round biscuit cutter. Place circles on a lightly floured sheet tray and let rest 10 minutes.
Prepare glaze by mixing the powdered sugar and water in a medium sized bowl. It should be pretty thin. Set aside.
Meanwhile, fill a stock pot with oil 2 to 3 inches high from the bottom. Warm the oil over medium-low heat until the oil reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stretch the donut circles slightly with your hands and drop them one at a time into the hot oil, frying only 3 at a time so the temperature of the oil doesn’t drop dramatically. Cook until dark golden brown on each side. Make sure your oil isn’t too hot, or the outside will brown before the center is fully cooked.
Place cooked donuts onto a cooling rack that has been placed inside of a sheet tray. While still fairly warm, place each donut into the bowl of glaze, and turn it over to coat all sides. Pour off any excess glaze and then place the donut back onto the cooling rack with the sheet tray to catch any remaining drippings.
Repeat frying and glazing donuts until finished. Allow donuts to cool completely until the glaze is set.
Make the Marshmallow Buttercream Filling by beating the butter and marshmallow creme/fluff together in a large bowl with an electric hand mixer. Add the powdered sugar. Mix well. Add the heavy cream and vanilla. Mix well. It might be soft, and that’s okay. Put it in the refrigerator while the donuts cool.
Crush the graham crackers in a closed zip-top bag with a rolling pin. Set aside.
Using a sharp knife or the pointed end of some kitchen shears, poke two holes on opposing ends in each donut, and wiggle your knife or scissors to help create a hollow cavity to fill with the buttercream. Place the marshmallow frosting in a piping bag that’s been fitted with a coupler and large round tip. Squeeze the frosting into each end of the donuts so the centers are nice and full.
Make ganache by heating the heavy cream in the microwave until just boiling. Then pour it over the chocolate chips and stir until smooth. Allow chocolate to cool slightly and thicken. Dip the top of each donut into the thick ganache. Sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top. Allow to cool until the chocolate is set. Enjoy!

Notes

*Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.
**Recipe altered from Bake with Christina

Sharing this recipe with a link is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying/pasting and/or screenshots of full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected.

Did you make this?

Don’t forget to leave a rating below and make sure to follow on Pinterest and Instagram for more!

Tips for S’mores Donut Success

Perfect Piping: If you don’t have a piping bag and tip, you can use a sturdy zip-top bag. Simply snip off a small corner and use that to squeeze the marshmallow buttercream into the donuts.
Cooling is Key: Ensure donuts are completely cool before filling and ganaching. Warm donuts will cause the buttercream and ganache to melt, leading to a messy result.
Storing Your Donuts: Store any leftover homemade S’mores Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. While they are best enjoyed fresh, they remain delicious for a couple of days. Avoid refrigeration, as it can dry out the yeast dough.
Make Ahead Option: You can prepare the marshmallow buttercream and chocolate ganache ahead of time. Store the buttercream in the refrigerator (it will need to soften slightly at room temperature before piping), and the ganache can be reheated gently if it becomes too firm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About S’mores Donuts

Q: Can I bake these donuts instead of frying them?
A: This recipe specifically calls for fried yeast dough, which gives these donuts their characteristic light and airy texture. While there are baked donut recipes, attempting to bake this particular dough would not yield the same fluffy result. For authentic S’mores Donuts, frying is recommended.

Q: What if I don’t have a deep-fry thermometer?
A: A deep-fry thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy. However, if you don’t have one, you can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of dough into the hot oil. If it immediately sizzles and turns golden brown in about a minute, the oil is ready. If it browns too quickly, the oil is too hot; if it just sits there, it’s not hot enough.

Q: Can I use different types of chocolate for the ganache?
A: Absolutely! While milk chocolate chips are suggested for a classic s’mores flavor, you can experiment with semi-sweet or even dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet ganache. Just ensure you use good quality chocolate for the best taste and texture.

Q: How can I make these even more festive?
A: For an extra touch, you can add mini marshmallows to the top along with the graham crackers, or drizzle with a little extra chocolate sauce. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the finished donuts can also add a charming effect.

Q: Is marshmallow creme the same as marshmallow fluff?
A: Yes, marshmallow creme and marshmallow fluff are essentially the same product – a sweet, sticky, spreadable marshmallow confection. Either will work perfectly for the buttercream filling.

Beyond S’mores: Other Donut Inspirations

If these S’mores Donuts have sparked your love for homemade treats, you might enjoy exploring other creative donut recipes. There’s a whole world of delicious donuts waiting to be discovered, from classic flavors to innovative combinations. Here are some more delightful donut recipes from fellow food bloggers to inspire your next baking adventure:

9 Better Than A Bakery Homemade Donut Recipes // Food Holiday Bloggers

Chocolate Cake Donuts // One Sweet Appetite

Chocolate Frosted Donuts with Sprinkles // Life Made Sweeter

Strawberries and Cream Donuts // Eazy Peazy Mealz

Old Fashioned Donuts // Like Mother Like Daughter

Reese’s Stuffed Puff Pastry Donuts // Sugar & Soul

Strawberry Lemon Donuts // Cupcake Diaries

Copycat Blue Star Lemon Poppy Buttermilk Donuts // Tried and Tasty

Pineapple Upside Down Donuts // Lemon Tree Dwelling