A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Favorite – This Little Nest is the kind of dessert that instantly puts a smile on everyone’s face. Imagine the cozy nostalgia of a campfire s’more meeting the creamy decadence of a classic cheesecake, all in one jaw-droppingly gorgeous slice. With a crunchy graham cracker crust, a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth filling speckled with mini chocolate chips and marshmallows, and a silky swirl of chocolate ganache topped with toasted, gooey jumbo marshmallows, this treat brings pure joy to any occasion. It’s an irresistible balance of textures and flavors that will make you want to claim every last bite.

A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Favorite – This Little Nest Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Even though A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Favorite – This Little Nest feels totally show-stopping, it comes together with everyday ingredients that each add something special—crunch, creaminess, sweetness, or a hit of chocolate. Here’s what you’ll need and why every element matters:

Graham cracker crumbs: These give the crust its signature crunch and that familiar, toasty flavor everyone loves in a s’more.
Unsalted butter (melted): Melted butter binds the crumbs for a sturdy, rich base that won’t fall apart under the luscious filling.
Cream cheese (softened): The heart of the cheesecake, giving that ultra-smooth, tangy, creamy bite.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness! It perfectly balances the tang of the cream cheese.
Sour cream: Adds an extra layer of tang and a luxuriously soft texture.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors, bringing warmth and depth to every bite.
Salt: Just a pinch to make every flavor pop.
Large eggs (room temperature): Eggs provide structure and silkiness, making the filling set like a dream.
Mini marshmallows: Little bursts of sweetness and chew, reminiscent of roasted marshmallows in every forkful.
Mini chocolate chips: For that instant chocolatey gratification, evenly distributed for maximum joy.
Chocolate chips (for ganache): Form the decadent, glossy ganache that crowns this showstopper.
Heavy cream: Transforms the chips into a smooth, pourable ganache.
Jumbo marshmallows: Ready for toasting, these top it all off with drama and ooey-gooey goodness.

How to Make A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Favorite – This Little Nest

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted unsalted butter. Stir until every crumb is glistening and moistened—this ensures the crust will form a solid foundation for your cheesecake. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and about a half-inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes, just until it smells toasty and looks lightly golden. Let it cool on the counter while you whip up your filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Use an electric mixer to beat your softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps. This step is key for that cloud-like texture. Gradually add in the granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing on low so you don’t whip in too much air. Next, add the eggs one at a time, stirring gently to just combine—the less you beat, the silkier your cheesecake will be. Now, fold in those adorable mini marshmallows and mini chocolate chips. Pour the rich filling onto your cooled crust, smoothing the top.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, until the edges are set but the very center still has a slight jiggle. Don’t worry, this means the cheesecake will be velvety once chilled! When time’s up, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Favorite – This Little Nest relax inside for an hour. This gentle cool-down prevents cracks. After that, cool to room temperature, then wrap the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight (the hardest part: waiting!).

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache

Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it’s steaming, not boiling. Pour it over the chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. Let the mixture sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then whisk until you have a glossy, dreamy ganache. Allow it to cool just a bit before pouring over your chilled cheesecake. Return the pan to the fridge for a short while—the ganache will firm up into a perfectly sliceable layer.

Step 5: Top and Toast the Marshmallows

Arrange jumbo marshmallows across the ganache-topped cheesecake. Now for the fun: using a kitchen torch (or placing under a broiler and watching closely), toast the marshmallows until golden, puffy, and irresistible. This final flourish not only looks amazing but fills your kitchen with that unforgettable roasted marshmallow aroma. Slice and serve A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Favorite – This Little Nest to thunderous applause.

How to Serve A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Favorite – This Little Nest

Garnishes

A little flourish takes this dessert from delicious to extraordinary. For that classic fireside touch, sprinkle a few extra mini chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate over each slice. Crushed graham crackers scattered atop the marshmallows or even a pinch of flaky sea salt will make A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Favorite – This Little Nest look just as magical as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake is rich, so simple sides shine. Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness and provide a pop of color. A tall glass of cold milk, creamy coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes every forkful even more enjoyable. These pairings turn any gathering into an instant celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine! For parties, carefully slice A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Favorite – This Little Nest into bars or mini squares and serve on a platter for bite-sized fun. Or, try individual mini cheesecakes in jars, layering the crust, filling, ganache, and topping each with a perfect toasted marshmallow. However you showcase it, this dessert is guaranteed to be the star of your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. This makes A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Favorite – This Little Nest a wonderful option for making a day or two ahead of a special event.

Freezing

If you want to stash away some slices for later, you absolutely can! For best results, freeze individual, undecorated pieces (no marshmallows yet) wrapped in plastic and then foil. Pop them in a freezer bag and they’ll keep their flavor for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add ganache and toasted marshmallows just before serving.

Reheating

While this cheesecake is best enjoyed cold, if you love the idea of a warm, gooey marshmallow topping, you can gently re-toast with a kitchen torch after chilling. Don’t try to microwave the whole thing, as it can melt the filling and ruin that delightful texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought graham cracker crust?

While a store-bought crust makes things even easier, the homemade version really stands up to the rich filling and gives that perfect slightly salty, buttery base. However, in a pinch, store-bought does the trick for a speedier A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Favorite – This Little Nest.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

No worries! Just pop the cheesecake (watching closely) under the oven broiler for a minute or two to toast the marshmallows. Keep a close eye—they can go from golden to burnt in the blink of an eye.

Can I substitute the mini marshmallows or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Try butterscotch chips or peanut butter chips for a flavor twist inside, and if you prefer, use regular marshmallows chopped into smaller bits instead of minis. Just keep the same measurements for best results.

How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Letting the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door cracked is the secret. Also, avoid overmixing after you add the eggs, and bring all ingredients to room temperature before starting for a silky-smooth finish.

Is it possible to make A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Favorite – This Little Nest gluten free?

Yep! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free graham crackers for the crust, and confirm that your chocolate chips and marshmallows are gluten free (most are). The filling itself needs no adjustment.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to share A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Favorite – This Little Nest with your crew. It’s one of those treats that brings out everyone’s inner kid and adds a little sparkle to even the simplest get-together. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature sweet!

A Sweet Twist on a Timeless Favorite – This Little Nest Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 6 hours
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delightful twist on the classic cheesecake with this s’mores-inspired recipe. A graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling loaded with marshmallows and chocolate chips, topped with a rich chocolate ganache and toasted marshmallows.

Instructions

Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 325 °F (163 °C). Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until moistened. Press into a 9″ springform pan, bottom and ½″ up the sides. Bake 8‑10 minutes, then cool.
Prepare the Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, sour cream, vanilla, and salt. Mix in eggs one at a time until just combined. Fold in mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. Pour over cooled crust.
Bake: Bake 60‑70 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggles. Turn off oven, crack door, and let sit 1 hour. Then cool on a rack, wrap, and chill at least 4 hours (overnight is ideal).
Make the Ganache: Heat cream until steaming. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit 2‑3 minutes, then whisk until glossy. Cool slightly, then pour over chilled cheesecake. Chill briefly to set.
Finish with Toasted Marshmallows: Arrange jumbo marshmallows atop the ganache. Toast using a kitchen torch or under broiler until golden. Serve.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American