S'mores in Endless Ways

You may be familiar with traditional s’mores – graham cracker, chocolate, and roasted marshmallow – but what about the many ways you can change it up? Dress it up with all the fixin’s or swap out the graham cracker for something special – truly, the possibilities are endless. Check out these next-level creations from our friends at the National Park Service to get you started!

These classic campfire treats just got a little sweeter

Think Outside the (Graham Cracker) Box

Yellowstone National Park (Neal Herbert, National Park Service)

The essence of a s’more is its roasted marshmallow – that toasted, crispy exterior encasing delectable, gooey insides. Frankly, it wouldn’t be a s’more without the marshmallow. However, beyond the marshmallow, a s’more is endlessly customizable. Try mixing up your s’mores with some of the following additions:

• Thin, crispy cookies instead of graham crackers
• Hazelnut spread in place of (or in addition to!) chocolate
• Caramel sauce
• Mix up your graham cracker flavor (cinnamon or chocolate, or both!)
• Dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate
• Peanut butter cups in place of chocolate bars
• Peanut butter spread on the graham crackers or cookies
• Cookies and cream chocolate bars instead of milk chocolate

Upgrade the Marshmallow

Recreation.gov

While a s’more may not be complete without the marshmallow, it’s not out of the question to make some changes to it. Try some of the following marshmallow upgrades to get the most out of your s’mores:

• For adults, try dipping your roasted marshmallow in Bailey’s before applying it to the s’more.
• Stuff the marshmallow with a small treat. Try a mini piece of chocolate or peanut butter cup and cook it over the campfire.
• Try different marshmallow colors or flavors.
• Not a fan of marshmallows? Stuff some cookie dough in between your crackers.

Chef's Specials

Acadia National Park (Kristi Rugg, National Park Service)

The Chocoholic’s Delight

• Chocolate graham crackers
• Chocolate marshmallows
• Chocolate

Berry Nice S’more

• Shortbread cookies (or regular graham crackers)
• Strawberries, blueberries, and/or raspberries
• Cardamom
• Chocolate

S’more Peanut Butter

• Graham crackers spread with peanut butter
• Marshmallow stuffed with mini peanut butter cup
• Chocolate peanut butter cup in place of chocolate

The Cookie Monster

• Chocolate chip cookies in place of graham crackers
• Chocolate
• Toasted marshmallow
• Spoonful of cookie dough

Mexican Hot Chocolate

• Cinnamon graham crackers
• Medium-dark chocolate
• Pinch of cayenne

The above are just a few examples of ways you can be creative when making s’mores, either at home or over a campfire. Put your own spin on it to make a s’more that’s just right for you!

New Camping Dessert

Recreation.gov

Are traditional s'mores too messy and sticky for you? Do you always burn your marshmallow? Or are you just looking to try a new camping dessert? Here is a fun take on the tried and true s’mores recipe.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag chocolate chips (or any flavor you want)
• 1 bag mini marshmallows
• 1 box cake or sugar cones
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

1. Put about 1 tsp of chocolate chips at the bottom of the cone
2. Add a layer of mini marshmallows on top of the chocolate chips
3. Keep layering until you get to the top of the cone
4. Wrap the cone in foil
5. Heat foil-wrapped cone over fire until chocolate and marshmallows are melted, about 3-5 minutes

Enjoy!

Quick Roasting Lesson

Assateague Island National Seashore (National Park Service)

If a marshmallow is the most important part of a s’more, it’s important to do it right. Here are some quick tips to achieve marshmallow perfection:

• For the light golden-brown color and a perfectly cooked interior, you want to find the subtle flames at the base of the fire and be patient.
• Frequently turn the marshmallow as it hovers over the embers rather than the flames.
  • Tip: While putting a marshmallow over the flames will surely result in what appears to be an extremely fast method to cooking marshmallows, the quick exposure to intense heat will simply char the outside, leaving the inside still tough and cool.
• When it develops a light brown coating on all sides and appears to be slightly sliding off the stick, quickly transfer it to your prepped s’more base and enjoy!

Summary: The best method is to stay low, be patient, and cook it as evenly as possible, avoiding the red-hot flames at the top.

Explore Related Trips

• Campfire Safety Tips
• Creative Campfire Alternatives