As much as I love creating over-the-top, insanely indulgent treats to share with my fellow sweet-toothed sisters, I think we can all agree that sometimes, simple is best. In fact, let’s trade sometimes for most of the time. Most of the time, simple is best.
Because let’s be honest, we’re all busy. Our lives are packed with play dates, social gatherings, work deadlines, and when we’re being good to ourselves, perhaps a yoga class or two. Most evenings, I satisfy my after-dinner sweets craving with a “simple” handful of chocolate chips stolen from my cookie supply stash, or a spoonful of ice cream from the pint I hide at the back of the freezer. And while there’s no shame in either, sometimes simple calls for something special. And with today’s dessert, I’m here to convince you that simple and special can be one and the same.
I love these simple homemade s’mores because they’re as easy to make for a crowd as they are for a low-key night in. Any leftover ingredients can be stored for up to a month (even longer if you have the freezer space), so you’re not burdened with the leftovers of say, a whole cake. Not to mention, their customizable nature makes them perfect for a fun, build-your-own-s’more dinner party dessert, and they’re a win for both adults and kids alike. Really, they’re pretty great.
You can go as classic or gourmet as you please with these guys. I highly recommend that you take the “gourmet” title to heart in at least one aspect, and use high quality chocolate. Dark chocolate, if you’re a fan — the darker the better. It adds a depth of flavor that takes s’mores from their traditional cloyingly sweet flavor profile to bitter and balanced and wonderfully grown-up. Outside of that, the combinations you offer are up to you. Get creative!
Some of my favorites are:
- Milk chocolate with almonds + dulce de leche + salt + toasted coconut (the s’mores version of Samoas Girl Scout Cookies!)
- White Chocolate + Lemon Curd + Pistachio
- Dark Chocolate + Peanut Butter + Rainbow Sprinkles (just for fun!)
- Extra Dark Chocolate + Raspberry Jam + Toasted Almonds
Enjoy!
Gourmet Oven S'mores
Serves 1
How to Make S'mores Without a Campfire
Prep
5 minutes
Cook
5 minutes
Categories
Ingredients
Graham cracker squares
Large marshmallows
High quality chocolate (extra dark, dark + almonds, white)
Toasted nuts (slivered almonds, pistachios)
Nut butters (peanut, almond)
Fruit spreads (raspberry jam, lemon curd)
Dulce de leche or other caramel sauce
Toasted coconut
Rainbow sprinkles
Honey
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350F. Arrange your oven racks so that one is in the middle and another is on the rack second closest to the broiler.
Line a baking sheet with graham cracker squares. You should be able to comfortably fit up to 16 squares on a regular sized baking sheet. You don't need to worry about spreading so don't worry about spacing them out.
Add a square of chocolate to each graham cracker square and then top each square of chocolate with a marshmallow.
Place in the oven on the middle rack and bake for 5-6 minutes or until the marshmallows are melted and lightly toasty. If you'd like to brown your marshmallows a little further, move to the rack you placed closer to the boiler and broil for 30 seconds to 1 minute, paying close attention to make sure don't burn.
To assemble s'mores, smear your spread of choice onto half of a graham cracker, sprinkle with any desired topping and sandwich on top of a toasted half. Enjoy!
It looks amazingly attractive and tempting! But when I think about how many calories …