Is there anything more “summer” than melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows over an open fire? Not in my book. Smores are hands down, the best easy dessert recipes known to mankind, at least in my book, and these S’mores in the Oven couldn’t be easier.
But there are sometimes when the hankering for smores hits me and I really don’t feel like setting up the fire pit. The microwave can’t really give the same char as a fire, so I’ve perfected using the broiler for a melty smore in no time flat.
And even better, I can make one… or a whole tray. But the real secret to elevating this classic summer treat is the addition of caramel sauce for dipping.
Why You’ll Love These Baked S’mores
Here are a few reasons why you’ll love this favorite summer treat even more!
- Make them all year round – S’mores are usually thought of as a summer treat, but now that you can make them in the oven, you can make them any season.
- No campfire needed – Thunderstorms rain on your s’mores parade? No problem! These ones are made indoors.
- Easy to make your own – While a love a classic s’mores, there are lots of fun ways to make this recipe your own!
S’mores in the Oven Ingredients
Yes, I am stating the obvious, no need to point that out, but let me tell you that many of my friends who didn’t grow up in the states have never had a smore and actually need the ingredient list, so stop rolling your eyes. Here is what you need:
- Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bars– of course you can use any brand, but Hershey’s seems to be the standard. Also swap this out for a full size peanut butter cup or 3-4 Rolos.
- Honey Maid Graham Cracker Squares- chocolate or honey.
- Kraft Jet Puffed Marshmallows– Of course feel free to use homemade marshmallows or the special flat, square ones make specifically for s’mores. Another fun trick, cut a little pocket in the marshmallow and stuff it with chocolate chips. Note, this does get a little messy if you are cooking these on a stick over fire, but in the oven it doesn’t make a difference.
- Dipping Sauce- I like using a salted caramel sauce made from scratch, but feel free to use a standard caramel from the store or a fudge sauce. Fresh fruit sauces are another good option. Or omit this part altogether, they will still taste AH-mazing!
Variations
Customizing smores is so much fun! Here are our favorites and please feel free to leave your favorite ideas in the comments as well.
- Chocolate – Opt for white chocolate or dark chocolate instead of milk.
- Other candy – Use any candy bar you’d like! Something with chocolate works best so it melts a little. Andes Mints, York Peppermint Patties and Reese’s Peanut Butter cups are popular.
- Sweetened toasted coconut – sprinkle some onto the melted marshmallow while it is still tacky.
- Bacon – Add crispy bacon or even bacon candy! You can also sprinkle a little bit of crumbled bacon.
- Fruit – Sliced strawberry after melting the marshmallow layer.
- Salty – If you love sweet and salty, add a sprinkle of fleur de sel or crushed potato chips.
- Cookies – Graham crackers are great because they are hearty and large, but think outside of the box and opt for shortbread cookies or any other larger cracker. Even cookies like chocolate chip, snickerdoodles or even molasses cookies.
- Dessert spread – Nutella or cookie butter are great alternatives for the chocolate layer.
- Dipping sauce – Swap out regular caramel dipping sauce for Bourbon Caramel.
How to Make S’mores in the Oven
The trick here is to get a char on the marshmallow. People make the mistake of putting them together and then cooking, but that char is really what makes them special and not just warmed and melty sandwiches.
The char is called the maillard reaction and chemically changes sugars in the marshmallow to have not only a different flavor, but a different texture. It creates sophistication and interest in a dessert that was otherwise fairly one-note. The sauce elevates it even higher.
So here is how we do it with these easy steps:
- Prepare broiler. Preheat oven broiler to high and place the oven rack about 3-4 inches from the heating element.
- Prepare cookie sheet. Line your baking sheet or cookie sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean up.
- Add graham crackers and marshmallows to cookie sheet. Place half of the graham cracker halves on the baking sheet and put a large marshmallow on top.
- Broil. Place into oven and depending on your broiler, you might even want to leave the oven door ajar to release hot air. Watch closely- depending on your oven these can burn FAST! Toast to a golden brown or a dark char. Alternately, you can toast marshmallows using a kitchen torch.
- Remove and top with chocolate and graham cracker. Remove from oven and immediately top each with a piece of chocolate and remaining graham cracker halves. The residual heat should melt the chocolate, but if you want it to be even more melty, shut off the oven and place the baking sheet back in the warm oven for a minute or two.
- Serve with caramel sauce and enjoy. Serve with Salted Caramel Sauce, if desired.
Sheet pan smores are great for movie night, a quick sweet treat, beach bonfire, birthday parties or special after school snack. I highly recommend having wet wipes or a sink available to wash your hands after.
Leftovers & Storage
How to Store Leftover S’mores
If you have leftovers, you are a better person than I. Unfortunately, smores aren’t the best leftover. If you do find yourself needing to save a few, wrap in aluminum foil or place in a plastic bag or airtight container. Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
Can I Reheat S’mores in Oven?
To reheat, place in a warm oven, around 200°F for 3-4 minutes, just enough to reheat the chocolate. Graham crackers might not ever get the same snap back. Do not microwave- it will just get soggy.
You can also make these and reheat as a toaster oven dessert!
More Easy Dessert Recipes
Nothing is better after a good dinner than a delectable dessert! Here are s few of our favorites.
S’More Brownies
Cream Cheese Brownies
Coconut Pound Cake Recipe
S’mores in the Oven
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar , broken in half
- 4 Honey Maid Graham Cracker Squares , broken in half
- 4 large marshmallows
- 1/2 cup Salted Caramel Sauce , optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean up (optional).
- Place two halves of a graham cracker on a baking sheet, topped by a marshmallow. Place under the broiler until marshmallow is brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and immediately top each with half of a milk chocolate bar and the remaining graham cracker halves. If you want the chocolate more melty, place the whole tray back into the oven while it is off (just warm).
- Serve with caramel sauce for dipping (optional).
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings.
Oh wow! This looks delicious. What a fun way to enjoy s’mores! #client
Love the twist and that salted caramel!
A great classic. Irresistible! 🙂
What an absolutely delicious and fun idea! I can’t wait to try this! Yum!
I love salted caramel, this sounds delcious.
Smores and salted caramel sauce. What a super indulgent treat. I love it.
Be still my heart! I love salted caramel. And I love s’mores. Oh.my!
Oh this is genius!!! We love making s’mores and I LOVE the idea of dipping them in caramel!!!
Smores with Caramel!!! Sounds Amazing!
I love the simplicity of this! I’d love to try salted caramel sauce with my s’mores! YUM!