Name: Oven-Baked S'Mores: Gooey Goodness for Cozy Nights
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 8 squares Graham Crackers (Use gluten-free for gluten-free option.); 4 oz Chocolate Bars (Typically 1.55 oz per bar; use dairy-free for vegan option.); 12 oz Marshmallows (Large vegetarian or vegan marshmallows.); 2 tbsp Nutella or Peanut Butter (Spread on graham crackers for extra flavor.); Flavored Marshmallows (Chocolate or strawberry for fun twists.)

The other day while binge-watching my favorite cooking show, I found myself daydreaming about the pure joy of campfire s’mores. But let’s face it: sometimes the weather just doesn’t cooperate for outdoor cooking. That’s where these Oven-Baked S’mores come in! This stunningly simple recipe captures all the gooey goodness of the classic treat in the comfort of your home. Not only can you whip these up in mere minutes, but they’re also adaptable for those of us who need gluten-free or vegan options. Picture that warm, melty chocolate and marshmallow sliding between crunchy graham crackers—comfort food at its finest! Ready to dive into this deliciousness? Let’s get those ovens preheated and bring the campfire vibes indoors!

Why Bake S’mores in the Oven?

Convenience: No need for an outdoor fire or camping supplies—just a simple oven!

Quick and Easy: With just a few minutes of prep, you can satisfy your sweet tooth faster than you can say “s’mores.”

Family-Friendly Fun: This is a fantastic way to involve kids in the kitchen; they’ll love making and indulging in their creations.

Customizable Treats: Whether you’re gluten-free or vegan, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit anyone’s dietary needs by using options like gluten-free graham crackers or vegan marshmallows.

Comforting Nostalgia: Bring the childhood joy of campfire s’mores indoors, evoking fond memories of warm nights spent under the stars, all without the hassle of outdoor cooking.

Serve It Right: Enjoy these delightful sweets warm, paired with a scoop of ice cream or a refreshing glass of milk for the perfect treat!

Oven-Baked S’mores Ingredients

For the Base

• Graham Crackers – Provides the crunchy base; swap for gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free option.

For the Filling

• Chocolate Bars – Adds creamy sweetness; opt for dairy-free chocolate for a vegan option, typically around 1.55 ounces per bar.
• Marshmallows – Offers a soft, gooey texture; use about 12 ounces of large vegetarian marshmallows, or choose vegan marshmallows for that perfect treat.

Optional Enhancements

• Nutella or Peanut Butter – Spread on the graham crackers for an extra layer of indulgence and flavor!
• Flavored Marshmallows – Consider using chocolate or strawberry marshmallows to add a fun twist to your oven-baked s’mores.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Oven-Baked S’Mores

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure that your s’mores bake evenly, resulting in perfectly gooey marshmallows and melting chocolate. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and prepare your baking sheet for assembly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a 13″ x 18″ sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, making clean-up a breeze. This step is essential as it keeps your s’mores from sticking. Once lined, you’re ready to create your s’mores masterpiece right on this sheet.

Step 3: Arrange the Graham Crackers
Place the graham cracker squares on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are closely lined without any gaps. Each square should measure around 2.5 inches, providing a sturdy base for your toppings. This layout will hold up the sweetness that comes next, ensuring every bite has that delightful crunch.

Step 4: Add Chocolate and Marshmallows
On each graham cracker, place a square of chocolate, followed by a large marshmallow. The chocolate’s creaminess will blend beautifully with the marshmallow’s gooeyness as it bakes. Making sure the marshmallows sit snugly on top is critical for achieving that classic Oven-Baked S’mores experience.

Step 5: Bake the S’Mores
Carefully place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes. Keep a close eye on the marshmallows; you’re looking for them to puff up and turn a lovely light golden brown. This is the perfect moment to capture that dreamy, warm texture that every s’mores lover craves.

Step 6: Add the Top Layer
Once your marshmallows have reached the desired doneness, remove the pan from the oven. Immediately place another graham cracker square, halved, on top of each gooey marshmallow. This creates the perfect sandwich of flavors, sealing in that delightful warmth.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Using a spatula, carefully lift each s’mores square from the baking sheet and place them on a serving plate. These Oven-Baked S’mores are best enjoyed warm, allowing the gooey marshmallow and melting chocolate to shine. Pair them with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat!

What to Serve with Oven-Baked S’mores?

Indulging in sweet, gooey goodness is even better when paired with delightful side dishes and drinks that complement those warm s’mores.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that elevates the dessert experience, with cool creaminess contrasting the warm s’mores.
Chilled Milk or Milk Alternatives: A simple yet perfect companion to wash down the sticky sweetness while enhancing the nostalgic flavors of childhood.
Fresh Fruit Skewers: Add a refreshing touch with juicy strawberries, bananas, or pineapples, creating a satisfying balance of sweetness and acidity.
Peanut Butter Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick peanut butter sauce for dipping the s’mores, adding a nutty richness to each bite.
Hot Chocolate Bar: For a cozy twist, serve warm mugs of hot chocolate with various toppings like whipped cream or marshmallows to go alongside.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over your s’mores adds a luscious layer, making them even more indulgent and delicious.
Sparkling Water with Fruit Infusion: Keep it light and refreshing with fizz; a splash of lemon or berries makes it festive and vibrant!
Gourmet Coffee or Espresso: For adults, a warm cup of coffee enhances the richness of the chocolate, creating a treat that warms the soul.
Chocolate-Dipped Pretzels: Combine sweet and salty by offering chocolate-dipped pretzels, giving guests a crunchy bite to accompany their s’mores.

Expert Tips for Oven-Baked S’mores

Choose the Right Crackers: Use high-quality graham crackers for the best crunch. Gluten-free options can also work well—just make sure they’re fresh!
Watch the Bake Time: Ovens can vary, so keep a close eye on your s’mores during baking. Remove them once marshmallows are golden to avoid burning.
Layer Wisely: For a richer flavor, consider adding a thin layer of Nutella or peanut butter on the graham crackers before topping them.
Customize Your Chocolate: Experiment with different chocolate types or brands! Dark chocolate adds depth, while flavored bars can enhance the overall experience of your oven-baked s’mores.
Perfect Serving Temperature: Serve your s’mores warm for the best taste and texture. The gooeyness and melty chocolate are key to enjoying this delightful treat.

Make Ahead Options

These Oven-Baked S’mores are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can arrange the graham crackers and layer the chocolate and marshmallows on top up to 24 hours in advance, which keeps the marshmallows from getting stale. Simply cover the prepared sheet pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When you’re ready to enjoy these sweet treats, simply preheat your oven and bake them for 5-7 minutes until the marshmallows are puffed and golden. This way, you’ll have warm, gooey s’mores with minimal effort, bringing family-friendly fun to your dessert table!

How to Store and Freeze Oven-Baked S’mores

Airtight Container: Store any leftover Oven-Baked S’mores in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days at room temperature to maintain their deliciousness.

Fridge: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the s’mores to extend their freshness, but note that the texture may change slightly after chilling.

Reheating: To enjoy them warm again, pop the s’mores back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until they regain that gooey texture.

Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze s’mores for up to one month in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Oven-Baked S’mores Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Oven-Baked S’mores to suit your taste or dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Substitute traditional graham crackers with gluten-free options for a scrumptious, no-guilt treat.
Vegan: Use dairy-free chocolate and vegan marshmallows to create a delectable version that everyone can enjoy.
Flavored Chocolate: Swap out plain chocolate for richer dark chocolate or even a unique flavor like salted caramel.
Nutty Twist: Spread creamy peanut butter or Nutella on the graham crackers to add a delightful nutty layer.
Marshmallow Options: Try flavored marshmallows like strawberry or chocolate to offer a playful twist to the classic flavor.

Imagine biting into a warm s’more where each mouthful brings a new sensation—what a delightful surprise!

Savory Option: Get adventurous by using Ritz crackers for a sweet-savory combination for your s’mores!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate for a surprising heat that’ll warm your taste buds!

These variations not only enhance the original recipe but also make it a fun family activity where everyone can customize their perfect s’mores. Don’t forget to check out ideas for other sweet treats like Chocolate Chip Cookies to further satisfy your cravings!

Oven-Baked S’mores Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right graham crackers?
Absolutely! For the best crunch, select high-quality graham crackers. If you need a gluten-free option, just make sure to pick a fresh brand that is specifically labeled gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy that delightful base in your Oven-Baked S’mores.

How should I store leftover s’mores?
To keep your Oven-Baked S’mores fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you’d like them to last a bit longer, you can refrigerate them, though be aware this might slightly alter their texture, making them a little firmer.

Can I freeze my s’mores?
Absolutely! You can freeze the s’mores for up to one month. Here’s how: Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw them overnight in the fridge, and then reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to restore their gooey goodness.

What if my marshmallows burn while baking?
Very! To avoid burning your marshmallows, keep a close eye during the last minute of baking. Every oven varies, so start checking around the 5-minute mark. If they start to puff up and turn golden brown, they are right on track! If you notice that they are browning too quickly, you can lower the temperature slightly or take them out immediately.

Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies?
Always a great question! Make sure to check for any potential allergens in your chocolate and marshmallows, especially if you’re baking for others. For pets, chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, so it’s always a good idea to keep your Oven-Baked S’mores safely out of their reach. If you know someone with food allergies, consider swapping out ingredients with alternative gluten-free or vegan options!