Elevate Your S’mores Game: Creative Twists for a Classic Treat

S’mores are a beloved campfire treat, but there’s no reason to stick to the traditional recipe. You can elevate your s’mores game with creative twists that delight your taste buds. Here are five delicious ways to make your s’mores even more enjoyable. Plus, we’ll guide you on how to roast the perfect marshmallow and where to find unique chocolates at local candy stores.

Different Types of Chocolate

Explore the world of chocolate with unique flavors that can transform your s’mores.

Cookies and Cream Chocolate: Add a creamy twist with a bar of cookies and cream chocolate. The white chocolate and cookie bits offer a delightful contrast to the gooey marshmallow.
Peanut Butter Chocolate: Substitute your regular chocolate with peanut butter chocolate for a rich and nutty flavor. It’s perfect for peanut butter lovers.
Mint Chocolate: A refreshing mint chocolate bar can add a cool twist to your s’mores, balancing the sweetness of the marshmallow.
Dark Chocolate with Sea Salt: Elevate the flavor with the sophisticated taste of dark chocolate and a hint of sea salt.
Caramel-filled Chocolate: Enjoy a gooey surprise by using caramel-filled chocolate. The caramel adds a delicious layer to the s’more.

Unique Crackers

Swap out the traditional graham cracker for something new and exciting.

Chocolate Chip Cookies: Use chocolate chip cookies instead of graham crackers for an extra chocolatey treat.
Gingersnaps: The spicy flavor of gingersnaps pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of marshmallows and chocolate.
Oatmeal Cookies: Oatmeal cookies provide a chewy texture and a subtle cinnamon flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Saltine Crackers: Try using saltine crackers for a sweet and salty combination.
Pretzel Thins: Pretzel thins add a crunchy texture and a salty flavor that balances the sweetness of the marshmallow and chocolate.

Flavored Marshmallows

Enhance your s’mores with marshmallows that have a twist.

Vanilla Bean Marshmallows: These marshmallows add a gourmet touch with their rich vanilla flavor.
Strawberry Marshmallows: Add a fruity twist with strawberry-flavored marshmallows.
Caramel Swirl Marshmallows: These marshmallows add a caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate and crackers.
Cinnamon Marshmallows: A hint of spice from cinnamon marshmallows can elevate the entire s’more.
Coconut Marshmallows: For a tropical twist, try using coconut-flavored marshmallows.

Nut Butters and Spreads

Adding a spread can take your s’mores to the next level.

Nutella: Spread Nutella on the crackers for a rich hazelnut flavor.
Peanut Butter: Add a layer of peanut butter for extra protein and a classic combination with chocolate.
Almond Butter: Almond butter offers a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with chocolate and marshmallows.
Cookie Butter: Try using cookie butter for a unique and sweet twist.
Dulce de Leche: Add a layer of dulce de leche for a caramel-flavored delight.

Fruit Additions

Incorporate fresh or dried fruits to add a new dimension to your s’mores.

Banana Slices: Add banana slices for a creamy texture and natural sweetness.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a juicy, tangy flavor that pairs well with chocolate.
Raspberries: Raspberries provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the marshmallow and chocolate.
Dried Cranberries: Try using dried cranberries for a chewy and tart addition.
Apple Slices: Thin apple slices add a crisp texture and a sweet-tart flavor.

Guide to Roasting the Perfect Marshmallow

Roasting a marshmallow to perfection is an art. Here’s how to get it just right:

Golden Brown: Hold the marshmallow at a distance from the flame, rotating it slowly. This method allows the marshmallow to heat evenly, resulting in a golden-brown exterior and a gooey center.
Burnt: If you prefer a charred marshmallow, place it closer to the flame until it catches fire. Blow it out and enjoy the crispy exterior and melted interior.

Local Businesses Where You Can Find Unique Ingredients For S’mores

Grand Forks, ND:

Widman’s Candy Shop: Offers a variety of unique chocolates perfect for s’mores. Get creative by putting a roasted marshmallow on top of their famous “chipper” a potato chip from the Red River Valley covered in either milk chocolate, dark chocolate (semi-sweet), or white almond.

St. Cloud, MN:

Heavenly Treats: Known for their chocolate-covered toffee and gooey toffee cookies, putting a roasted marshmallow on either sounds like a delicious way to elevate a s’more!

Detroit Lakes and Perham, MN:

Becker Pet & Garden and The Candy Store: Known for its wide selection of candies and chocolates, try swapping out the chocolate bar on your next s’more with a giant peanut butter cup or a chocolate-covered cherry. You could even swap out a roasted marshmallow with a freeze-dried marshmallow!

Winona, MN:

The Chocolate Escape: Located in Wabasha, The Chocolate Escape offers an array of gourmet chocolates, from handmade confections to cookies and other baked goods. You’ll surely find a unique flavored chocolate or a graham cracker substitute to enhance your s’mores experience.

Alexandria, MN:

The Sugar Shack of Alexandria: This place was made for someone with a sweet tooth. Filled with candy, fudge, cookies, and ice cream. For your next s’more, replace your graham cracker with a peanut butter cookie or a chocolate sea salt caramel cookie to send your taste buds on a ride they’ll never forget!

Fergus Falls, MN:

Sted Foods: Crafted in Fergus Falls, this organic, fair-trade chocolate company creates exquisite chocolate bars with unique flavors like Almond Maple Brittle, French Gray Sea Salt, Pecan Orange Spice, Mint Mocha, and more. Swap out your generic chocolate with one of their unique flavors, and you’ll surely enhance your next s’more experience! Check out a video from Sted Foods where they air-fried a s’more using their Almond Maple Brittle chocolate bar.

By experimenting with different chocolates, crackers, marshmallows, and add-ins, you can elevate your s’mores game and delight your friends and family with new flavors. Enjoy the process and find your perfect s’more combination!