Mini Graham Cracker S’mores Bites

Of all the desserts that evoke a sense of pure, unadulterated joy, s’mores hold a special place in my heart. The classic combination of toasted marshmallow, melting chocolate, and crunchy graham cracker is synonymous with campfires, starry nights, and shared laughter. However, living in a city apartment, campfires aren’t exactly a regular occurrence. I found myself craving that nostalgic flavor but needing a more practical, kitchen-friendly solution. That’s when I stumbled upon the concept of Mini Graham Cracker S’mores Bites. The first time I made them, it was for a family game night. I was a little nervous they wouldn’t capture the magic of the real thing. I was wrong. As I pulled the tray from the oven, the air filled with the intoxicating aroma of toasted sugar and warm chocolate. The tops of the mini marshmallows were a perfect golden-brown, puffed up like little pillows over a sea of molten chocolate. My kids’ eyes went wide, and even my usually reserved husband couldn’t help but sneak one before they had fully cooled. They were an absolute sensation. Each bite delivered the perfect ratio of textures and flavors: the buttery, crisp graham cracker crust, the rich and gooey chocolate center, and the slightly caramelized, stretchy marshmallow topping. They disappeared in minutes, with calls for “more!” echoing through the living room. These bites have since become our go-to treat for everything from movie nights and birthday parties to a simple, sweet ending for a weeknight dinner. They deliver all the beloved flavor of traditional s’mores with none of the hassle, smoke, or mess. This recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a way to bring a little bit of that campfire coziness right into your home, any time you want.

Ingredients

Here is the simple trio of ingredients you’ll need to create these irresistible s’mores bites. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using pantry staples to create a truly memorable treat.

• Graham Crackers (1 ½ cups, finely crushed): This is approximately 10-11 full sheets of graham crackers. They form the buttery, crunchy base that is the foundation of our s’mores bites.
• Unsalted Butter (7 tablespoons, melted): Melted butter acts as the binder for our crust, infusing it with a rich flavor and helping it bake to a perfect golden-brown crispness.
• Granulated Sugar (¼ cup): A little sugar is mixed into the crust to add a touch of sweetness and help it caramelize slightly in the oven, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Milk Chocolate Bars (4 full-size bars, approx. 1.55 oz each): Use good quality milk chocolate that you love to eat on its own. These bars will be broken into pieces to create pools of perfectly melted, gooey chocolate in the center of each bite.
• Mini Marshmallows (1 ½ cups): Mini marshmallows are the perfect size for this recipe. They melt evenly and toast beautifully under the broiler, creating that iconic golden-brown, gooey s’mores topping.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to ensure your Mini Graham Cracker S’mores Bites come out perfectly every time. This process is simple, straightforward, and fun to do with the whole family.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a standard 24-cup mini muffin pan by spraying it generously with non-stick cooking spray. This is a crucial step to prevent the bites from sticking and ensure they can be removed easily.
2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely crushed graham cracker crumbs and the granulated sugar. Pour the melted butter over the crumb mixture. Using a fork, toss everything together until all the crumbs are evenly moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Form the Crusts: Spoon approximately one tablespoon of the graham cracker mixture into each cup of the prepared mini muffin pan. Use your fingers, the back of a small spoon, or a tart tamper to firmly press the crumbs down and slightly up the sides of each cup. You want to create a small, sturdy base for the fillings.
4. First Bake: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5-6 minutes. This initial bake helps set the crust, making it firm and wonderfully crisp. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack.
5. Add the Chocolate: While the crusts are still warm, place a piece of the milk chocolate bar into the center of each graham cracker cup. The residual heat from the crust will begin to gently melt the chocolate from the bottom up.
6. Top with Marshmallows: Generously top each chocolate-filled cup with mini marshmallows. Don’t be shy here; you can pile them on as they will melt down and puff up. Aim for about 5-7 mini marshmallows per cup, ensuring the chocolate is completely covered.
7. The Final Toast: This is the most important step for achieving that classic s’mores look. Switch your oven setting to BROIL (high). Place the muffin pan back in the oven on a middle rack. WATCH IT CAREFULLY. The marshmallows will toast very quickly, usually within 30-60 seconds. You are looking for them to puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown. Do not walk away from the oven during this step, as they can go from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds.
8. Cool and Set: Once the marshmallows are toasted to your liking, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Let the s’mores bites cool in the muffin pan for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the melted chocolate and crust to set, making them easier to remove. To remove, you can gently run a thin knife or an offset spatula around the edge of each bite to loosen it before lifting it out.

Nutrition Facts

These s’mores bites are a delightful indulgence. The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on a serving size of two mini bites.

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 24 mini s’mores bites.
• Calories per serving (2 bites): Approximately 210 kcal. This accounts for the combination of the buttery crust, rich chocolate, and sugary marshmallows.
• Carbohydrates: As the primary components are sugar and graham crackers, these bites are a source of quick energy.
• Sugar: This is a sweet treat, with a significant portion of its calories coming from the granulated sugar, chocolate, and marshmallows.
• Fat: The fat content comes mainly from the butter in the crust and the cocoa butter in the chocolate, contributing to the rich flavor and texture.

Preparation Time

This recipe is celebrated for its speed and simplicity, making it perfect for a last-minute dessert craving or a quick party treat.

• Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
• Prep Time: 15 minutes. This includes crushing the graham crackers, mixing the crust, and assembling the bites in the pan.
• Cook Time: 6-7 minutes. This is broken down into 5-6 minutes for the initial crust bake and 30-60 seconds for the final toasting under the broiler.
• Cooling Time: At least 20 minutes. This is an essential, non-active part of the process that allows the bites to firm up properly before serving.

How to Serve

These Mini Graham Cracker S’mores Bites are incredibly versatile. You can serve them warm and gooey straight from the pan, or let them cool to room temperature for a firmer, neater treat. Here are some creative ways to serve them:

• The Classic Party Platter:
  • Arrange the s’mores bites on a large platter or tiered dessert stand.
  • Serve them alongside fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries, which provide a lovely tart contrast to the sweet s’mores.
  • The bites are perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings as they are single-serving and easy for guests to grab.
• Warm and À La Mode:
  • Serve two or three warm s’mores bites in a small bowl.
  • Top with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
  • The contrast between the warm, gooey s’mores and the cold, creamy ice cream is absolutely divine.
  • Finish with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch.
• S’mores Coffee Break:
  • Pair these bites with your favorite hot beverage.
  • They are a perfect accompaniment to a strong cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or a rich hot chocolate.
  • The flavors complement each other beautifully, making for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
• Dessert Garnish and Toppings:
  • Before the chocolate sets completely, sprinkle the tops with fun additions.
  • A pinch of flaky sea salt can enhance the chocolate flavor and cut through the sweetness.
  • A dusting of festive sprinkles can make them perfect for holidays or birthdays.
  • Crumbled toffee bits or chopped nuts add an extra layer of crunch and flavor.

Additional Tips for S’mores Perfection

Elevate your Mini Graham Cracker S’mores Bites from great to unforgettable with these eight expert tips.

1. Choose Your Chocolate Wisely: While the recipe calls for milk chocolate, feel free to experiment! Dark chocolate (60-70% cacao) will provide a richer, less sweet flavor that many adults prefer. You can also use specialty chocolate bars with caramel or a different filling. For ultimate ease, you can use chocolate chips, but using a piece from a chocolate bar tends to result in a meltier, more satisfying center.
2. The Perfect Crust Press: To get a uniform and sturdy crust, use a small, flat-bottomed object to press the crumbs into the muffin tin. The cap of a spice jar, a shot glass, or a specialized tart tamper works wonders. This ensures an even thickness and prevents the crust from being too crumbly.
3. Marshmallow Management: If you only have large marshmallows on hand, you can use kitchen shears to cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces. Lightly grease the shears with a bit of butter or non-stick spray to prevent them from getting sticky. This ensures an even melt and a perfect topping-to-base ratio.
4. Clean Cuts for Clean Serving: If you choose to make this recipe in a square baking pan instead of a muffin tin, getting clean slices can be tricky. The secret is to let the bars cool completely, and then refrigerate them for about 30 minutes. Use a large, sharp knife, running it under hot water and wiping it dry between each cut. This will give you beautiful, clean-edged s’mores bars.
5. Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the graham cracker crusts in the muffin tin ahead of time. Simply press them into the pan, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just add the chocolate and marshmallows and proceed with the final baking and broiling steps. This is a great time-saver for party prep.
6. Spice Up Your Crust: Don’t be afraid to add a little extra flavor to your graham cracker base. A ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon can add a wonderful warmth that complements the chocolate and marshmallow. For a holiday twist, a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice also works beautifully.
7. Storage for Lasting Freshness: Store any leftover s’mores bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The marshmallows may lose some of their initial crispness but will remain deliciously chewy. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make the graham cracker crust become soft.
8. Broiler Safety: The broiling step is fast and intense. To avoid burning, always place the pan on a middle rack, not the top one. This gives you a little more control over the toasting process. If your broiler has high and low settings, start with low. And it bears repeating: never walk away from the oven when the broiler is on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making these delightful Mini Graham Cracker S’mores Bites.

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the regular graham crackers with your favorite brand of gluten-free graham crackers. The rest of the ingredients—butter, sugar, chocolate, and marshmallows—are typically gluten-free, but always double-check the labels on your chocolate and marshmallows to be certain. The instructions remain exactly the same.

2. Why is my graham cracker crust too crumbly and falling apart?
This usually happens for one of two reasons. First, you may not have used enough melted butter to bind the crumbs together. Ensure your 7 tablespoons of butter are fully measured. Second, the crust may not have been pressed firmly enough into the muffin tin. It’s important to pack the crumbs down tightly to create a solid base that holds its shape after baking.

3. Can I use a different kind of pan if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
Yes, you can. This recipe can be adapted for an 8×8 inch square baking pan. You will follow the same instructions, pressing the entire crust mixture into the bottom of the greased pan. Bake the crust, then layer the chocolate bars to cover the surface, and top with the mini marshmallows. Bake until the chocolate is melty and broil until the top is golden. After cooling completely, you can slice them into bars.

4. How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning under the broiler?
The key is constant vigilance. A broiler works extremely fast. Position your oven rack in the middle of the oven, not directly under the heating element. Stay right by the oven door and watch them closely. The moment they reach your desired level of golden-brown, pull them out immediately. It can take as little as 30 seconds.

5. Can I add other ingredients like peanut butter or caramel?
Definitely! These s’mores bites are a wonderful base for creativity. For a peanut butter version, you could use mini peanut butter cups instead of plain chocolate pieces. For a caramel twist, place a small, soft caramel candy on top of the chocolate before adding the marshmallows, or drizzle the finished bites with caramel sauce.

6. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover Mini Graham Cracker S’mores Bites should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for about 3 days. The graham cracker crust will be at its crispiest on day one, but the bites will remain delicious. Storing them in the refrigerator can cause the crust to become soggy from condensation, so room temperature is best.

7. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an air fryer, especially if you’re making a smaller batch. You would need silicone muffin liners that can fit in your air fryer basket. Assemble the bites in the liners, then air fry at around 320°F (160°C) for 3-4 minutes to set the crust. Add the chocolate and marshmallows, then air fry again at a higher temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully until the marshmallows are toasted.

8. My chocolate isn’t melting completely. What should I do?
If your chocolate isn’t fully melted after the initial broiling, it could be that your oven’s broiler is very fast and toasted the marshmallows before the heat could penetrate. You can solve this by popping the pan back into the still-warm oven (with the oven turned off) for a few extra minutes after broiling. The residual heat will gently melt the chocolate the rest of the way into a perfect, gooey pool.