Celebrate National S’mores Day with These Sweet Ideas

My favorite part of a s'more is the chocolate, but once I explored other ways to incorporate the sweetness, I was hooked. For some tasty alternatives, substitute the typical chocolate bar with a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, a cookies-and-cream flavored candy bar, or a piece of flat chocolate that is mint infused, like an Andes. A caramel-filled candy works, and is just as yummy too, or simply drizzle some on top once the sandwich is  completely formed. You could also try spreading just plain peanut butter or something more flavorful, like Nutella on the crackers prior to plopping in the mallow between the two. Even if you find that you just can't part with the melty-deliciousness of a chocolate bar, you can still do all of these add-ons with it still included as well.

To make an even sweeter fireside treat, add some fresh fruit into the mix. You can't go wrong with placing a few raspberries or cut-up strawberry pieces alongside the chocolate. For those feeling even more adventurous, slice up some ripe peaches or bananas and put them on top. Or if you combine two of these tasty twists, you could make a peanut butter and banana s'more...yum! You could even ditch the graham crackers all together, cut a banana in half length-wise and stuff your toasted mallows and chocolate inside for a decadent spin on the dessert. The possibilities are endless!

I already mentioned trying a variety of spreads to offer different flavors, but you could also add more toppings to a regular s'more to make it even more mouthwatering. If you can refrain from eating all of it from the carton ahead of time, spread some cookie dough in the middle of your marshmallow sandwich. Or, you could throw in a bit of white chocolate along with the milk or dark chocolate you're already using. Little candies like butterscotch kisses are easy to add on top and melt right in to the chocolate. For a sweet and salty dessert, top off your s'more with some warm, crispy bacon. I've also heard of people adding jams and jellies too, or scoop on a dollop of your favorite ice cream.

While the graham crackers might seem like an essential ingredient for this nighttime treat, there are numerous other options that you can use to hold your sandwich together. If you don't want to go with the inside-a-banana route, fear not, you have other choices! For another sweet and salty combo, use pretzels in place of the crackers. It might get a little messy, but it's all going in your belly anyways (and probably all over your face too). If you are really craving a savory dessert, use cookies as both sides of the sandwich. Peanut butter, chocolate chip, shortbread, Oreos, molasses, even Girl Scout Cookies– it doesn't matter what kind you use, they are all fantastic! For a bit simpler of a switch-up, just try an alternative flavor of graham cracker, like chocolate.