PB&J S’mores – made with graham crackers, peanut butter cups, strawberry marshmallows, and a touch of fire for an ooey-gooey, nostalgic treat.
When I was a kid, summer nights meant campfires, sticky fingers, and countless attempts to make the perfect s’more. But as I grew older, I started craving a twist on the classic—and thus, PB&J S’mores were born! It all started when I discovered strawberry marshmallows at a local bakery and decided to experiment with peanut butter cups instead of plain chocolate. It instantly transported me back to carefree summer days, but with a grown-up flair. Now, these are a summer staple in my home, especially for 4th of July celebrations. Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse to play with fire?
Why You’ll Love This PB&J S’mores
These aren’t just your average campfire s’mores. The combination of sweet, fruity strawberry marshmallows and the creamy peanut butter inside the chocolate cups is pure genius. The flavors meld into a perfectly nostalgic yet elevated dessert that feels like childhood wrapped in a cozy hug. Plus, they’re super easy to make, even if you don’t have a bonfire—hello, kitchen torch! Bonus: They’re a great conversation starter at parties because everyone freaks out about how fun (and delicious) they are.
Ingredient Notes
Each ingredient in these PB&J S’mores brings a unique twist to the classic treat. Here’s why they’re important:
- Graham Crackers: The crunchy foundation for holding all that gooey goodness. You can use flavored graham crackers for even more pizzazz.
- Peanut Butter Cups: A creamy, chocolatey upgrade to the usual chocolate squares. They add a great salty-sweet combo.
- Strawberry Marshmallows: These give the “jelly” flavor and make the s’mores extra special. Homemade or bakery-bought makes them even better.
- Something stick-like: Perfect for marshmallow toasting. Think skewers or even a sturdy fork.
- Fire: The magic ingredient! If you don’t have a campfire, a kitchen torch or stovetop will do the trick.
How To Make This PB&J S’mores
Making these s’mores is easier than you think, and you don’t need to wait for a camping trip. Here’s how you do it:
- Step 1: Cut your peanut butter cups in half. Lay half of one peanut butter cup on a graham cracker square, peanut butter side facing up. Set aside.
- Step 2: Fire up your marshmallow toasting setup (campfire, torch, or stovetop) and toast your marshmallows until they’re golden brown and gooey inside.
- Step 3: Place a toasted marshmallow on top of each peanut butter cup. Cap it with another graham cracker and lightly press to spread the marshmallow.
- Step 4: Let the s’mores sit for a minute so the heat from the marshmallow melts the peanut butter and chocolate. Then dig in!
Storage Options
While s’mores are best enjoyed fresh, you can pre-assemble these (minus the toasting) and store them in an airtight container for a day. If you’re prepping marshmallows in advance, homemade ones can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. Leftovers? Unlikely. But if you somehow have any, don’t try to refrigerate them—they’ll lose that perfect texture.
Variations and Substitutions
You can make these PB&J S’mores your own with a few simple swaps:
- Chocolate Variations: Use dark chocolate peanut butter cups for a richer flavor or white chocolate ones for a sweeter twist.
- Marshmallow Flavors: Don’t stop at strawberry! Try raspberry, vanilla, or even chocolate marshmallows to switch things up.
- Cracker Alternatives: Swap graham crackers for chocolate wafer cookies or shortbread for a fun twist on texture.
- Nut Butter Options: Allergic to peanuts? Go for almond butter cups or sunflower seed butter cups instead.
What to Serve with This PB&J S’mores
A dessert this fun deserves a little something to make it a meal (or at least a solid snack session):
- Homemade Lemonade: The tart and sweet combo balances perfectly with the richness of the s’mores.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop alongside your s’mores adds a creamy, cool touch to this warm, gooey treat.
- Fresh Berry Salad: Light and refreshing, it pairs beautifully with strawberry marshmallows while keeping things fruity.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these indoors without a campfire?
A: Absolutely! A kitchen torch works brilliantly, or you can use your stovetop flame (carefully) to toast the marshmallows.
Q: Can I use regular marshmallows instead of strawberry?
A: Of course, but you’ll miss out on the fruity “jelly” vibe. If you’re in a pinch, you can spread a little strawberry jam on the marshmallow before assembling.
Q: How do I stop the s’mores from getting too messy?
A: Part of the charm is the mess, but you can let them cool for a minute after assembling to firm up the marshmallow and chocolate before biting in. Just try to keep napkins handy!
PB&J S'mores
Ingredients
S'mores Components
- 6 graham crackers halved (to make 6 s'mores, use 12 cracker squares)
- 3 peanut butter cups standard size, each halved
- 6 strawberry marshmallows store-bought or homemade
- 1 something stick-like for skewering marshmallows
- fire campfire, grill, or kitchen torch for toasting
Equipment
- Serrated Knife
- Something stick-like
- Fire or kitchen torch
Instructions
- Prep the peanut butter cups first: one at a time, place them face down on a flat surface and cut in half with a serrated knife. Place one peanut butter cup half (peanut butter side up) on half of the graham crackers.
- Toast your marshmallows over the fire of your choice until charred on the outside and gooey on the inside. Place a marshmallow on top of each peanut butter cup, top with another peanut butter cup half, then another graham cracker. Press down lightly to mash the marshmallow a bit.
- Let the s'mores sit for a minute so the warmth of the marshmallow melts the chocolate.
- Eat it! Then eat another one.
