Craving s’mores but don’t want to build a campfire in my backyard?

I was staring at my pantry last night, desperately wanting something sweet but not wanting to make a whole cake.

Then I spotted those graham crackers sitting next to my bag of mini marshmallows, practically begging to be turned into something magical.

Let me tell you that moment of inspiration changed my dessert game forever! I grabbed my muffin tin, whipped up these adorable mini s’mores pies, and had campfire nostalgia in bite-sized form within an hour.

The secret? Those perfectly portioned layers of graham cracker crust, rich chocolate filling, and golden toasted marshmallows create the ultimate s’mores experience.

Trust me, these aren’t just desserts – they’re tiny pieces of childhood magic that look fancy but are surprisingly simple to make. Ready to bring the campfire indoors? Let’s create some sweet magic!

Recipe Notes

Let’s Get Baking – Step by Step!

This recipe has been perfected through numerous taste tests (what a tough job!).

No campfire is required, just an oven and a muffin tin. Grab an apron and turn the kitchen into the coziest s’mores station ever!

1. Preparing the Crust

First, preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin. A little extra butter or cooking spray goes a long way in preventing sticky situations later!

In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and that pinch of salt. The mixture should hold together when squeezed in the palm. If it’s too dry, add another tablespoon of melted butter.

Pro Tip: Place graham crackers in a sealed bag and crush them with a rolling pin for the perfect texture. The baker should aim for fine crumbs with a few slightly larger pieces for texture.

2. Forming the Mini Crusts

Here’s where the magic starts! Divide the crumb mixture evenly among the muffin cups, using about 2 tablespoons per cup.

Then, using the back of a spoon or fingers, press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them because graham crackers can go from perfect to burnt in seconds!

Pro Tip: Use a small glass or the bottom of another muffin cup to press the crusts evenly. This creates uniform pockets that hold the filling perfectly.

3. Making the Chocolate Filling

While the crusts cool, make the most luscious chocolate filling. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer – tiny bubbles around the edges indicate it’s ready.

Pour that hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl and let it sit for 2 minutes. Then stir gently until it becomes silky smooth. Finally, whisk in the butter and vanilla for extra richness.

Pro Tip: The baker should make sure the cream doesn’t boil, as this can cause the chocolate to seize. Low and slow creates the smoothest ganache.

4. Assembly Time

This is the favorite part! Spoon the warm chocolate filling into each cooled crust, filling them about ¾ full. Give the muffin tin a gentle tap on the counter to settle the filling and eliminate any air bubbles.

Now comes the marshmallow magic – top each pie with a generous handful of mini marshmallows, pressing them gently into the chocolate while it’s still slightly warm.

Pro Tip: For extra toasted flavor, the baker can lightly toast some marshmallows with a kitchen torch before adding them. This adds an authentic campfire taste.

5. The Final Toast

Pop the filled pies back into the oven for 5-7 minutes, just until the marshmallows are golden and slightly puffed.

Oversee them because marshmallows can go from perfect to charcoal faster than you can say “s’mores”! After they come out, let them cool completely in the pan – this is the most challenging part because they smell incredible!

Pro Tip: The baker should resist the urge to remove the pies too early. Letting them set for at least 2 hours ensures clean removal and perfect slicing.

6. The Grand Finale

Once cooled, carefully run a knife around the edges and gently twist each pie out of the muffin tin. Sprinkle the tops with crushed graham crackers and drizzle with melted chocolate for that extra wow factor.

The first bite delivers everything loved about s’mores – that buttery crunch, rich chocolate, and pillowy marshmallow – all in one perfect little package!

Pro Tip: For easier removal, the baker can line the muffin cups with paper liners. This also makes them perfect for gifting or picnics.

Nutrition Facts

These mini treats pack all the s’mores flavor into a perfectly portioned dessert that won’t leave you feeling too guilty!

Note: These are approximate values, the exact nutrition depends on your specific ingredients and portions. But honestly, when something tastes this amazing, who’s really counting?

Storage & Serving Secrets

These mini s’mores pies taste incredible fresh, but here’s how I keep them perfect for days!

• Storing: I keep my mini pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The marshmallows stay soft, and the chocolate filling maintains its perfect texture.
• Refrigerating: For longer storage, I store them in the fridge for up to a week. For the best texture, I let them come to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
• Freezing magic: When I want to prep ahead, I freeze the assembled pies (before the final marshmallow toasting) for up to 2 months. I add fresh marshmallows and toast when ready to serve!
• Reheating hack: For that just-made taste, I warm individual pies in a 300°F oven for 3-4 minutes. The marshmallows get gooey again, and the chocolate becomes perfectly creamy.

Make It Your Own: Creative Twists!

I love switching up this recipe when I want to surprise my family with something different:

Chocolate Variations

• Dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor
• White chocolate for a sweeter twist
• Peanut butter chips for a nutty surprise

Fun Add-ins

• Crushed cookies mixed into the crust
• A dollop of peanut butter in the filling
• Toasted coconut flakes on top

Dietary Swaps

• Gluten-free graham crackers work perfectly
• Coconut cream instead of heavy cream for dairy-free
• Sugar-free chocolate chips for lower sugar

Perfect Pairings for Your Mini S’mores Pies

When serving these adorable pies, create the ultimate dessert experience. Here are the favorite accompaniments:

1. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Scoop creamy vanilla ice cream right alongside these warm pies. The cold creaminess against the warm, gooey marshmallows creates the most incredible temperature contrast!

2. Hot Chocolate Bar

For the ultimate s’mores experience, set up a hot chocolate station with marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. It’s like a campfire party in the dining room!

3. Fresh Berry Compote

When adding a bright note, quickly simmer mixed berries with a touch of sugar. The tartness complements the sweetness beautifully and adds a gorgeous color to the plate.

4. Coffee or Cold Milk

Nothing pairs better with chocolate than a steaming mug of coffee for the adults or ice-cold glasses of milk for the kids. It’s the perfect way to wash down all that s’mores goodness.

Turn Tonight Into a Sweet Experience!

I started with a simple craving for s’mores and ended up with a dessert that makes every night feel like a camping trip under the stars!

These mini s’mores pies have become my go-to treat for everything from casual family dinners to impressive dinner parties.

The individual portions, with their perfect balance of textures and those adorable toasted marshmallow tops, create pure joy in every single bite.

Ready to bring some campfire magic to your kitchen?

Give this recipe a try tonight. Please take a picture of your golden marshmallow masterpieces before they disappear, and let me know in the comments which creative twist you tried!

Your inner child will thank you for this sweet trip down memory lane.