When I think back to my childhood, some of my fondest memories involve sitting around a small fire, roasting marshmallows until they were golden and gooey, then sandwiching them between chocolate and graham crackers. That moment of melting sweetness was pure magic, and it’s something I’ve always carried with me. Over time, I started experimenting with ways to bring that nostalgic campfire flavor indoors, and that’s how these Mini S’mores Pies came to life. They take the classic treat we all love and transform it into a charming little dessert that can be enjoyed year-round, no campfire required.
What I love most about these pies is how they capture the essence of s’mores in a perfectly portioned form. Instead of balancing chocolate bars and sticky marshmallows between crackers, everything is neatly layered into a buttery graham cracker crust. The result is a handheld pie that is both indulgent and neat enough to serve at gatherings, family dinners, or casual weekends.
You will absolutely love this recipe because it’s equal parts fun and delicious. The combination of textures – the crisp crust, the silky chocolate filling, and the fluffy toasted marshmallow topping – makes every bite exciting. They’re rich enough to satisfy a sweet tooth but still light enough to enjoy after a meal. And since they’re mini-sized, they feel special while being easy to share.
Another reason these pies are so versatile is that they work for countless occasions. You can make them for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, or even as a fun weeknight dessert. They look impressive when served but don’t require complicated techniques, making them approachable for bakers of all levels. You can even involve kids in the process since they’ll love helping to top each pie with marshmallows before toasting.
Affordability is also a major advantage of this recipe. The ingredients are simple pantry staples that you may already have on hand. Graham crackers, chocolate, butter, sugar, and marshmallows are the foundation of this dessert, and none of them will stretch your budget. It’s proof that you don’t need expensive items to make something that feels luxurious and indulgent.
Ingredients for Mini S’mores Pies
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Graham cracker crumbs
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Unsalted butter, melted
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Granulated sugar
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Semi-sweet chocolate chips or bars
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Heavy cream
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Large marshmallows or mini marshmallows
How to Prepare Mini S’mores Pies
Creating these Mini S’mores Pies is a rewarding process because every layer contributes to the nostalgic flavors of the classic campfire treat. The preparation is straightforward, and with a few simple steps, you’ll have a dessert that looks and tastes as though it came from a bakery.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble damp sand. Scoop portions of the mixture into the wells of a muffin tin or small tart pans. Using the back of a spoon or your fingers, press the crumbs firmly along the bottom and sides to form compact crusts. Bake for about 6–8 minutes until the crusts are golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool completely before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling
While the crusts cool, prepare the chocolate filling. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and immediately pour over semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for a minute to soften the chocolate, then whisk until smooth and glossy. This ganache will serve as the luscious center of your pies.
Step 3: Assemble the Pies
Once the crusts are cool, spoon or pour the chocolate filling into each crust, filling them almost to the top. Smooth the tops with a spoon or spatula to create an even surface. Place the filled pies in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the chocolate to set. Chilling ensures the filling holds its shape while still remaining silky when bitten into.
Step 4: Add the Marshmallow Topping
After the chocolate has firmed, it’s time for the marshmallow topping. You can use either large marshmallows cut in half or mini marshmallows. Place them neatly on top of each pie to cover the chocolate layer completely.
Step 5: Toast the Marshmallows
For that iconic s’mores flavor, you’ll need to toast the marshmallows until they’re golden brown. This can be done under the oven broiler for a minute or two, or with a kitchen torch for more control. Keep a close eye during this step, as marshmallows can burn quickly. Once they reach your desired toastiness, remove them from heat and let the pies cool for a few minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
The pies are now ready to be enjoyed. Serve them slightly warm for gooey marshmallows or at room temperature for a neat presentation. They can also be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated before serving.
Quick and Easy
This recipe comes together quickly thanks to the minimal ingredient list and straightforward steps. The crust can be prepared in minutes, the filling requires little more than heating cream and mixing chocolate, and the marshmallows toast in seconds. Even with chilling time, the hands-on work is light, making these pies accessible even on busy days.
Customizable
One of the best features of Mini S’mores Pies is their flexibility. You can swap semi-sweet chocolate for milk chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your taste. For extra flavor, add a spoonful of peanut butter or caramel sauce beneath the chocolate layer before chilling. If you prefer a lighter topping, whipped cream with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs is a delicious alternative to marshmallows.
Popular with Many People
Mini S’mores Pies are a crowd-pleaser. Their nostalgic flavor appeals to both kids and adults, and their neat, individual size makes them easy to serve at parties, bake sales, or holiday gatherings. Because they look elegant while being simple to prepare, they often surprise guests with just how impressive a little creativity can be.
These pies embody the perfect mix of familiarity and innovation. They honor the traditional s’mores we all know and love while transforming them into a modern, practical dessert that can be enjoyed anywhere. With each bite, you’ll experience that wonderful combination of buttery crust, velvety chocolate, and toasted marshmallow – a trio that never fails to delight.
PrintMini S’mores Pies
These Mini S’mores Pies bring the nostalgic flavor of campfire s’mores into a bite-sized, mess-free dessert. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth chocolate filling, and a toasted marshmallow topping, they are simple to make, affordable, and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 12 large marshmallows (halved) or 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. The mixture should resemble damp sand.
- Spoon the mixture into the wells of a muffin tin, pressing it firmly into the bottom and sides to form crusts.
- Bake the crusts for 6–8 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
- Spoon or pour the chocolate filling into each cooled crust, filling almost to the top. Smooth the tops with a spoon.
- Refrigerate the filled crusts for at least 1 hour, allowing the chocolate to set.
- Once chilled, arrange marshmallows on top of each pie, covering the surface.
- Toast marshmallows under the oven broiler for 1–2 minutes or until golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Use mini marshmallows for a more even topping, or large marshmallows cut in half for a classic look.
A kitchen torch gives more control when toasting marshmallows.
These pies are best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FAQs
Can I make Mini S’mores Pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust and chocolate filling a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, then top with marshmallows and toast just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What type of chocolate works best for this recipe?
Semi-sweet chocolate offers a balanced sweetness, but you can use milk chocolate for a creamier taste or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Choose high-quality chocolate to achieve the smoothest filling.
Do I need special pans for this recipe?
No, a standard muffin tin works perfectly for creating mini pies. If you prefer a more refined presentation, you can also use small tart pans or ramekins.
How do I store leftover Mini S’mores Pies?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat briefly under the broiler or with a kitchen torch to refresh the marshmallow topping.
Can I freeze these pies?
It’s not recommended to freeze them once topped with marshmallows, as the texture changes. However, you can freeze the crust and chocolate filling, then add fresh marshmallows later.
Are there variations for dietary needs?
Yes, you can use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and dairy-free chocolate with coconut cream to make the filling suitable for vegan or lactose-intolerant guests.