S’mores recipes for camping
S’mores are a classic campfire dessert built around toasted marshmallows, chocolate and biscuits. While not suited to lightweight hiking food systems, they remain a simple morale booster for base camps, family trips and car camping.
This guide focuses on practical Australian ingredient substitutes, safe campfire preparation and a few variations that work well outdoors.
What you’ll need for a traditional s’more
Core ingredients
- Marshmallows: Standard large marshmallows toast evenly over coals.
- Chocolate: Plain milk or dark chocolate squares melt reliably.
- Biscuits: Graham crackers are uncommon in Australia. Digestives, wheatmeal biscuits or Arnott’s Granita biscuits work well.
How to assemble
- Toast the marshmallow slowly over glowing coals rather than open flame to prevent burning.
- Place chocolate on one biscuit.
- Add the hot marshmallow on top of the chocolate.
- Press the second biscuit on top and allow residual heat to melt the chocolate.
Campfire variations
Peanut butter s’mores
Spread peanut butter on one biscuit before adding chocolate and marshmallow. The combined fats increase richness and energy density.
Oreo s’mores
Replace plain biscuits with Oreo-style biscuits. For a lighter option, remove the cream filling.
Nutella s’mores
Substitute chocolate squares with a spoonful of Nutella. Works well for quick melting.
Foil-wrapped s’mores
Assemble the full s’more, wrap tightly in foil and place near hot coals for 2–3 minutes. This reduces flame contact and improves melt consistency.
Banana or berry layer
Add sliced banana or strawberries between chocolate and marshmallow for additional flavour and texture.
Jaffle-style dessert
Spread Nutella or peanut butter on bread, add marshmallows, and cook in a jaffle iron over coals until lightly toasted.
Fire safety and practical considerations
- Cook over embers, not flames.
- Keep children supervised around fires.
- Check local fire restrictions before lighting campfires.
- Pack out all wrappers and foil.
When s’mores make sense
S’mores are best suited to base camps, short overnight trips, and car-access camping. They are not efficient within a lightweight multi-day hiking food system due to bulk, melt risk and low nutrient density.
For remote or high-output hikes, reserve treats like this for the final night or post-trip celebration.
What’s your go-to s’mores twist when you’re camping? Any unique ingredients you’ve tried that took it to the next level?
Nice. #nepalpackagetour