Decadent Peanut Butter Stuffed S’mores Bites: Your New Favorite No-Campfire Treat
Summer days are synonymous with s’mores, that iconic campfire treat that evokes sweet memories of childhood and warm evenings under the stars. But what if you could capture all that gooey, chocolatey, marshmallow-y goodness without the need for a flickering flame, smoky clothes, or battling a swarm of mosquitoes? Enter these incredible Peanut Butter Stuffed S’mores Bites – a game-changer for anyone craving this classic dessert, anytime, anywhere!
This isn’t just another s’mores recipe; it’s a revolutionary take on a beloved classic. With just five simple ingredients, these delightful bites come together quickly, requiring absolutely no campfire. They are perfectly portioned for easy, one-handed eating, making them ideal for parties, picnics, or a cozy night in. And the secret ingredient that elevates them from simply delicious to truly extraordinary? A rich, creamy peanut butter cup nestled right in the center, transforming each bite into an explosion of flavors and textures that you won’t soon forget.
Why These S’mores Bites Will Be Your New Go-To Dessert
No Campfire? No Problem!
One of the biggest advantages of these s’mores bites is their incredible versatility. While the crackle of a campfire and the smell of woodsmoke are certainly part of the s’mores tradition, they’re not always practical. Whether you live in an apartment, the weather isn’t cooperating, or you simply don’t have access to an outdoor fire pit, these oven-baked treats ensure you can enjoy the magic of s’mores year-round. Say goodbye to sticky fingers from toasted marshmallows over an open flame and hello to perfectly baked, ready-to-eat individual portions.
Effortless & Quick: Just 5 Ingredients and 15 Minutes!
In our busy lives, recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort are pure gold. This recipe is a testament to that principle. Using only five core ingredients – graham crackers, butter, sugar, peanut butter cups, and marshmallows – you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a batch. From prep to plate, these s’mores bites are ready in about 15 minutes, making them an excellent choice for spontaneous cravings or last-minute gatherings. They’re also wonderfully fun to make with kids, creating new memories without the hassle of a traditional campfire setup.
The Peanut Butter Cup Advantage: A Decadent Twist
Let’s be honest: while classic s’mores are delicious, the traditional chocolate bar isn’t always everyone’s favorite. Some find it too sweet, others too waxy, and often it doesn’t melt quite right. This recipe offers a brilliant upgrade by stuffing each s’mores bite with a miniature peanut butter cup. The combination of salty peanut butter and sweet chocolate is a match made in heaven, perfectly complementing the buttery graham cracker crust and the gooey toasted marshmallow. The peanut butter cup melts into a rich, creamy core that makes these bites truly “extra extra special” and undeniably addictive.
Beyond the Peanut Butter Cup: Customization Options
While we wholeheartedly endorse the peanut butter cup stuffing, we understand that taste buds vary. If you’re not a fan of peanut butter or simply want to try a different flavor profile, these bites are wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to substitute the peanut butter cups with a piece of your favorite gourmet chocolate – a square of rich, dark chocolate, a creamy milk chocolate, or even a caramel-filled chocolate would be absolutely divine. Imagine the sophisticated touch of a Dove chocolate square, melting into a luxurious pool beneath the marshmallow! The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor these treats to your exact preference.
The Anatomy of a Perfect S’mores Bite
Imagine biting into one of these miniature marvels. First, you encounter the crisp, buttery graham cracker crust, subtly sweetened and providing the perfect foundation. Then, your teeth sink into the soft, perfectly toasted marshmallow, still warm and slightly gooey. But the real surprise lies within: a molten, utterly decadent peanut butter cup, its chocolate and peanut butter flavors mingling harmoniously. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes – crunchy, chewy, smooth, sweet, and just a hint of salty. This layered delight truly kicks traditional s’mores out of the ballpark, offering a more refined and intensely flavorful experience.
Perfect for Any Gathering
These Peanut Butter Stuffed S’mores Bites are more than just a dessert; they’re a crowd-pleasing phenomenon. Their individual portion size makes them incredibly easy to serve and enjoy at any event. Bring them to your next summer BBQ, a Fourth of July celebration, a casual get-together with friends, or simply enjoy them as a family dessert. They travel well, are less messy than traditional s’mores, and are guaranteed to be a hit with both children and adults. Prepare for rave reviews and requests for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients and Tools for Success
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Let’s take a closer look at the key components:
- Graham Crackers: Use plain graham crackers. Crushing them fine is important for a cohesive crust. A food processor makes quick work of this, but a plastic bag and a rolling pin work just as well for a fun, hands-on activity.
- Salted Butter: Melted butter binds the crust together, giving it that classic buttery flavor. If you only have unsalted butter, a small pinch of salt can be added to the crust mixture.
- Granulated Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the crust without overpowering the other elements.
- Peanut Butter Cups: Miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are perfect for this, but any brand of mini peanut butter cups will do. Make sure they are unwrapped before you begin!
- Large Marshmallows: Cut in half, these create the ideal gooey topping. A handy tip for cutting marshmallows without a sticky mess is to lightly oil your scissors or fingers.
- Optional Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon in the crust adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that beautifully complements the chocolate and peanut butter. Don’t skip it if you’re a cinnamon fan!
The only special equipment you’ll need is a mini muffin pan. This is crucial for creating the perfect bite-sized portions and ensures each s’mores cup holds its shape. If you’re looking for a good quality mini muffin pan, we used this one, and it works wonderfully for these and other mini baked goods.
Peanut Butter Stuffed S’mores Bites
7 minutes
8 minutes
15 minutes
Summer time means s’mores time! But give my s’mores bites a try! NO campfire required and just 5 simple ingredients. And they’re easy to eat with just 1 hand. These s’mores bites are stuffed with peanut butter cups to make them EXTRA EXTRA special!
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup (9 sheets) graham crackers
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
- 1 pinch cinnamon (optional)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 24 peanut butter cups, such as Reese’s
- 12 large marshmallows cut in half (see note)
Instructions
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a mini muffin tray with cooking spray, set aside.
- Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor or place them in a plastic bag and smash with a rolling pin. In a medium bowl, combine the graham crackers, cinnamon, sugar, and melted butter.
- Divide the graham cracker mixture among the muffin cups. Press down to form shallows cups. Place a peanut butter cup in each muffin cup and top with a marshmallow.
- Bake the s’mores cups for 6-8 minutes or until the marshmallows start to brown at the top. For even more charred tops, let them sit under the broiler 1 minute, keeping a close eye on them as they will go from crisp to burnt in seconds! Let the s’mores cups cool for 15-20 minutes in the mini muffin pan before attempting to remove.
Notes
- I find the easiest way to cut marshmallows is to oil your scissors with either cooking spray or using a napkin dipped in oil. This helps cut the marshmallows without a mess.
Have you made this recipe?
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Tips for Perfect S’mores Bites Every Time
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your s’mores bites in the oven, especially if using the broiler for a charred top. Marshmallows can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Six to eight minutes is usually sufficient for the marshmallows to puff up and get lightly browned.
- Cooling is Crucial: It might be tempting to dive right in, but allowing the s’mores bites to cool in the mini muffin pan for 15-20 minutes is essential. This gives the graham cracker crust time to set and the melted chocolate to firm up slightly, preventing them from falling apart when removed.
- Storage: Store any leftover s’mores bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. While best enjoyed fresh, they can be gently reheated in the microwave for a few seconds to regain some of their gooeyness.
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