Craving the campfire classic, s’mores, but don’t have a campfire? Or maybe you just want a fun, shareable dessert that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser? Look no further than this S’mores Dessert Pizza! It captures all the irresistible flavors of graham crackers, chocolate, and perfectly toasted marshmallows in an easy-to-make, pizza-shaped treat. Forget the frustration of burnt marshmallows – this recipe uses a simple trick to ensure they’re gooey and golden every single time!
Why You’ll Love This S’mores Dessert Pizza
This isn’t just another dessert; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll be making this s’mores pizza again and again:
- S’mores without the campfire: Enjoy that classic flavor combo any time of year.
- Perfectly gooey marshmallows: No more burnt or rock-hard marshmallows thanks to our secret technique.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a great recipe for all skill levels.
- Shareable: Pizza is meant to be shared, and this dessert pizza is no exception! Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family movie night.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the chocolate, marshmallows, and toppings to your personal preferences.
Gathering Your Ingredients for S’mores Dessert Pizza
Let’s talk about the key players in this delicious s’mores symphony. The foundation is a crisp and buttery graham cracker crust, followed by layers of melted chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and a final sprinkle of graham cracker goodness. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving that perfect s’mores flavor profile we all know and love.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: These form the base of our pizza, providing that signature s’mores flavor. Make sure to use finely ground crumbs for a smooth, even crust.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Butter binds the crumbs together and adds a rich, buttery flavor. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the crust.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to complement the graham crackers and enhance the overall flavor.
- For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet): The creamy, melty layer that everyone craves. Milk chocolate provides a sweeter, more classic s’mores flavor, while semi-sweet offers a slightly richer, more complex taste.
- 6 ounces milk chocolate bar, chopped: Adding chopped chocolate bar pieces creates pockets of intense chocolate flavor and adds a nice textural contrast to the melted chocolate chips.
- For the Marshmallow Topping:
- 4 cups mini marshmallows (or regular marshmallows, cut into pieces): The star of the show! Mini marshmallows distribute more evenly and melt faster, but regular marshmallows cut into smaller pieces work just as well.
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (for topping): A final sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs adds a touch of texture and visual appeal to the finished pizza.
Crafting Your S’mores Dessert Pizza: Step-by-Step
Ready to create your own s’mores masterpiece? Don’t be intimidated – this recipe is easier than you think! The key to success is all in the timing, especially when it comes to those marshmallows. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a perfectly gooey and delicious s’mores dessert pizza.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This is crucial for even baking and preventing the crust from burning. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you start assembling the pizza.
- Prepare the graham cracker crust. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. This wet sand consistency is what allows the crust to bind together properly.
- Press the crust into the pan. Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9 or 10 inch round pizza pan or a pie plate. Using the bottom of a measuring cup can help you create a smooth, even surface. Make sure to press firmly to ensure the crust holds its shape during baking.
- Bake the crust. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes, just until it’s set and lightly golden around the edges. This pre-baking step ensures the crust is firm enough to hold the chocolate and marshmallow toppings. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Melt the chocolate chips. While the crust is still warm, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top. Let them sit for 2 to 3 minutes to soften from the heat of the crust. Then, gently spread the melted chocolate over the entire crust using a spatula or the back of a spoon. This creates a smooth, even chocolate base.
- Add chopped chocolate. Scatter the chopped milk chocolate bar pieces evenly over the melted chocolate layer. These pieces will melt slightly in the oven, creating pockets of extra chocolatey goodness.
- The secret to gooey marshmallows! Evenly distribute the marshmallows over the pizza at this stage. This is the most important step for achieving perfectly gooey, toasted marshmallows. Adding them now ensures they are exposed to the oven heat for a shorter, controlled time, preventing them from burning or melting into a puddle.
- Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs evenly over the marshmallows and chocolate. This adds a touch of texture and visual appeal to the finished pizza.
- Bake again (briefly!). Return the pizza to the oven for only 3 to 5 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed and lightly golden brown in spots. Watch them very closely during this step, as they can toast quickly! The goal is to achieve a perfectly toasted marshmallow exterior with a gooey, melted interior.
- Cool and serve. Let the pizza cool on a wire rack for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the chocolate to set slightly, making it easier to cut. The marshmallows will still be soft and gooey, creating that classic s’mores experience.
Tips for Perfect S’mores Dessert Pizza Every Time
Want to take your s’mores dessert pizza to the next level? Here are a few pro tips to ensure success:
- Don’t overbake the crust. A slightly underbaked crust is better than a burnt one. Keep a close eye on it during the pre-baking step.
- Use a good quality chocolate. The better the chocolate, the better the flavor of the finished pizza.
- Watch the marshmallows like a hawk! They can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds. Stay vigilant during the final baking step.
- Let it cool slightly before slicing. This allows the chocolate to set up and prevents the toppings from sliding off.
- Get creative with toppings! Add a sprinkle of sea salt, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel for extra flavor and texture.
What to Serve With S’mores Dessert Pizza
This s’mores dessert pizza is a showstopper on its own, but it also pairs well with other treats and beverages. Consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination, or alongside a platter of fresh fruit for a lighter option. For a cozy night in, this pizza would be perfect with a batch of our golden cloud cookies!
Your S’mores Dessert Pizza Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cut the regular marshmallows into smaller pieces before scattering them over the pizza. This will help them melt more evenly and prevent them from being too large and overwhelming.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
While the s’mores dessert pizza is best served fresh, you can prepare the graham cracker crust ahead of time. Simply bake the crust as directed, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to assemble the pizza, just add the toppings and bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even peanut butter chips. Each type of chocolate will add its own unique flavor to the pizza, so choose your favorite!
My marshmallows are burning too quickly! What should I do?
If your marshmallows are browning too quickly, try lowering the oven temperature slightly or covering the pizza loosely with foil during the final baking step. This will help to slow down the browning process and prevent the marshmallows from burning.
What if I don’t have a pizza pan?
No problem! You can easily make this s’mores dessert pizza in a pie plate or even on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Enjoy Your Homemade S’mores Dessert Pizza!
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for a S’mores Dessert Pizza that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. With its irresistible combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and gooey marshmallows, this pizza is guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of campfire perfection, right in your own kitchen! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how your s’mores pizza turned out. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends on social media!
