introduction
Deep Fried S’mores are a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat. With the crispy, golden crunch of deep-fried batter on the outside, and the gooey, melty chocolate and marshmallow center, it’s a dessert that brings a sense of nostalgia with an added twist of indulgence. While the traditional s’mores are made by roasting marshmallows over an open flame and sandwiching them between graham crackers and chocolate, the deep-fried version takes this beloved treat to new heights, turning it into a rich, decadent snack that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. This fun, innovative dessert is perfect for those looking to enjoy s’mores in a completely different, more indulgent way.
The History of Deep Fried S’mores
The history of deep-fried s’mores is relatively modern and an offshoot of the growing trend of deep-frying desserts and comfort foods. This style of dessert originated in the U.S. during the early 2000s, as deep-fried foods became more popular at state fairs and carnivals. Food vendors began experimenting with deep-frying various sweet treats, from Oreos to candy bars, and s’mores was an obvious next choice. The idea of deep-frying s’mores caught on quickly, combining the familiar taste of a campfire snack with the irresistible allure of fried food, and it became a hit at fairs, food trucks, and gourmet dessert shops across the country. With its warm, crispy exterior and gooey, chocolatey interior, deep-fried s’mores bring joy to those with a sweet tooth and a penchant for the extraordinary.
Ingredients Breakdown
To create deep-fried s’mores, you will need some simple ingredients, each contributing to the unique texture and flavor of the dessert. First, graham crackers serve as the base, providing that signature crunch. These are broken into pieces, which will sandwich the chocolate and marshmallows inside. For the filling, the key ingredients are chocolate (typically milk chocolate for sweetness) and marshmallows, which melt to create that iconic gooey center. To coat the s’mores, you’ll need an egg mixture for the batter and flour, which creates a light, golden crust when deep-fried. Additionally, powdered sugar is often used for sprinkling on top to add a touch of sweetness once fried. Oil, of course, is necessary for deep-frying, and you can choose vegetable oil, canola oil, or any neutral oil with a high smoke point.
Step-by-Step Recipe
To make deep-fried s’mores, start by assembling the traditional s’mores components. Take graham crackers and break them into squares. Place a square of milk chocolate and a marshmallow in between two graham cracker pieces, just as you would in a normal s’more. Once the s’mores are assembled, set them aside. Next, create a batter by whisking together flour, a pinch of salt, an egg, and milk until smooth. This mixture should be slightly thick to coat the s’mores evenly without running off. Prepare your frying oil by heating it in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Dip each assembled s’more into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated, and gently lower it into the hot oil. Fry for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and let any excess oil drip off before placing the deep-fried s’mores on a paper towel-lined plate. Finally, dust with powdered sugar for an extra sweet touch. Allow the s’mores to cool slightly before biting into the gooey goodness.
Tips for the Perfect Deep-Fried S’mores
For the best results, use a high-quality chocolate that will melt smoothly and create a creamy filling inside the s’more. You can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, depending on your taste preference. When assembling your s’mores, make sure to not overstuff them, as this can lead to messier frying. The ratio of graham cracker to marshmallow and chocolate should be balanced for a perfect bite. Ensure that your oil temperature is at the right level; if the oil is too hot, the batter will burn before the inside melts, and if it’s too cool, the s’mores will absorb too much oil, making them greasy. For a lighter texture, you can substitute the batter for a tempura-style batter, which will create an even crispier coating. Lastly, serve the deep-fried s’mores while still warm for the best experience – the melted chocolate and marshmallow filling is most satisfying when it’s fresh out of the fryer.
Variations and Customizations
Deep-fried s’mores can be customized in many different ways to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. For instance, instead of using traditional graham crackers, you could substitute gluten-free graham crackers or even a cookie base like shortbread for a unique flavor profile. If you’re looking for a different chocolate experience, try using flavored chocolate bars such as caramel, peanut butter, or hazelnut chocolate to add new layers of flavor. For a twist on the marshmallow, you can use flavored marshmallows like vanilla bean, chocolate, or strawberry. Another variation is to add toppings or fillings inside the s’mores before frying, such as peanut butter, Nutella, or caramel sauce. To make this dessert a bit healthier, you could try using air-fried s’mores rather than deep-frying them. The air fryer will still give them a crispy exterior while reducing the amount of oil used. Lastly, for an added touch, consider drizzling some chocolate syrup or caramel sauce over the top of the finished s’mores for an extra indulgent treat.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While deep-fried s’mores are undeniably delicious, they are also quite rich and indulgent. This dessert is high in sugar, fats, and calories, especially when deep-fried in oil. If you’re concerned about the nutritional impact, it’s best to consume deep-fried s’mores in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a regular snack. The graham crackers and marshmallows provide simple carbohydrates and some fiber, but they are outweighed by the high sugar content in the chocolate and marshmallow filling. The deep-frying process increases the fat content, making the final product quite calorie-dense. If you’re seeking a healthier alternative, consider making a baked version using less oil or air-frying the s’mores instead. Opting for dark chocolate or using smaller amounts of marshmallows can also help reduce the sugar content. Despite these modifications, deep-fried s’mores should still be considered a special indulgence rather than an everyday snack.
FAQ
- Can I make deep-fried s’mores ahead of time?
While deep-fried s’mores are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the s’mores ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Fry them just before serving for the best texture. - Can I use a different kind of chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate, white chocolate, and even flavored chocolates like caramel or peanut butter work great for deep-fried s’mores. - How do I store leftover deep-fried s’mores?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them in an oven to restore their crispiness before serving. - Can I make these without frying?
Yes! You can bake the s’mores in the oven or use an air fryer for a lower-fat version of the treat.
Deep Fried S’mores
Ingredients
For the S’mores
- ▢ 9 graham crackers
- ▢ 2 extra-large chocolate bars 4.25 oz each, I used Hershey’s Dark
- ▢ 1/2 cup chocolate chips or another chocolate bar
- ▢ 20-24 large marshmallows I used rectangular “Stackers” marshmallows
For the Batter
- ▢ 4.78 oz all-purpose flour equivalent to 1 cup + 2 tbsp
- ▢ 1/2 tsp baking powder
- ▢ 1/8 tsp salt
- ▢ 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- ▢ 1 large egg
- ▢ 3/4 cup milk
- ▢ 1 tsp oil
- ▢ 1 quart oil for frying
- ▢ Candy thermometer
Instructions
Make the S’mores
- To assemble the s’mores, begin by lining an 8×8-inch pan with cling wrap. Arrange four whole graham cracker sheets at the bottom of the pan, and break another sheet into pieces to fill any gaps. Melt the chocolate chips and spread about one-third of the melted chocolate over the graham crackers, creating a thin layer. Next, place the chocolate bars on top of the graham crackers. If you’re using the 4.25 oz Hershey’s Dark bars as I did, two bars will fit perfectly on top. If you use a different brand, break the bars to fit the pan. Spread more melted chocolate over the chocolate bars, then layer with marshmallows. For rectangular “Stackers” marshmallows, simply lay them on top of the chocolate. If using regular round marshmallows, cut them in half lengthwise to avoid them being too tall. Top the marshmallows with another layer of melted chocolate, then finish by placing the remaining graham crackers on top. Refrigerate the pan to allow the chocolate to set.
Make the Batter
- While the chocolate sets, prepare the batter. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and oil together. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth.
Fry the S’mores
- Once the chocolate is set, carefully cut the large s’more into 36 small squares. Allow the s’mores to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before cutting, so the chocolate isn’t too cold to cut through. If any squares break apart, simply glue them back together with melted chocolate, ensuring they stay in one piece when frying. Keep the s’mores squares in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry.
- To fry, pour the frying oil into a medium saucepan, ensuring it’s about 2 inches deep, and insert the candy thermometer. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (191°C). Once the oil is at temperature, dip a s’more in the batter, making sure it is fully coated by gently turning it over with your hands. Allow any excess batter to drip back into the bowl, then carefully drop it into the hot oil. Repeat with 3-4 more pieces, frying 4-5 s’mores at a time. Fry for about 2 minutes, or until the s’mores are puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on them and flip them if necessary to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove them from the oil with a frying skimmer or slotted spoon, and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain. Repeat with the remaining s’mores and batter, keeping the oil temperature between 375°F and 380°F (191°C and 193°C). It’s important to maintain the oil at the higher end of the temperature range for faster cooking, ensuring the marshmallow stays gooey inside while the outside crisps up.
Serve the Deep Fried S’mores
- Serve the deep-fried s’mores immediately for the best experience. Enjoy the crispy, golden exterior with the melty chocolate and gooey marshmallow center!
Notes
PLEASE NOTE: the common rule of “8 oz = 1 cup” does not apply when it comes to weight, so don’t worry if the measurements don’t follow this formula.