Easy S’mores Cobbler Recipe

Introduction

If you’re a fan of campfires, gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and graham cracker crunch, then this Easy S’mores Cobbler Recipe is an absolute must-try. A delightful twist on the classic American camping treat, this cobbler brings all the nostalgic flavors of s’mores into a warm, comforting dessert that can be enjoyed at home—no firepit required! Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or as a sweet weekend indulgence, this dessert combines simplicity with decadence in every bite. With minimal prep time and ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this easy-to-make cobbler delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction.

The History

The s’more itself dates back to the early 20th century and was first mentioned in a Girl Scout publication in 1927 under the name “Some More.” The treat quickly gained popularity among campers and outdoor enthusiasts due to its simple assembly: a toasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers. Over time, s’mores became a symbol of summer, youth, and shared experiences around the campfire.

Cobblers, on the other hand, are a traditional American baked fruit dessert with roots in colonial times. Known for their biscuit-like or cakey topping over a bubbling fruit filling, cobblers were practical desserts made from readily available ingredients. Combining these two beloved traditions, the S’mores Cobbler emerged as a modern fusion dessert, bringing together the gooey, melty essence of s’mores with the homestyle warmth of a cobbler. This inventive recipe has grown in popularity thanks to social media, food blogs, and the ever-evolving love for reinventing classic treats in creative ways.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the components that make this S’mores Cobbler so irresistible:

Graham Crackers – These form the base and part of the topping, providing that signature crunchy, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor synonymous with s’mores.
Butter – Used to bind the crust and enrich the topping, butter adds a velvety texture and deep flavor.
Brown Sugar – Adds caramel-like sweetness and enhances the richness of the crust and streusel topping.
Milk Chocolate Chips – Melts into luscious pools throughout the cobbler, mimicking the chocolate layer in a traditional s’more.
Mini Marshmallows – The star ingredient! When baked, they puff up and turn golden brown, creating that iconic toasted marshmallow experience.
Vanilla Pudding Mix (instant) – Acts as a thickener and flavor enhancer, giving the filling a creamy, custard-like consistency.
Milk – Combines with the pudding mix to create a smooth, pourable filling that bakes into a soft, gooey layer.
Vanilla Extract – Deepens the flavor profile and complements the sweetness of the marshmallows and chocolate.
Optional Add-ins – Some versions include dark chocolate chunks, crushed cookies, or even a hint of sea salt for a gourmet touch.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and proper browning of the top layer.
Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, crush about 1 sleeve (about 8–10 full sheets) of graham crackers into fine crumbs. You’ll need approximately 1 ½ cups of crumbs. Mix them with ¼ cup of melted butter and ¼ cup of packed brown sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Add the Chocolate Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup of milk chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bars) evenly over the prepared crust. This will melt into a rich, fudgy layer during baking.
Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 packet (3.4 oz) of instant vanilla pudding mix, 2 cups of cold milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Be careful not to use cook-and-serve pudding unless you adjust the method accordingly.
Pour the Filling: Gently pour the pudding mixture over the chocolate layer. It will settle and surround the chocolate chips, creating a creamy base.
Top with Marshmallows: Spread 2 cups of mini marshmallows evenly over the surface of the pudding layer. They will expand and toast beautifully during baking.
Create the Streusel Topping (Optional but Recommended): In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Sprinkle this mixture over the marshmallows for added texture and flavor.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the top is puffed and golden brown. Keep an eye on it toward the end to prevent over-browning.
Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let the cobbler cool for at least 15–20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly for easier scooping.
Serve Warm: Spoon into bowls and enjoy while warm. Optionally, top with whipped cream, extra chocolate drizzle, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Tips

Don’t Overbake: Watch the cobbler closely during the last 5–10 minutes. The marshmallows should be golden and puffy, not blackened. If they’re browning too fast, cover loosely with foil.
Use Fresh Marshmallows: Stale or dry marshmallows won’t melt properly. Make sure yours are soft and fresh for that gooey, melty texture.
Chill the Pudding Before Baking: Letting the pudding mixture sit for 5 minutes after mixing helps it thicken, preventing it from sinking too much into the chocolate layer.
Double the Recipe for a Crowd: Easily scale up for a 9×13-inch pan by doubling all ingredients (except baking time, which may only increase by 5–10 minutes).
Room Temperature Milk: Cold milk works best for instant pudding, but if using cold milk straight from the fridge, give it a little extra whisking time.
Grease the Pan (Optional): While the butter in the crust usually prevents sticking, lightly greasing the baking dish ensures effortless removal and cleanup.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some creative twists to try:

Chocolate Lover’s Version: Use dark chocolate chips, semisweet chocolate chunks, or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
S’mores Dip Style: Skip the baking and serve as a no-bake dip by layering in a serving dish and broiling for 2–3 minutes to toast the marshmallows.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or cookies. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Dairy-Free/Vegan Version: Use dairy-free margarine, almond or oat milk, vegan chocolate chips, and plant-based marshmallows (like Dandies brand).
Layered Parfaits: Serve in individual glasses by layering crust, chocolate, pudding, and marshmallows, then torching the top for a fancy presentation.
Add Nuts: Mix chopped pecans or almonds into the crust or topping for a crunchy contrast.
Flavor-Infused Pudding: Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate, banana cream, or even peanut butter pudding mix for a unique twist.
Boozy Version: Stir a tablespoon of Kahlua, Baileys, or bourbon into the pudding mix for an adult-only dessert.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While undeniably delicious, this S’mores Cobbler is a treat best enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 9 servings):

Calories: ~320–360 kcal
Fat: 15–18g (mostly from butter and chocolate)
Saturated Fat: 9–11g
Carbohydrates: 45–50g
Sugars: 30–35g (high due to marshmallows, brown sugar, and chocolate)
Protein: 4–5g
Sodium: 200–250mg

Considerations:

This dessert is high in added sugars and refined carbohydrates. Individuals managing diabetes or watching sugar intake should consume sparingly.
Using reduced-sugar marshmallows, dark chocolate (higher cocoa, less sugar), and low-sugar pudding alternatives can lower the glycemic impact.
To boost nutrition, consider adding a sprinkle of chia seeds or ground flax into the crust for fiber and omega-3s.
Pairing with a side of berries can add vitamins and balance the sweetness.

Ingredients

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 1 sleeve of crackers)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided)
⅓ cup packed brown sugar (divided)
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk (whole or 2% recommended)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups mini marshmallows

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, 4 tablespoons melted butter, and ¼ cup brown sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust.
In another bowl, whisk together pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Pour pudding mixture over chocolate chips.
Top with mini marshmallows, spreading evenly.
In a small bowl, mix remaining ½ cup graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Sprinkle over marshmallows.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until top is golden and edges are bubbling.
Cool for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Enjoy warm with optional whipped cream or ice cream!

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cobbler (except baking) up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving. Note: pudding may soften the crust slightly.

Can I freeze S’mores Cobbler?
It’s not recommended due to the texture changes in marshmallows and pudding. Best enjoyed fresh or within 2 days refrigerated.

Why didn’t my marshmallows puff up?
Old or stale marshmallows don’t react well to heat. Ensure they’re fresh and avoid covering the dish during baking to allow proper air circulation.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?
Yes, but cool it completely before layering. Cook-and-serve pudding sets firmer and may alter the gooey texture slightly.

What size pan should I use?
A 9×9-inch square pan is ideal. For larger gatherings, double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan, increasing baking time by 5–10 minutes.

Can I broil the top instead of baking?
Yes! Assemble the dessert and broil on high for 2–3 minutes to toast the marshmallows. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love the familiar s’mores taste. Just supervise when serving warm, as the filling can be hot.

Summary

This Easy S’mores Cobbler Recipe captures the magic of campfire treats in a warm, oven-baked dessert that’s simple to make and impossible to resist. With layers of graham crust, melty chocolate, creamy pudding, and toasted marshmallows, it’s a crowd-pleasing finale to any meal.