As I rummaged through my pantry the other day, I stumbled upon a forgotten box of graham crackers, instantly transporting me back to carefree summer nights spent around the campfire. That delightful nostalgia inspired me to whip up my Crunchy S’mores Dessert Granola, a fun twist on a beloved classic. This recipe captures the sweet symphony of graham crackers, rich chocolate, and gooey marshmallows, delivering a satisfying crunch that makes it a perfect snack, breakfast alternative, or even a dessert topping. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy afternoon at home or prepping for a summer barbecue, this granola will be a crowd-pleaser. Curious to see how it all comes together? Let’s dive into this delectable treat!

Why Is S’mores Dessert Granola So Irresistible?

Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it accessible for anyone, from novice bakers to seasoned chefs.

Versatile Uses: Enjoy it as a standalone snack, sprinkle it on yogurt, or use it as a delightful topping for ice cream. The possibilities are endless!

Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Who can resist the nostalgic taste of s’mores? This granola delivers that perfect combo of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker goodness in every crunchy bite.

Customizable: You can easily tailor this recipe by adding nuts, dried fruits, or even a mix of chocolate types to suit your cravings.

Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with wholesome oats and flavors, it’s a sweet treat that doesn’t compromise on nutrition, making it a hit for both kids and adults. For more snack ideas, check out this delicious Oreo Dirt Dessert too!

S’mores Dessert Granola Ingredients

For the Granola Base

Graham Crackers – The heart of the recipe that imparts the classic s’mores flavor; mix sizes for added texture.
Oats – Essential for crunch and fiber, turning the granola into a wholesome snack.
Coconut Oil – Binds the ingredients and adds a hint of tropical flavor; feel free to substitute with vegetable oil if needed.
Maple Syrup – Sweetens the granola while enhancing its depth; honey or agave syrup works as a great alternative.
Vanilla Extract – Boosts the overall flavor profile; opt for pure vanilla for the best taste.
Salt – Just a pinch to balance all the sweetness!

For the S’mores Flavor

Chocolate Chips – Provides that sweet, chocolatey burst; dark chocolate is a rich option for a more decadent flavor.
Mini Marshmallows – Adds that gooey, nostalgic charm of s’mores; substitute with larger marshmallows chopped into smaller pieces if necessary.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Crunchy S’mores Dessert Granola, making it a delightful treat you’re sure to love!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for S’mores Dessert Granola

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is essential to achieve that perfect crunchiness for your S’mores Dessert Granola. While the oven warms up, prepare your baking tray by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring easy removal of the granola later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Graham Crackers
In a large plastic bag, crush the graham crackers using a rolling pin until you have a mix of fine crumbs and larger pieces for texture. This step is crucial as it provides the classic s’mores flavor to your granola. Set the crushed graham crackers aside in a mixing bowl, ready to combine with the other dry ingredients.

Step 3: Melt the Wet Ingredients
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together the coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir occasionally for about 3-5 minutes until fully combined and smooth. This fragrant mixture will act as the binding agent for your S’mores Dessert Granola, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, oats, and a pinch of salt. Use a spatula to mix the dry ingredients well, ensuring even distribution. This blend will form the base of your granola, providing that delightful crunch in every bite.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients, stirring well to coat everything evenly. This ensures that each bite of your S’mores Dessert Granola is infused with that rich sweetness. Aim for a uniform mixture, making sure that no dry ingredients remain visible.

Step 6: Spread on Baking Tray
Transfer the granola mixture onto the prepared baking tray. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and compress it slightly for uniform baking. This step helps create clumps in the granola, ensuring a delightful crunch throughout the final product.

Step 7: First Bake
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 13 minutes. The granola should begin to turn a light golden brown and should have a delicious toasty aroma. This initial baking time is crucial for achieving the perfect texture of your S’mores Dessert Granola.

Step 8: Add Chocolate and Marshmallows
After the first bake, remove the tray from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips and mini marshmallows evenly over the granola. The residual heat will start to melt the chocolate and marshmallows, creating a gooey s’mores sensation that will be irresistible.

Step 9: Final Bake
Return the baking tray to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the chocolate and marshmallows to melt completely. Watch closely to ensure they don’t burn, as you want them to maintain their gooey texture while infusing the granola with that classic s’mores flavor.

Step 10: Broil for Extra Toastiness
For an authentic s’mores experience, turn on the broiler and broil for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on the marshmallows, as this step caramelizes them and gives that perfect toasted finish. A golden brown color indicates they’re done—just be careful not to let them burn!

Step 11: Cool and Break Apart
Once finished, remove the granola from the oven and let it cool completely on the tray. This cooling step is vital as it allows the granola to firm up and stick together in delightful chunks. After about 30 minutes, break the granola apart into clusters of your desired size.

Step 12: Store and Enjoy
Finally, transfer the cooled S’mores Dessert Granola into an airtight container. Proper storage will keep your delicious treat crispy for up to a week. You can enjoy it as a quick snack, a topping for yogurt, or even as a sweet addition to ice cream—how delightful!

Make Ahead Options

Preparing this Crunchy S’mores Dessert Granola ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time during busy weeknights or weekend gatherings! You can combine the dry ingredients, such as graham crackers and oats, and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For the best texture, measure all wet ingredients (coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract) and refrigerate them, so they’re ready to go when you’re ready to bake. When you’re set to make the granola, simply melt the wet mixture, combine it with the dry ingredients, and bake as instructed. This way, you’ll have a delightful snack that’s just as delicious and crunchy, perfectly ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!

Helpful Tricks for S’mores Dessert Granola

Crush Carefully: Avoid finely crushing the graham crackers; keeping larger chunks adds delightful texture to your S’mores Dessert Granola.
Melt Gently: When melting the wet ingredients, use low heat to prevent burning and ensure smooth mixing for the perfect balance of flavor.
Watch the Broiler: Keep a close eye while broiling to achieve toasted marshmallows without burning; this step is crucial for authentic s’mores flavor.
Proper Cooling: Don’t skip the cooling step—it’s essential for forming crunchy clusters of granola, making every bite satisfying!
Storage Wisdom: Store your granola in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and avoid sogginess, allowing you to enjoy it longer!

How to Store and Freeze S’mores Dessert Granola

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain its delightful crunch and flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the granola in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months; just be sure to let it cool completely first.

Refreshing: To enjoy frozen granola, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, or microwave for a few seconds to bring back its crunch before serving.

Reheating: If you prefer warm granola, place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 5 minutes.

S’mores Dessert Granola Variations

Feel free to play around with this recipe, creating your own unique twist on this delicious treat!

Nutty Delight: Add chopped almonds or pecans for an extra layer of crunch and nuttiness. They bring a wholesome flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet components.
Fruity Kick: Toss in some dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of sweetness and chewy texture. The combination with chocolate is like a flavor explosion in your mouth!
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Swap out the standard chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate versions. Each chocolate type brings a different depth of sweetness, satisfying those cravings in a delightful way.
Coconut Crunch: Incorporate unsweetened shredded coconut to elevate that tropical vibe. It adds both texture and flavor that harmonizes wonderfully with the other ingredients.
Spicy Twist: For a little heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or a touch of cinnamon. It offers a surprising warmth balanced with the sweet s’mores flavors, daring your taste buds to find the right balance.
Sugary Variation: Drizzle with some melted peanut butter or almond butter post-baking for an extra-rich treat. This adds creaminess and deep flavor that makes this granola even more indulgent.
Granola Bars: Press the mixture into a baking dish instead of a tray. Once cooled, slice into bars for an on-the-go treat that’s reminiscent of a granola bar but with s’mores flair.
S’mores Cereal: Break your granola into smaller bits and serve it with milk for a tasty breakfast or snack. This fun twist transforms your crunchy granola into a cereal experience that both kids and adults will love!

And if you’re exploring more delightful treats, consider trying this scrumptious Oreo Dirt Dessert for a fun dessert option!

What to Serve with S’mores Dessert Granola

Elevate your crunchy treat experience by pairing it with delightful accompaniments that complement its sweet and toasty flavors.

Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt creates a creamy contrast, adding protein and tanginess to your snack. Try mixing it with fresh fruits for a colorful breakfast bowl!
Frosty Ice Cream: Top delicious vanilla or chocolate ice cream with a sprinkle of granola for a dessert that mimics summer campfires. The warm flavors of s’mores will shine through every bite.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or tart raspberries bring brightness to the sweet granola, making it a refreshing addition to your breakfast or snack time.
Nut Butter Drizzle: A swirl of almond or peanut butter adds a nutty richness, enhancing the granola’s texture and flavor while providing healthy fats. This combination is sure to satisfy your cravings!
Smoothies: Blend your favorite fruits with a splash of milk or yogurt, then top with S’mores Dessert Granola for an enticing crunch in every sip. The creamy base contrasts beautifully with the granola’s crunch.
Chocolate Milk: For a nostalgic pairing, serve with a glass of cold chocolate milk— it echoes the flavors of your granola while making for a delightful refreshing drink!

S’mores Dessert Granola Recipe FAQs

What’s the best way to select ripe ingredients for this granola?
Absolutely! When choosing ingredients like chocolate and marshmallows, go for high-quality options. For chocolate chips, opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate for depth of flavor. Mini marshmallows should be fresh, looking soft and fluffy; avoid any that appear hard or sticky, as they lose that gooey texture.

How should I store my S’mores Dessert Granola to keep it fresh?
To keep your S’mores Dessert Granola crunchy and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Make sure it’s completely cool before sealing it to prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to sogginess.

Can I freeze this granola? If so, what’s the process?
Absolutely! You can freeze your S’mores Dessert Granola for up to 3 months. To do this, let the granola cool completely, then place it in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible. Whenever you want to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that delightful crunch!

What should I do if my granola is too soft after baking?
No worries! If your granola turns out a bit too soft, it could be underbaked. Simply spread it out on a baking sheet and allow it to bake at 300°F (149°C) for an additional 10 minutes, checking frequently. Alternatively, if possible, increase the broiling time slightly to create a firmer texture—just be vigilant to prevent burning.

Are there any dietary considerations for making this granola?
Yes! This recipe is quite versatile. If you have allergies, consider using gluten-free graham crackers and oats for a gluten-free option. You can also substitute coconut oil with other oils for various dietary needs. Just ensure that any chocolate used is allergen-friendly if you’re cooking for someone with chocolate allergies.

Can I substitute ingredients in the S’mores Dessert Granola?
Very! Feel free to customize your granola! For instance, you can replace maple syrup with honey or agave for sweetness. If you prefer a nutty flavor, add in chopped nuts like almonds or pecans. The recipe is forgiving and allows for personal touches, making it an excellent canvas for your creative baking!