Oreo S’mores: A Campfire Classic Reimagined

I remember one particularly crisp autumn evening, huddled around a crackling campfire with my family. The scent of woodsmoke mingled with the sweet aroma of melting chocolate, a comforting promise of the treats to come. S’mores were always a highlight, but that night, we were out of marshmallows. Panic almost ensued, until my resourceful aunt pulled out a package of Oreos and a jar of peanut butter. What followed was a revelation: the Oreo S’more, a rich, decadent twist on a beloved classic that quickly became a family tradition.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Total Time: 7 minutes
• Yields: 6 S’mores
• Serves: 6
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (can be adapted to vegan – see variations)

Ingredients

• 6 Oreo cookies, twisted apart so you have 12 halves
• 6 teaspoons peanut butter
• 6 dark chocolate squares (such as Ghirardelli 60% cacao)
• 1-2 banana, sliced into 1/4 to 1/2 inch coins
• cooking spray

Equipment Needed

• Mountain pie maker (or cast iron skillet)
• Foil
• Cooking spray
• Fork

Instructions

1. Begin by carefully twisting apart the Oreo cookies, separating each cookie into two halves, cream-side up. Aim for 12 intact halves. Tip: If an Oreo breaks during separation, don’t fret! Enjoy the broken piece as a snack and grab another Oreo to complete the set.

2. Next, spread approximately 1 teaspoon of peanut butter onto the cream-covered side of one half of each Oreo pair. Ensure even distribution. Peanut butter serves as a delightful adhesive, enhancing the flavor profile and preventing the chocolate from sliding.

3. Place a square of dark chocolate on top of the peanut butter on each of the Oreo halves. I prefer Ghirardelli 60% cacao squares because they melt beautifully, but feel free to use your favorite dark chocolate brand. At this stage, you can prepare a tray of these assembled Oreo halves in advance, making the campfire assembly quicker and easier.

4. Prepare the mountain pie maker by lining it with foil and applying cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

5. Cook the sliced bananas in the prepared mountain pie maker. Close the pie maker and cook for about 2 minutes, flipping it periodically to ensure even cooking on both sides. The bananas should be softened and slightly caramelized. If you don’t have a mountain pie maker, you can use a small cast iron skillet over the campfire or grill.

6. Carefully remove the hot bananas from the mountain pie maker using a fork.

7. Place the hot banana slices on top of the dark chocolate squares that are resting on the peanut buttered Oreo halves.

8. Finally, top each chocolate and banana-covered Oreo half with the other half of the Oreo cookie, completing the s’more.

9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Chocolate Choice Matters: While any dark chocolate will work, using a higher quality chocolate with a cacao percentage between 60-70% will provide a richer, more complex flavor that complements the Oreos and peanut butter beautifully.
• Pre-Assembly is Key: Preparing the Oreo halves with peanut butter and chocolate in advance will save you valuable time and effort around the campfire, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience.
• Banana Ripeness: Slightly ripe bananas are ideal for this recipe. Overripe bananas will become too mushy when cooked, while underripe bananas will lack sweetness and flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Bananas: Keep a close eye on the bananas while they are cooking in the mountain pie maker. Overcooked bananas will become mushy and unappetizing. You want them to be softened and slightly caramelized.
• Foil is Your Friend: Always line your mountain pie maker with foil before cooking anything over a campfire. This prevents food from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
• Peanut Butter Alternative: If you have peanut allergies, sunflower seed butter or almond butter make excellent substitutes.
• Make It Extra Decadent: For an extra layer of indulgence, add a sprinkle of sea salt to the top of the chocolate before adding the bananas.
• Indoor Version: If you can’t get to a campfire, you can make these in the oven! Assemble the s’mores as directed, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until the chocolate is melted.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Oreo S’mores immediately while the bananas are warm and the chocolate is melted. They are best enjoyed fresh. Due to the melted chocolate and bananas, leftovers are not ideal for long-term storage. However, if you have any remaining, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheating is not recommended as it can make the Oreo soggy. It’s best to make only as many as you plan to consume immediately.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	215 kcal	11%
Total Fat	12g	15%
Saturated Fat	4g	20%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	130mg	6%
Total Carbohydrate	26g	9%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Sugars	15g	N/A
Protein	4g	8%

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan S’mores: Use vegan Oreos (many varieties are!), vegan dark chocolate, and a plant-based peanut butter alternative like sunflower seed butter.
• Gluten-Free S’mores: Substitute the Oreo cookies with gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies.
• Different Nut Butters: Experiment with almond butter, cashew butter, or even tahini for a unique flavor profile.
• Add a Sprinkle of Flavor: Sprinkle cinnamon, sea salt, or chili powder on top of the chocolate before adding the bananas for an extra layer of flavor.
• Seasonal Fruit: Substitute the bananas with other seasonal fruits like sliced strawberries, raspberries, or peaches.
• Marshmallow Cream: For those who really miss the marshmallow flavor, spread a thin layer of marshmallow cream on the Oreo halves before adding the peanut butter and chocolate.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these ahead of time and then cook them at the campfire?
A: Yes, you can assemble the Oreo halves with peanut butter and chocolate in advance. Store them in an airtight container in a cool place until ready to use. The bananas should be cooked fresh for the best texture.

Q: What if I don’t have a mountain pie maker?
A: A small cast iron skillet works just as well! Simply cook the bananas in the skillet over the campfire or grill.

Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A: While dark chocolate is recommended for its richer flavor, you can certainly use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.

Q: How do I prevent the bananas from sticking to the mountain pie maker?
A: Make sure to line the pie maker with foil and spray it with cooking spray before adding the bananas.

Q: Can I bake these in the oven instead of cooking them over a campfire?
A: Yes! Assemble the s’mores as directed and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until the chocolate is melted.

Final Thoughts

These Oreo S’mores are a delightful twist on a classic campfire treat. The combination of crunchy Oreos, creamy peanut butter, rich dark chocolate, and warm, caramelized bananas is simply irresistible. Whether you’re gathered around a crackling fire or enjoying a cozy evening at home, these s’mores are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or preheat your oven), and prepare to experience s’mores in a whole new way. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to create your own signature Oreo S’more. And most importantly, share your creations with friends and family – because s’mores are always better when enjoyed together!