Super Easy S’Mores Chocolate Pie {or Tart}
You’ll never believe how such a short list of simple ingredients can make such a decadent, delightful dessert! This s’mores pie is incredible – fun to look at and even more fun to eat!
If I was a food blogger worth her salt, I’d maybe, probably wait until summer (a.k.a. s’mores season) to post a dessert such as this decadent and super easy s’mores pie.
But I like to live on the wild side and post recipes out of season just to see how many people I can annoy by doing so. Just kidding. I’d never do that (insert nervous laughter). The truth is, I believe s’mores should a year long eating endeavor! And how would you feel inside your heart if I kept the secret of this decadent and delicious s’mores pie all to myself for three more months just to be an appropriate food blogging rule follower? BORING!
That would be a travesty. So here you go. S’mores pie in February. And you will not believe how easy and delicious it is.
This recipe is a true testament of how a few, simple ingredients (and a very simple method) can combine to make a truly killer dessert.
This easy s’mores pie is made up of the following shockingly easy components:
-A 9-inch pie plate or tart pan {aff. links}. I’m using a tart pan in the photos since it usually sits lonely at the top of my pantry, and it just felt fun and special to put it to use, plus that removable bottom just makes my heart happy. However, rest assured, a 9-inch pie plate will do just fine.
–Graham cracker crust. I’m honestly not sure if I love anything else in the world more than a really good, buttery graham cracker crust. Well, except my chickens…and my kids. You’ll get extra rock star points for making the easy homemade crust in the recipe below!
–Chocolate ganache. If the word “ganache” scares you, first let’s get out of the way that it is pronounced “guh-nosh” so you won’t be like me and refuse to say it out loud for years afraid it will come out something like “guh-natch-ee” Second, beloved ganache is a ridiculously fancy word for cream + chocolate that is heated and stirred together until glossy and utterly decadent. With the right proportions of cream and chocolate, after setting up and chilling, you’ll end up with the most glorious, rich chocolate filling known to mankind. Hint: chocolate ganache is the same thing at the center of a really good chocolate truffle. As I type that, I now think this dessert should be called S’mores Truffle Chocolate Pie. Oh yes.
-Marshmallows. Of course! You can’t have s’mores without an appropriate and healthy amount of marshmallows. We’re not going any sort of homemade marshmallow route here. Remember, this is a simple and easy s’mores chocolate pie. Grab a bag of large marshmallows, cut them in half (like a hamburger bun) and layer them on top. We’ll get to the toasting of the marshmallows in a sec.
First a quick note about chocolate.
The chocolate flavor is paramount in this recipe. I tend to be a bit of a chocolate chip snob (not a surprise to those of you who have been around for more than half a second). I highly encourage using a good-quality (but still grocery store available) chocolate, like Ghirardelli or Guittard. Those are my faves in all flavors. They melt exceptionally well and the flavor is rich and strong without some of the artificial, waxy notes that come through with other brands (particularly generic or store brands).
What about the type of chocolate? Is semisweet, bittersweet or milk chocolate best for this recipe?
If you aren’t a dark chocolate fan by nature (it’s ok, we can still be friends), don’t go choosing bittersweet chocolate for this recipe. You’ll regret it. Go for a sweeter chocolate, like semisweet…or maybe even a combo of milk chocolate + semisweet. Personally, I think 100% milk chocolate will be too gaggy sweet, but by all means, don’t let my strong opinions about milk chocolate stop you. I made this (and will continue to make this) with half semisweet/half bittersweet. It was absolute perfection, but I am a dark chocolate lover through and through.
Now for the toasting of the marshmallows.
The original recipe calls for browning the marshmallows in the oven. The resident food snob that lives in my brain thought for sure I would eschew this method (totally just had to look up the word “eschew” just now to make sure I was using it appropriately) in favor of my trusty kitchen torch {aff. link}.
Because I was sure that’s what Ina Garten would do.
Yeah, no. When I tried it, it was a total disaster. The marshmallows got splotchy and burned with little black dots that looked like tiny, itty bitty bugs and it was impossible (for me) to brown the marshmallows evenly. Don’t get me wrong, we still ate the s’mores pie (no s’mores pie left behind at this house), but it wasn’t pretty.
I’m not saying you won’t be able to do a better job, but when I finally humbled myself to use your average, every day oven, the result was so easy and terribly spectacular. In just about 45 seconds, watching like a hawk, your marshmallows will go from boring to beautiful.
I was pretty sure I’d have to resort to saying some bad words to cut slices out of this tart. Hello, sticky marshmallows! Not the easiest ingredient to cut through these days. But surprisingly, after resting for a bit (so that glorious ganache layer can firm up again after the marshmallow step), it was really easy to cut fairly clean slices.
It helps to use a longer, thin knife (like an 8-inch Chef’s knife – aff. link) and run it under hot water and wipe clean between slices.
If you love a good s’mores dessert and all the flavors wrapped up in the classic combination, this classy and elegant s’mores pie is sure to win you over. It’s obviously kind of pretty to look at it…but it’s even more fun and delicious to eat.
Also, since I have s’mores on the brain now, here are a few of my other favorite s’mores treats! Are you a s’mores lover??
S’mores Hershey Blossom Cookies
S’mores Cookie Bars
S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookies
One Year Ago: Extra Fudgy Brownies {One Bowl!}
Two Years Ago: Sweet Balsamic Glazed Pork {Slow Cooker + Instant Pot}
Three Years Ago: Mexican Chopped Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
Four Years Ago: Shepherd’s Pie
Five Years Ago: Death by Chocolate 7-Layer Bars
S’Mores Chocolate Pie {or Tart}
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) graham cracker crumbs, 1 package, 13 rectangle graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 7 tablespoons butter, melted
Filling:
- 1 ½ cups (255 g) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips or bar chocolate, chopped (see note)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon coarse, kosher salt (use half the amount, just a pinch, for table salt)
Topping:
- 20-25 large marshmallows, cut in half (like a hamburger bun) – see note
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- For the crust, combine all the ingredients together in a small bowl and stir until the graham cracker crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate or 9-inch tart pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until just lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- For the filling, add the chocolate to a medium bowl. Heat the cream (in a saucepan or microwave) until it starts to steam and small bubbles form at the edges. Pour the cream over the chocolate and let sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir to combine well; it will look separated and grainy as you first start to stir, but eventually it will combine into a glorious, glossy, thick mixture. Stir in the vanilla and salt.
- Pour the chocolate ganache into the cooled crust and spread evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or up to overnight). About an hour before serving (can do this up to 2-3 hours in advance), preheat the oven broiler and place an oven rack 5-7 inches away from the heating element.
- Cover the top of the pie with the cut marshmallows (cut side down). Broil the pie until the marshmallows puff and turn golden, about 1 minute, turning the pie several times to evenly brown the marshmallows. KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON THE PIE THE WHOLE TIME- it can go from beautiful to burned in a matter of seconds!
- Let the pie rest at room temp for about an hour or pop in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to allow the chocolate layer to set up after being broiled. The pie can be refrigerated (or left at room temp) for 2-3 hours after the marshmallows have been toasted. Any longer and the marshmallows might get stickier and kind of wet.
- Slice the pie into pieces with a sharp knife (dip it in hot water and wipe clean between slices for more even cutting) and serve.
Notes
Recommended Products
Recipe Source: adapted from this Weekends with Yankee recipe after Brandy, a MKC reader, sent it to me (thanks, Brandy!)
Would I be able to make it a day ahead with the marshmallows toasted already?
I think it would be best to toast the marshmallows right before serving (or as close to serving as possible).
Could I use half heavy cream and half almond milk? I would love to make this but I don’t have a full cup of cream.
You could definitely experiment! Worth a try. I haven’t tried a substitute for the heavy cream so I can’t say for sure, but I always think it’s worth trying something close.
Could I use half heavy cream, and half almond milk? I want to make this but I don’t have a full cup of cream.
The graham cracker crust was amazing, and the marshmallows on top were a lovely addition. There was just wayyyy too much of the chocolate. Thats pretty much all you could taste. But if you got a little bit of chocolate, a bunch of crust, and a marshmallow it was great.
Hi Mel! Can any part of this be frozen in advance? Say a couple weeks in advance?
Ps How was the VDAy cookie Kit?!
Hey Hillary – I haven’t tried freezing, but I think it would actually work quite well (without the marshmallows – add them after it’s thawed).
We loved the cookie kit! My kids were in heaven. Thank you!
This looks amazing. Can’t wait to try this. Just wondering, would a blow torch work to toast the marshmallows without getting the ganache melty?
Yes – the ganache will soften slightly but if you are speedy, it shouldn’t totally melt.
can this be made ahead of time?
How far in advance are you thinking?
I made this for a forth of July potluck and everyone loved it! Used about 60% dark chocolate and 40% milk chocolate, both from Trader Joe’s. Still way dark and rich but perfectly balanced with the marshmallows! Your pies have helped me achieve celebrity status at bake good auctions and potlucks 🙂
You are awesome, Brynn! Glad this was a hit!
Could you use marshmallow fluff on top instead of whole marshmallows? Would it still brown? Thanks!
I haven’t tried that, but you could experiment!
Yum! I made a dairy-free version using soy creamer for my milk-allergic son, and it was delicious! And works well with a GF crust too.
Amazing!
My 3 sisters, sister in law, mom and I have a saying we like to use when sharing recipes with each other – “In Mel we trust!”. Mel, your recipes have never, ever failed us, and you’ve helped me win people over time and time again with meals, treats, dinner party “what can I bring?”s, holiday dishes, and so much more. Really and truly, as a 22 year old who has a lot to learn about cooking and baking, THANK YOU. We love you!
I loved this recipe, and it won over everyone who tried it! I don’t own a tarte dish (need to get one!) so I made it in a pie pan instead like recommended. Next time I make it, I want to try it in a 9×9 or 9×13 pan and make it more like a bar cookie. We decided that to fully appreciate the taste/texture of the graham cracker crust, you have to pick it up and eat it, so you taste more of the crust initially on your tongue. Sounds weird, I know, but we’re convinced. Great recipe!!! Thanks again Mel <3
Haha, you are so sweet! And that’s a lot of pressure! I hope I always keep your trust! 🙂 I’m glad you loved this little pie/tart/bar dessert thingie. I like your philosophy about picking it up – would make total sense and sounds like a great idea to get it into little bars!
That ganache is something that dreams are made of. I liked the marshmallows on top, but I wished that they could have stayed gooey like a real fresh s’more hot off the stick. Not that it stopped me from extra helpings. A fun tasty dessert! You never let me down Mel!
Thanks, Mary!
You posted this just in time for Pie Day (March 14th)! Made it (as was well as 2 of your other pies and your perfect pie crust) and it did not disappoint. It was easy and delicious! Thank you!
The was fantastic! I did half milk chocolate and half semi sweet chocolate from Trader Joe’s. It was delicious! I’m not even a s’mores fan, but this was perfect and SO simple. My kids were in heaven too.
Yay! Thanks, Tara! Glad it was a hit!
I made it today for my son’s birthday. It is delicious!!! I made couple of changes though. I used an 8×8 square pan and instead of the ganache,I made chocolate pudding. Thanks
Glad you liked it, Jocy! Your changes sound great. 🙂
Easy and delicious! Thanks
This looks heavenly!
I’ve had some leftover ganache from making your toffee crunch cupcakes sitting in my fridge for days trying to decide how to use it up, this was the perfect way! I have some mini pie plates and was able to make 2 little ones, using mini marshmallows on top! Chocolate truffles are my favorite, so these were best s’mores ever for me!
What a great idea, Misty!
I made this for Sunday dessert and it was fan.tas.tic! Loved the flavors. THanks, Mel!
Thanks, Gina!
We are making this today. Looks so yummy! Just FYI, there’s a error in the recipe instructions. It never says to put in the salt and vanilla into the filling. Might want to edit at some point. Thanks for all the great recipes! We are big Mel’s Kitchen Cafe fans at our house.
Thanks, Jen! Just fixed.
I offered to bring a dessert to a going away party for some friends. I really wanted to make this s’mores pie but was worried about it being hard to cut/serve. My sister suggested making this recipe into s’more bites using my mini muffin pan. They were a HUGE hit! I dropped them off before the party because I had to show up late. When I walked in, people were instantly telling me how amazing they were and asking for the recipe. Thanks for helping me feel like a rockstar Mel! 🙂 You never disappoint!
LOVE the idea of doing little mini pies!
Oh my goodness, what a great idea!! Did you just add one large marshmallow half to each mini muffin cup? Thanks for sharing!
I did add one large marshmallow half to each cup and it worked out great.
Looks divine!
Is it OK to broil in a Pyrex pie plate? Need to drop the rack position way down?
That’s actually a really good question. I think moving the rack down would be the best way to go.
thank you!
I was making your smores blossom cookies when this showed up in my inbox, so we’re pretty much on the same lines in terms of smores timing. 😀
Haha, yes! Love it!
I am totally making these! That photo of the piece of pie on the fork had me drooling big time!! If you haven’t tried s’mores whoopie pies yet, you need to, Mel. I order the graham flour (Bob’s Red Mill) from amazon and keep it in the fridge. You’ll go through the bag before you know it. http://www.fransfavs.com/2013/07/smores-whoopie-pies/
Those sound divine, Fran!
Made it today for our 3rd snow day in a row—we have almost 3 feet in Central Oregon. The pie was delicious and my s’mores lovin’ kids thought it was awesome. That graham cracker crust with the ganache is amazing! Thanks for another great recipe Mel! You’re the best!
You win some kind of award for making this same day! Hang in there with all those snow days!
What is your opinion on the Costco brand chocolate chips? Where do you generally find Ghirardelli and Guittard for the best price?
Hey Jennifer, I haven’t used the Kirkland brand of chocolate chips much so I’m not sure. I think they are pretty similar to Nestle. I usually pick up my Ghirardelli or Guittard from Walmart, Winco or online.
Oh my goodness. This looks so yummy. I have everything I need except for large marshmallows. But I do have small ones. Time to live on the wild side and try it anyway.
Wow that is fantastic looking and I am sure tastes scrumptious. It’s never the wrong season for anything s’mores. I love those s’mores chocolate chip cookies with the marshmallow bits and make them year round!!! Love Weekends with Yankee, too!
Oh, our family would love this! Many times on pizza night we do a smores pizza & we all LOOVE it. I use homemade pizza dough that I prebake for a minute or 2, top with chocolate sauce, broken up graham wafers, chocolate chips (or butterscotch, PB – the options are endless), mini marshmallows on top. It takes maybe a minute in the oven to brown the marshmallows & ooh is it good – especially in the winter when we can’t do it outside.
Wow, that sounds amazing, Barbara!
It’s the best time of year to post this recipe! I love S’mores year-round, but have no desire to sit outside and make them at the firepit right now.
This is the perfect time of year to post yummy pie recipes -only two weeks until Pi Day! My girls and I always get together to make pies and try new recipes. This one will definitely be one of them. Thanks Mel.
Sounds like a fun tradition!
S’mores are delicious any month of the year! My family will love this!
Not related- I told my sister about the back 2 school Bosch deal months ago and she’s been saving up for a Bosch since. Do you know of any deals now or coming up soon? I told her I feel like I got my money’s worth out of mine even paying full price many years ago, but it doesn’t hurt to check!
I’ll check on that right now and let you know, Jana!
Thanks!
I love, love, LOVE S’mores anytime of the year! We microwave them in the winter when our fire pit is covered in ice and snow. This look soooo good! I think it will be perfect this weekend to help fight the winter blues when our high on Sunday is 10 degrees. I will be making this! Thanks Mel!
Oh yikes, Jen – hang in there with the cold weather. Winter hit late for us this year so we’ve had our main snowstorms in the last few weeks but today it’s supposed to get in the high 40’s. I’ll send some warm vibes your way.
I’m all for you not following ‘blogging rules’ haha. That dessert looks very indulgent, I’m trying to come up with an excuse to make it (trying not to eat much sugar here) maybe if I don’t eat sugar for a couple of days that could be my reward, haha
Haha, thanks Jocy! 🙂
I can’t believe it! I actually have all of the ingredients on hand! I will definitely be making this for dessert tonight..a treat for this cold, rainy day!
Yay! I hope you love it!
Holy moly…this pie is SINFUL!!!!! I made it last night…and it was devoured..we ate the whole thing in 1 night!!! Delicious!!! Thank you!!!!
So happy to hear that! Mostly, because it makes me feel better for my own lack of self control. 🙂
Your s’mores chocolate chip cookies are a year round favorite. This looks wonderful!
Those cookies are dangerous – my son just made a double batch a couple days ago…just because we love them so much!
It really is yummy! And super easy. I’m so glad you liked it.
LOVED IT! Thanks so much for letting me know about the recipe, Brandy!