Indulge in the ultimate no-campfire treat! These spectacular Peanut Butter S’mores feature a delightful graham cracker crust, layers of rich chocolate brownie, a generous topping of fluffy marshmallow, and a luscious peanut butter drizzle – all perfectly layered in individual jars for easy enjoyment.
No-Fuss S’mores: A Sweet Escape Anytime, Anywhere
As summer days slowly begin to wane and the rhythm of school bells approaches, many of us find ourselves clinging to those last moments of carefree enjoyment. Whether you’re a seasoned parent or, like me, navigating the exciting (and slightly nerve-wracking) world of kindergarten for the first time, the shift in routine can be a whirlwind. I confess, I’m the kind of mom who gets so caught up in the big picture that the crucial details sometimes slip through the cracks. Case in point: almost sending my daughter to school a week too early! This unexpected bonus week of summer, however, has become a sweet reminder to slow down, savor the moments, and indulge in easy, comforting treats.
And what says “summer comfort” better than s’mores? That quintessential campfire dessert, with its gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate, and crisp graham crackers, evokes memories of starry nights and joyful gatherings. But what if you don’t have a backyard fire pit, or perhaps the weather isn’t cooperating, or maybe you just want that s’mores magic without all the fuss and smoke? That’s where our incredible Peanut Butter S’mores in a Jar come to the rescue!
The Irresistible Appeal of S’mores in a Jar
Imagine all the delightful flavors and textures of a classic s’more, elevated with a decadent peanut butter twist, and perfectly portioned in charming individual jars. This dessert is designed to make your summer (or any season, really!) truly special. No campfire, no sticky fingers from struggling with roasting sticks, just pure, unadulterated s’mores bliss. These individual desserts are not just convenient; they add a touch of elegance and fun to any occasion. They are ideal for:
- Effortless Entertaining: Hosting a backyard barbecue or an indoor gathering? These jars are perfect for serving guests. Everyone gets their own delightful dessert, eliminating the need for cutting and serving a large cake or pie.
- Family Fun: A fantastic activity to do with kids, from assembling the layers to torching the marshmallows (with adult supervision, of course!).
- Picnics and Potlucks: Easily transportable, these jars maintain their integrity, making them excellent for outdoor events or sharing with friends.
- Cozy Nights In: When you’re craving that comforting s’mores experience but don’t want to venture outside, these jars bring the campfire magic right to your living room.
Why Peanut Butter is the Secret Ingredient You Didn’t Know You Needed
While classic s’mores are undeniably delicious, the addition of creamy peanut butter takes them to an entirely new level. The rich, savory notes of peanut butter beautifully complement the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallow, creating a symphony of flavors that is both familiar and exciting. It adds an extra layer of creaminess and a hint of salty balance, making each spoonful utterly addictive. I almost skipped the peanut butter when developing this recipe, but I am so glad I didn’t! That subtle drizzle truly transforms these s’mores into something extraordinary.
My journey to perfecting this recipe wasn’t without its humorous mishaps. My initial attempt involved a homemade brownie recipe that, while delicious, resulted in a catastrophic overflow and undercooked centers within the jars. It was a tasty mess, but definitely not the elegant dessert I envisioned. For my second attempt, I smartly opted for a boxed brownie mix. And honestly? No one will ever guess! The convenience of a quality boxed mix means consistent results every time, allowing the other star ingredients – the graham crackers, marshmallow, and peanut butter – to truly shine. These brownies bake up perfectly, providing a dense, fudgy base that’s ideal for holding the other layers.
Crafting Your Perfect Peanut Butter S’mores in a Jar: Tips for Success
Creating these delightful dessert jars is a straightforward process, but a few tips can ensure they turn out absolutely perfect every time.
Choosing the Right Jars
For this recipe, 8-ounce (half-pint) canning jars are ideal. They are oven-safe, durable, and the perfect size for individual portions. Ensure your jars are clean and free of any cracks before baking.
The Graham Cracker Crust
A good graham cracker crust is the foundation of any great s’more. Finely crushed graham crackers, mixed with melted butter and a touch of sugar, create a crumbly, buttery base. To get that perfect, even layer at the bottom of the jar, use the back of a spoon or even the flat bottom of a spice jar or small glass to press the crumbs down firmly. This prevents the crust from becoming too loose.
Marshmallow Creme vs. Marshmallows
Starting with a layer of marshmallow creme adds an incredible gooeyness that traditional marshmallows alone can’t quite achieve in the baked layers. It melts beautifully into the brownie, creating that signature sticky s’mores experience. A quick zap in the microwave for 8-10 seconds can loosen it up, making it much easier to spread evenly over the graham cracker crust. If it’s still a bit sticky, spraying the back of your spoon with a little nonstick cooking spray will help immensely.
The Brownie Layer
Using a good quality boxed brownie mix is a fantastic shortcut. It saves time and ensures a consistently moist and chewy chocolate layer. While baking, don’t be alarmed if the marshmallow creme puffs up or the brownies settle a little after cooling; this is normal and contributes to the rustic charm of a s’mores in a jar.
The Peanut Butter Drizzle
This is where the magic happens! Warming the peanut butter slightly in the microwave makes it pourable, allowing you to create beautiful drizzles over the warm brownies. Don’t skimp on this step; the peanut butter is a game-changer.
Toasting the Marshmallows
The grand finale! Miniature marshmallows are piled high and then toasted to golden, gooey perfection. You have two excellent options:
- Kitchen Torch: For that authentic campfire char and precise control, a kitchen torch is your best friend. It gives you beautifully browned, slightly caramelized marshmallows in seconds.
- Broiler: If you don’t have a torch, your oven’s broiler works wonderfully. Keep a very close eye on the jars, as marshmallows brown quickly under high heat. Place them a few inches from the heat source and watch continuously to prevent burning.
These Peanut Butter S’mores in a Jar are truly the perfect summer dessert, especially for celebrating those last lingering days before school officially resumes. They combine convenience with gourmet flavor, making them a crowd-pleaser for any gathering or a delightful personal treat.
More Delicious Twists on the Classic S’more
If you love the versatility of s’mores as much as we do, you’ll be thrilled to explore these other creative takes on the beloved dessert:
S’mores Pancakes: Start your day with a campfire-inspired breakfast!
S’mores Muffins: Portable s’mores goodness, perfect for snacks or on-the-go treats.
S’mores Cheese Ball: A sweet and savory appetizer that’s always a hit at parties.
Indoor S’mores: More ideas for enjoying s’mores without the need for an outdoor fire.
Peanut Butter S’mores In a Jar
Deborah Harroun
15 minutes
30 minutes
50 minutes
8
servings
Dessert
American
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Ingredients
- 1 sleeve graham crackers (9 whole crackers, finely crushed)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 7 oz container marshmallow creme
- 1 box (18 oz brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on the box)
- 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 3 cups miniature marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Place 8 (8 oz) jars on a baking sheet.
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the crumbs for topping. Divide the remaining crumbs evenly among the 8 jars. Use a spoon or the flat bottom of a spice jar to firmly flatten the crumbs into the bottom of each jar.
- Place a large spoonful of marshmallow creme into each jar, distributing it equally over the graham cracker crusts. (Optional: Microwave the marshmallow creme for about 8 seconds to loosen it, making it easier to spread). The creme should spread to the edges of the jars as you prepare the brownie batter. If not, use the back of a spoon lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to spread it.
- Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions. Divide the batter evenly between the 8 jars, pouring it over the marshmallow creme layer. Place the baking sheet with jars into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the brownie layer is cooked through (a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion should come out with moist crumbs). The marshmallow creme may puff up during baking, and the brownies may settle slightly after cooling.
- Carefully remove the jars from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave the creamy peanut butter for 30 seconds until warm and drippy. Drizzle 1/2 tablespoon of the melted peanut butter over the top of each jar. Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs on top. Finally, top each jar with about 1/3 cup of miniature marshmallows. Use a kitchen torch to char the marshmallows to your desired golden brown, or alternatively, place the jars under a broiler for a minute or two, watching very closely, until the marshmallows are beautifully browned.
- Serve warm for the ultimate gooey indulgence.
Recipe Notes:
This recipe is adapted from an August 2014 Family Circle publication.
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