How to Make Deep-Fried S’mores: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat
Introduction:
Who doesn’t love a classic s’more? The gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers are a perfect combination that brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort. But what if we told you there’s a way to take this beloved treat to the next level? Enter Deep-Fried S’mores—a crispy, indulgent twist on the traditional s’mores that will have your taste buds dancing.
Deep-frying the s’mores gives them an irresistible crunch on the outside while keeping the gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate center, creating the perfect balance of textures. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, craving something sweet for a party, or just looking for a fun dessert to try, these deep-fried s’mores are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
In this detailed guide, we will show you step-by-step how to make deep-fried s’mores at home, along with tips and tricks for achieving the perfect crispy coating and gooey filling. Let’s dive in!
What Are Deep-Fried S’mores?
Deep-fried s’mores are a modern take on the classic campfire treat. By dipping the traditional s’more—composed of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows—into batter and frying them in hot oil, you achieve a golden, crispy exterior that encases the sweet, melty goodness inside. The result? A dessert that is both crunchy and gooey, offering the best of both worlds.
Key Ingredients for Deep-Fried S’mores
To make deep-fried s’mores at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Graham Crackers: These form the crunchy base and top for your s’mores.
- Marshmallows: Jumbo marshmallows are perfect for this recipe as they melt beautifully.
- Chocolate Bars: Choose your favorite chocolate, whether it’s milk, dark, or white chocolate.
- Flour: For the batter.
- Cornstarch: Helps make the batter light and crispy.
- Baking Powder: Gives the batter some rise and crunch.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness of the s’mores.
- Sugar: Adds a bit of sweetness to the batter.
- Egg: Used to bind the batter together.
- Milk: To help create the batter’s consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the batter.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep Fryer or Large Pot: To fry the s’mores to perfection.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For carefully placing and removing the s’mores from the hot oil.
- Cooling Rack or Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the fried s’mores.
- Shallow Dish: For dipping the graham crackers and marshmallows in the batter.
- Kitchen Thermometer: To ensure the oil reaches the ideal frying temperature.
How to Make Deep-Fried S’mores
Step 1: Prepare the S’mores
Start by assembling your traditional s’mores. Place a piece of chocolate on a graham cracker, followed by a jumbo marshmallow. Top it with another graham cracker to form a sandwich. Gently press down so the marshmallow sticks to the crackers. You can make as many s’mores as you want, but for the perfect frying experience, we recommend making them in batches of 4-6.
Step 2: Freeze the S’mores
For the best results, it’s crucial to freeze the assembled s’mores before frying. Freezing the s’mores will help them hold their shape during frying and prevent the marshmallow from melting out too quickly. Place your s’mores on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for at least 1-2 hours. This step ensures the filling remains gooey inside while the outside becomes crispy.
Step 3: Make the Batter
While your s’mores are chilling, it’s time to prepare the batter. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Next, add:
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk everything together until you have a smooth batter. The batter should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Fill a deep fryer or large pot with vegetable oil, making sure there’s enough to submerge the s’mores. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). To test the oil’s readiness, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface quickly, the oil is ready for frying.
Step 5: Coat the S’mores
Once the s’mores are fully frozen and the oil is heated, it’s time to dip the s’mores in the batter. Using tongs, carefully dip each s’more into the batter, ensuring that it’s completely coated. Gently shake off any excess batter to avoid too much clumping.
Step 6: Fry the S’mores
Carefully lower the battered s’mores into the hot oil one by one. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on the temperature to ensure the oil doesn’t get too hot, as this can burn the batter before the inside is cooked.
Once golden brown, use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the deep-fried s’mores from the oil. Place them on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain the excess oil.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the deep-fried s’mores cool for a minute or two, as the filling will be very hot right after frying. For an extra indulgent touch, dust the s’mores with powdered sugar and serve them with a side of chocolate sauce or whipped cream for dipping.
Tips for the Perfect Deep-Fried S’mores
- Don’t Skip Freezing: Freezing the s’mores before frying is crucial to avoid the marshmallow melting too quickly or leaking out.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature (350°F/175°C) is key to achieving a crispy, golden exterior without overcooking the batter.
- Try Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate, like dark, milk, or even peanut butter cups for a unique twist on classic s’mores.
- Use a Cooling Rack: After frying, place the s’mores on a cooling rack instead of paper towels to prevent them from getting soggy.
Healthier Alternatives
While deep-fried s’mores are a delicious treat, they are certainly an indulgence. If you’re looking for a slightly healthier alternative, consider air frying your s’mores or using a light batter. Additionally, you could use dark chocolate or reduce the sugar in the batter for a slightly less sweet version.
Conclusion
Deep-fried s’mores take the classic campfire treat to new heights by introducing a crispy, golden coating that perfectly contrasts with the gooey, melty marshmallow and chocolate inside. Whether you’re looking to impress your friends at a party, create a memorable dessert for your family, or simply satisfy your sweet tooth, deep-fried s’mores are a fun, creative twist that’s sure to be a hit.
This treat combines the nostalgia of a classic s’more with the indulgence of deep-frying, creating a dessert that’s rich, crunchy, and utterly delicious. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to recreate this crispy, gooey dessert at home and share it with your loved ones in no time!