Combine Fascinating S'mores Trivia With a Fresh S'mores Recipe This Summer

The classic recipe is simple: Layer a gooey toasted marshmallow and a generous piece of chocolate between two graham crackers. Enjoy and repeat. Feeling tempted? The next time you gather around a campfire, wow your friends with intriguing tidbits about s’mores, including the origin of their name. No matter how you prepare your s'mores (check out our recipes below), you're continuing a delightful dessert tradition that began nearly a century ago.

The History of S'mores

The Term 'S'mores' Was Added to the Dictionary in 1974

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, s’mores are described as a dessert typically made with a toasted marshmallow and chocolate pieces layered between two graham crackers. The dictionary notes that the term was first officially used in 1974.

The Origin of S'mores Dates Back to 1927 with the Girl Scouts

This beloved treat was a campfire favorite long before it gained dictionary recognition. The earliest known recipe for s'mores appeared in the 1927 Girl Scouts handbook, Tramping and Trailing With the Girl Scouts. Initially, the snack was referred to as 'some mores.'

A Record-Breaking S'more Weighed More Than 200 Pounds

Campers at Deer Run Camping Resort in Gardners, Pennsylvania, created what might be the largest s’more ever made. This gigantic treat weighed 267 pounds and was made with 140 pounds of marshmallows, 90 pounds of chocolate, and 90 pounds of graham crackers.

Graham Crackers Were Once Believed to Have Special "Benefits"

The graham cracker was invented in 1829 by Presbyterian minister Sylvester Graham in Bound Brook, New Jersey. Originally designed as a health food, it was part of a diet aimed at curbing sexual desires, which Graham considered harmful to health.

The Culture of S'mores

Americans Consume a Massive Amount of S'mores

As stated in The S’mores Cookbook, Americans purchase 90 million pounds of marshmallows each year. During the summer months, about half of these marshmallows are used specifically for making s’mores.

Additionally, The Hershey Company reports producing over 373 million milk chocolate bars annually, which is enough to create 746 million s’mores.

Looking for a reason to treat yourself and stock up on chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers? Mark your calendar for National S’mores Day, celebrated every year on August 10th.

Restaurants and Food Brands Embrace S'mores

The widespread love for traditional s’mores has led food companies to develop a variety of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker-based products, including Pop-Tarts, cereals, ice creams, and even Goldfish snacks.

Restaurants are also tapping into the dessert’s popularity by offering creative twists, such as s’mores-inspired French fries, martinis, macarons, and other unique variations.

Tips for Making Perfect S'mores

No Campfire? No Problem!

Even without a campfire, you can still enjoy s’mores. Try making them on a grill, under the broiler, with a kitchen torch, in a microwave, using an air fryer, or even over a gas stove, candle, or Sterno flame.

Metal Skewers Improve Marshmallow Roasting

Master the art of s'mores: As noted in S'mores: Gourmet Treats for Every Occasion, marshmallows roast quicker on metal rods or coat hangers compared to wooden sticks. Additionally, using hot coals ensures faster and more even cooking than open flames.

Delicious S'mores Recipes

If you're looking to try something new, here are some unique s'more recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth:

Raspberry S'mores

This recipe elevates classic s'mores by adding tangy, fresh raspberries, offering a sophisticated twist on a beloved childhood treat. If raspberries aren’t available, strawberries or blackberries make excellent substitutes.

Get the recipe: Raspberry S'mores

Ice Cream S'mores

These chilled delights will make you rethink traditional s'mores. Featuring marshmallow fluff and vanilla ice cream layered between golden graham crackers and coated in chocolate, this dessert is utterly irresistible.

Get the recipe: Ice Cream S'mores

Mini S'mores Cookie Cups

A graham cracker cookie forms the foundation for a melty marshmallow crowned with a Hershey's Kiss. Whip up a large batch—these bite-sized delights will disappear in no time.

Get the recipe: Mini S'mores Cookie Cups