Salted Caramel Smores Casserole Recipe

Salted Caramel S’mores Casserole Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Salted caramel s'mores casserole takes everything loved about campfire treats and turns it into something memorable for any occasion.

Rich caramel notes blend beautifully with classic marshmallow sweetness while a hint of salt balances out the flavors perfectly.

It's comfort food that feels both familiar and exciting at the same time.

Serve it warm for gatherings, celebrations, or quiet nights when something special sounds just right.

The combination works wonderfully because sweet and salty flavors always complement each other so well.

You can enjoy it straight from the oven when everything is gooey and warm.

Making dessert feel special doesn't have to be complicated when you have a recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Standout Features Of Salted Caramel Smores Casserole

  • Simple Prep: This salted caramel s’mores casserole breaks down into super straightforward steps that anyone can tackle, even if baking isn’t your strong suit.
  • Crowd-Pleaser Dessert: Guaranteed to make friends and family smile with those classic s’mores flavors everyone adores, perfect for gatherings or weekend treats.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepping the Dulce de Leche ahead of time means less stress when you’re ready to assemble the dessert, giving you more time to enjoy with loved ones.
  • Comfort Food Upgrade: Taking the nostalgic campfire s’mores and transforming them into a shareable casserole means you get all the gooey deliciousness without the outdoor campfire hassle.

Salted Caramel S’mores Casserole Ingredient List

Graham Cracker Base:
  • Half Package Graham Crackers: Crush these crackers into fine crumbs for a sweet, crunchy foundation of your dessert.
  • 4 Tablespoons Butter: Melt this to bind the graham cracker crumbs together, creating a delicious base that holds perfectly.
Chocolate Components:
  • Dark Chocolate Chips (1 cup): These will provide a rich, deep chocolate flavor to your casserole.
  • Milk Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Add a creamy, smooth chocolate layer that complements the dark chocolate.
  • Whipping Cream (4 Tablespoons): Creates a silky, luxurious texture for your chocolate filling.
  • Butter (2 Tablespoons): Enhances the smoothness and richness of the chocolate mixture.
Topping and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Marshmallows (35): These will create a golden, puffy topping that browns beautifully in the 425-degree oven.
  • Dulce de Leche (1 Can): A sweet, caramel-like sauce that adds a luxurious drizzle over the finished dessert.
  • Cracked Sea Salt (To Taste): Sprinkle this to balance the sweetness and add a gourmet touch to your s’mores casserole.

Everyday Kitchen Equipment for Smores Casserole

  • Large Pot: Perfect for boiling the sweetened condensed milk can to create homemade dulce de leche.
  • Magic Bullet or Food Processor: Crush your graham crackers into fine crumbs for a smooth, even crust.
  • Medium-Sized Rectangular Oven-Safe Pan (9×13 inches): Your go-to dish for layering and baking this delicious dessert casserole.
  • Microwave-Safe Bowl: Melt your chocolate ingredients quickly and evenly.
  • Plastic Sandwich Bag: Use this to drizzle dulce de leche with precision over the finished dessert.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient proportions for the perfect balance of flavors.
  • Spatula: Helpful for spreading graham cracker crust and smoothing chocolate layer evenly.
  • Sharp Kitchen Knife: Needed to cut a small hole in the sandwich bag for drizzling.

Directions for Baking Salted Caramel S’mores Casserole

1

Prepare Dulce de Leche

Remove the label from a can of sweetened condensed milk. Submerge the can completely in a large pot of water. Boil for exactly 3 hours, then carefully remove and let cool completely.

2

Make Graham Cracker Crust

Grab half a package of graham crackers and crush them into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.

  • 4 tablespoons butter

Melt the butter and mix with graham cracker crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into a greased medium-sized rectangular baking dish, creating an even layer across the bottom.

3

Create Chocolate Filling

Prepare the chocolate layer by combining:

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 4 tablespoons whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Microwave these ingredients in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.

4

Add Marshmallow Topping

Arrange 35 marshmallows completely across the top of the chocolate layer, covering the entire surface of the dish.

5

Bake the Casserole

Place the dish in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for exactly 16 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown and puffy.

6

Final Chocolate Sprinkle

Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle additional chocolate chips over the top while the marshmallows are still hot.

7

Caramel Drizzle

Once the casserole has cooled for about 5 minutes, transfer the prepared dulce de leche to a small plastic sandwich bag. Cut a tiny hole in the corner and drizzle the caramel over the marshmallows and chocolate. Finish with a light sprinkle of cracked sea salt to enhance the flavors.

Chef’s Notes for Salted Caramel S’mores Casserole

  • Boil the condensed milk can the night before to create a rich, creamy caramel sauce that’ll elevate your dessert.
  • Crush graham crackers finely and mix with melted butter to create a solid, crispy base that holds your casserole together.
  • Microwave chocolate ingredients until smooth, ensuring your filling is creamy and evenly spread across the crust.
  • Cover the entire pan with marshmallows for a perfectly toasted, golden-brown top that adds a classic s’mores texture.
  • Drizzle the homemade Dulce de Leche over the cooled casserole through a small bag corner for a professional-looking caramel swirl.

Creative Variations for Salted Caramel Smores Casserole

  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour, keeping the same butter proportion for your crust base.
  • Dairy-Free Swap: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk and use dairy-free chocolate chips for a smooth allergy-friendly dessert.
  • Vegan Alternative: Use coconut whipped marshmallows, plant-based butter, and dark chocolate for a completely animal-product-free version that maintains the rich caramel flavor.
  • Lower Sugar Option: Select dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content and reduce marshmallow quantity to create a less sweet but deeply satisfying dessert that feels decadent without overwhelming sugar levels.

Serving And Pairing Ideas For Salted Caramel Smores Casserole

  • Serving Size Suggestion: Cut into 8-12 squares for the perfect shareable dessert that lets everyone grab a gooey slice.
  • Chilled Companion: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the rich, sweet layers and add a cool contrast.
  • Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a hot cup of dark roast coffee or a cold glass of milk to complement the sweet and chocolatey flavors.
  • Breakfast Twist: Reheat a slice in the morning for an indulgent weekend breakfast treat that feels like a special dessert.

Practical Storage Advice for Ovenbaked Salted Caramel Smores Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container inside your refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cold won’t hurt the delicious layers, but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap if freezing, which keeps fresh for about 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • When refrigerating, place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent the marshmallows from drying out or getting tough.
  • Keep the casserole covered at room temperature for the first day after baking, which helps maintain the soft, gooey consistency everyone loves.

Ovenbaked Salted Caramel Smores Casserole Common Questions Answered

FAQ

Can I substitute homemade caramel for Dulce de Leche?

Homemade caramel works perfectly. Just ensure it’s thick enough to drizzle and has a similar rich, creamy texture.

FAQ

What chocolate works best for the filling?

Semisweet or milk chocolate chips melt smoothly and create a rich, creamy chocolate layer that complements the marshmallows.

FAQ

How do I prevent graham cracker crust from getting soggy?

Press the crust firmly and evenly into the pan. Using room temperature butter helps create a solid, crisp base that stays crunchy.

FAQ

Can this dessert be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

FAQ

What if my marshmallows burn too quickly?

Watch carefully in the last few minutes of baking. If they brown too fast, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

FAQ

How can I make the Dulce de Leche safely?

Always submerge the sealed, unopened condensed milk can completely in water. Keep water level above the can and monitor the pot to prevent boiling dry.

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Salted Caramel Smores Casserole Recipe

Salted Caramel S’mores Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours 26 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Salted caramel s’mores casserole brings campfire memories right to your kitchen table, melting chocolate and marshmallows into a gooey treat that sparks pure dessert joy. Grab your spoon and dive into this nostalgic comfort classic that turns simple ingredients into pure happiness.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Components:

  • 35 marshmallows
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1 half package graham crackers

Chocolate Components:

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Supporting/Flavor Components:

  • 1 can dulce de leche
  • Cracked sea salt to taste
  • Chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare dulce de leche by removing label from a 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk. Submerge completely in a large pot of water, ensuring can is fully covered. Boil steadily for exactly 3 hours, then remove and allow to cool completely.
  2. Pulverize half a package of graham crackers in a food processor until achieving fine, sandy texture. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and blend thoroughly into crushed crackers.
  3. Press graham cracker mixture firmly into a greased medium-sized rectangular baking dish, creating an even, compact bottom layer.
  4. Combine 1 cup dark chocolate chips, 1 cup milk chocolate chips, 4 tablespoons whipping cream, and 2 tablespoons butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
  5. Pour chocolate mixture evenly over graham cracker crust, ensuring complete coverage.
  6. Arrange 35 marshmallows across entire surface of chocolate layer, placing them close together to create full coverage.
  7. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for precisely 16 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  8. Immediately after removing from oven, sprinkle additional chocolate chips across hot marshmallow surface.
  9. Allow casserole to cool for 5 minutes, then transfer cooled dulce de leche into a small plastic sandwich bag. Snip a tiny corner and drizzle sauce decoratively over marshmallows and chocolate.
  10. Finish by lightly sprinkling cracked sea salt across the entire dessert for enhanced flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Prepare the Dulce de Leche ahead of time by boiling the unopened sweetened condensed milk can for a smoother, richer caramel flavor.
  • Crush graham crackers finely for a more uniform and compact crust that holds together perfectly.
  • Use a piping bag or plastic sandwich bag with a small cut corner for a neat, professional-looking drizzle of Dulce de Leche across the top.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or a nut-based crumb crust.
  • Prep Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Casseroles
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 415 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Isabella Romero

Isabella Romero

Hospitality & Beverage Editor

Expertise

Cocktail Culture, Tequila and Mezcal Knowledge, Guest Experience Writing, Restaurant Trends, Event Dining Guides

Education

National Louis University, Kendall College
  • Program: B.A. in Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Studied hospitality through a program built around theory and application, with practical preparation for restaurant and guest-experience careers in Chicago’s hospitality industry.
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
  • Program: Level 2 Award in Spirits
  • Focus: Studied core spirits categories, tasting methodology, service principles, and the use of spirits in cocktails, making it a strong fit for beverage content tied to tequila, mezcal, and cocktail culture.

Isabella brings together cocktails, food culture, social dining, and the thoughtful details that make a meal feel memorable. Her content blends atmosphere, flavor, and hospitality in a warm, polished style that helps readers connect with the full dining experience, from the first sip to the last bite.

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