Some recipes just feel like a warm hug. For me, this classic Smores Dip Skillet Dessert is one of them. It takes me right back to my grandma’s kitchen, where the air was always sweet with the promise of something good. It’s the perfect no-bake party dessert for when you want that same nostalgic feeling without turning on the oven.
It’s the taste of a campfire under the stars, brought right to your kitchen table. This dish is pure, simple joy. It’s about sticky fingers, shared laughter, and that perfect moment when chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker become one.
We all need that kind of comfort. Today, I want to share the traditional way to make it. This isn’t a fancy, updated version. It’s the real deal, just like you remember.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Dessert
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 10-12 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 people
The Story Behind This Classic Recipe
This recipe has its roots in a campfire. I remember sitting on a log, patiently roasting a marshmallow on a stick. The goal was that perfect golden brown color, not a charred black lump.
You’d then sandwich it with a piece of chocolate between two graham crackers. The heat would melt everything into a glorious, messy treat. This skillet version captures that exact magic.
It brings the camping food tradition indoors for when you can’t get outside. It’s for rainy days, last-minute gatherings, or when you just need a sweet, warm pick-me-up. It’s a story of simplicity and shared happiness.
What Makes This the *Traditional* Way
Some recipes try to get fancy. They add sea salt, peanut butter cups, or fancy chocolate. While those can be tasty, they’re not the classic.
The traditional way uses just three core ingredients. It relies on the magic of high heat to transform them. The marshmallows puff and toast. The chocolate melts into a pool of silky goodness. If you love the idea of a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing treat, you might also enjoy these churro cheesecake tacos for another easy party hit.
You use a cast iron skillet because it holds and distributes heat so well. It gives you that authentic, slightly rustic feel. This method is quick, foolproof, and delivers pure nostalgia in every bite.
Smores Dip Skillet Dessert Recipe
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Smores Dip Skillet Dessert Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
Gathering these ingredients is half the fun. You probably have most in your pantry right now. Here’s all you need for the real deal.
- 1 (10-12 oz) bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 (10 oz) bag of jumbo marshmallows, halved
- 1 package of graham crackers, for serving
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter (for the skillet)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Don’t let the simplicity fool you. These steps make all the difference. Follow them, and you’ll have a perfect, bubbly dip in minutes.
- First, turn your oven broiler on to high. Let it heat up fully. Position a rack about 6 inches from the heating element.
- While it heats, rub the inside of your cast iron skillet with the butter. This adds a hint of flavor and helps with cleanup.
- Pour the entire bag of chocolate chips into the skillet. Spread them into one even layer on the bottom.
- Now, take your halved marshmallows. Place them cut-side down, tightly packed, over the chocolate chips. You want to cover the chocolate completely.
- Place the skillet under the broiler. Watch it closely! It only needs 2-5 minutes. The marshmallows will puff up and turn a beautiful, toasty brown.
- Remove it immediately once toasted. The skillet will be very hot. Let it sit for just a minute so the chocolate finishes melting from the residual heat.
- Serve it right away. Place the hot skillet on a trivet or thick towel. Provide plenty of graham crackers for dipping.
My Tips for Perfecting This Classic
A few little tricks can take this from good to unforgettable. Here are my secrets for getting it just right every single time.
Watch it like a hawk. Broilers work fast and can burn things in seconds. Don’t walk away. The moment the marshmallows are golden, take it out.
Use a good, heavy cast iron skillet. It heats evenly and keeps the dip warm at the table for much longer. That’s the key to a great chocolate dip experience.
Halve the marshmallows. This isn’t just busywork. It gives you more toasted surface area and helps them stick to the crackers better. It makes all the difference.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
This dessert is truly best enjoyed fresh and warm. The marshmallows will deflate and the chocolate will firm up as it cools.
If you have leftovers, you can cover the skillet tightly with foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the skillet in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warm and gooey again.
The broiler won’t work as well for reheating. The marshmallows won’t re-toast properly. The oven method is your best bet for a second round.
Nutrition Notes
This is a treat, through and through. Here’s a simple look at what you’re enjoying. These values are estimates per serving.
- Calories: ~350
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugars: 40g
- Protein: 3g
Your Questions About This Classic Recipe
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
You absolutely can. The classic taste leans on semi-sweet for balance. Milk chocolate will make it much sweeter. I recommend using a mix of both if you want the best of both worlds.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
Any oven-safe skillet or baking dish will work in a pinch. A pie dish or an 8×8 baking pan are good options. Just remember, a cast iron skillet is the traditional tool and really does work best for heat retention.
Can I make this on a campfire or grill?
Yes! This is a fantastic camping food idea. Place your buttered skillet over indirect heat on the grill or a campfire grate. Cover it with a lid or foil until the chocolate melts and marshmallows are soft and toasty. It works beautifully.
I hope this recipe finds its way to your table on a cozy night. It’s more than just a dessert. It’s a chance to make a simple, sweet memory with the people you love.
There’s something special about gathering around a warm, gooey skillet. It slows things down and brings a smile to everyone’s face. I know it always does for mine. For another fun and easy dessert that’s perfect for sharing, be sure to check out this recipe for No-Bake Churro Cheesecake Tacos with Strawberry Dip.
Did you try making this classic comfort food? I’d love to hear about it! Share your own stories and photos in the comments below, and let me know how it turned out for you!






