You can make s’mores without a campfire using an oven grill, a microwave or purpose-made marshmallow-toasting equipment. Each method produces a slightly different result, but all three can soften the marshmallow and chocolate enough to create the familiar warm biscuit sandwich.
Prepare your biscuits and chocolate before adding heat. Marshmallows change quickly when warmed, so keep the assembly area clear and supervise children throughout.
Which no-campfire method should you choose?
| Method | Best for | Result | Supervision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven grill | Several s’mores at once | Golden top and soft centre | Continuous adult attention |
| Microwave | One or two quick s’mores | Very soft marshmallow with little browning | Adult appliance supervision |
| Purpose-made tabletop equipment | A shared s’mores activity | Toast-to-order experience | Follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly |
Method 1: s’mores under an oven grill
- Place biscuit bases on a foil-lined, heatproof tray and add the chocolate.
- Put marshmallows on a separate area of the tray or on top only when the biscuit and chocolate are suitable for grilling.
- Grill with continuous adult attention until the marshmallows begin to colour and soften. Timings vary by appliance and distance from the heat.
- Remove the tray carefully, assemble the s’mores and allow them to cool enough to handle before eating.
The grill is helpful for preparing several portions together. Never walk away: marshmallows can brown and burn quickly.
Method 2: microwave s’mores
- Place a biscuit base, chocolate and marshmallow on a microwave-safe plate.
- Heat for only a few seconds at a time, watching continuously because the marshmallow can expand rapidly.
- Stop when the marshmallow is soft, then add the top biscuit.
- Allow the filling to cool before handling or serving.
A microwave softens rather than toasts the marshmallow, so you will not get the same caramelised outside. It is quick, convenient and useful when appearance is less important than a gooey centre.
Method 3: purpose-made tabletop equipment
A tabletop burner or marshmallow toaster can turn s’mores into a shared activity. Only use equipment that its manufacturer explicitly describes as suitable for the intended setting and fuel. Read the instructions before lighting it and keep the fuel, flame and hot skewers under adult control.
Never substitute candles, tea lights, improvised burners or unapproved fuels. Never refill equipment while it is hot or lit.
How to help the chocolate melt
- Use a thin, biscuit-sized portion rather than a very thick block.
- Place the warm marshmallow directly against the chocolate.
- Press gently for several seconds to trap the warmth.
- Let cold chocolate reach normal room temperature while keeping it stored according to its packaging.
Safety first: an attentive adult should manage hot appliances, flames, fuel and skewers. Keep the setup stable and clear, tie back loose hair, and check that the finished s’more is cool enough to eat.
What you need
Use graham crackers for the traditional result or read our guide to the best UK biscuits for s’mores. Annie’s s’mores kits bring the core ingredients together; individual kits differ, so check the current product description for contents, equipment, allergens and instructions.
Planning for a group? Try the s’mores party calculator.
No-campfire s’mores FAQs
Can you toast marshmallows in a microwave?
A microwave will soften and expand a marshmallow but will not brown it like radiant heat or a flame.
Can I make several s’mores at once?
An oven grill is generally the most practical of these methods for a batch. Space the portions apart and watch them continuously.
Can children make indoor s’mores?
Children can help prepare biscuits and chocolate. An attentive adult should control every hot appliance, flame, fuel and skewer.
