S’mores Granola Recipe

This delectable S’mores Granola brings the nostalgic campfire treat to your breakfast table! With a perfect balance of crunchy oats, crispy rice cereal, melted chocolate, and gooey marshmallows, this granola transforms an ordinary morning into something extraordinary. Best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal homemade treat even on busy days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nostalgic Flavors: All the beloved campfire s’mores taste without the mess or the fire! The combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows brings back summer memories with every bite.
• Quick to Make: From start to finish, this takes just 20 minutes of your time with minimal hands-on work.
• Perfectly Balanced: The protein powder adds nutritional value while the sweet treats make it feel indulgent—exactly what breakfast should be!
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a morning cereal with milk, a dry snack throughout the day, or even as an ice cream topper for dessert.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Old-fashioned oats: The hearty base that provides texture and fiber. Don’t substitute with quick oats as they won’t give you the same substantial crunch.
• Puffed rice cereal: Adds delightful crispiness and lightens the granola’s texture. The airy quality balances the denser oats perfectly.
• Vanilla protein powder: Brings sweetness while adding nutritional value. This turns your treat into something that actually sustains your energy.
• Graham crackers: The essential s’mores component that adds that distinctive honey-wheat flavor. Crumbling them allows their flavor to distribute evenly.
• Coconut oil: When melted, it helps bind everything together and adds a subtle richness. The coconut flavor complements the sweet elements beautifully.
• Lite pancake syrup: Works as both a binder and sweetener. The maple notes complement the graham crackers wonderfully.
• Mini marshmallows: The star of any s’mores creation! They melt into pockets of gooey goodness throughout the granola.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: They melt partially during baking, creating delicious chocolate swirls and chunks throughout. Semi-sweet provides the perfect balance to the sweet marshmallows.

Variations

Want to customize your S’mores Granola? Try these delicious twists:

• Peanut Butter Lover’s Version: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the coconut oil mixture before combining with dry ingredients.
• Extra Chocolatey: Use chocolate protein powder instead of vanilla and double the chocolate chips.
• Nutty S’mores: Add 1/4 cup of chopped almonds or pecans for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Cinnamon Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warming spice note.

How to Make S’mores Granola

Step 1: Prepare the Base Mixture

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, puffed rice cereal, vanilla protein powder, and crumbled graham crackers. Mix thoroughly so the protein powder is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Melt the coconut oil and pour it over your dry mixture. Add the lite pancake syrup and stir everything together until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated with the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Initial Bake

Spread the granola mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in a thin, even layer. Make sure to leave some space between clusters to allow for proper crisping. Bake for 8-10 minutes until just starting to turn golden.

Step 4: Add the S’mores Elements

Remove the partially baked granola from the oven. Sprinkle the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips evenly across the top. Return to the oven for just 2-4 minutes—this is crucial timing! You want the marshmallows to puff and the chocolate to soften without burning.

Step 5: Create Those Irresistible Clusters

When you take the granola out, the marshmallows will be puffed and the chocolate will be shiny. While everything is still warm and gooey, use a spatula to gently press some areas together, creating those coveted chunky clusters of granola.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Here’s where patience pays off! Allow the granola to cool completely on the baking sheet. As it cools, the marshmallows and chocolate will set, binding everything into delicious s’mores clusters.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Watch the oven carefully: The difference between perfectly toasted and burnt marshmallows is just a minute or two!
• Use parchment paper: This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Create zones: If serving kids and adults, consider making half the batch with extra chocolate chips and marshmallows for the kids’ portion.
• Don’t over-stir after baking: Just enough to create clusters while preserving some individual pieces for a varied texture.
• Size matters: Keep the granola in an even layer with similarly sized pieces for consistent baking.

How to Serve

S’mores granola is surprisingly versatile! Here are my favorite ways to enjoy it:

Breakfast Options

Serve with cold milk just like cereal, or sprinkle over Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey for a protein-packed breakfast bowl.

Snack Ideas

Pack in small containers for an afternoon energy boost, or mix with some dried fruit and nuts for a trail mix variation.

Dessert Transformations

Sprinkle over vanilla ice cream for an instant sundae upgrade, or layer with yogurt and berries in a parfait glass for an impressive but easy dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. The tight seal keeps the granola perfectly crunchy and prevents the marshmallows from getting stale.

Freezing

This granola freezes beautifully! Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. The frozen granola maintains its crunch and actually makes a delicious cold treat straight from the freezer.

Gifting

Package in a clear jar with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. Add a tag with serving suggestions for an extra personal touch.

FAQs

Can I make this granola without protein powder?
Absolutely! Simply replace the protein powder with an additional 1/4 cup of oats and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients for flavor. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

My granola isn’t forming clusters. What went wrong?
The marshmallows need to melt sufficiently to act as a binder. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate, and consider adding an extra minute to the second bake time. Also, remember that the clusters firm up as the granola cools completely.

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini ones?
While mini marshmallows distribute more evenly, you can use regular marshmallows cut into quarters with kitchen scissors. They’ll melt a bit differently, so watch them carefully in the oven.

Is there a way to make this granola less sweet?
Yes! Reduce the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons and cut the marshmallows and chocolate chips by half. You’ll still get the s’mores flavor profile but with less sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This S’mores Granola brings a delightful twist to your breakfast routine while satisfying those sweet cravings in a somewhat responsible way. The beauty of this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels special enough for a weekend treat but easy enough for any day. Give it a try—I bet you’ll find yourself making batch after batch as family and friends request “that amazing s’mores thing” again and again!

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