Decadent Caramel Fudge S’mores: The Ultimate Grilled BBQ Dessert Recipe

The delightful trend of grilling marshmallows has taken the world by storm, and it’s particularly embraced in places like the Netherlands where outdoor cooking is increasingly popular. But why stop at simple toasted marshmallows when you can elevate your barbecue experience with an extravagant, utterly irresistible dessert? We’re talking about s’mores – that beloved campfire treat – but with a luxurious upgrade: rich, creamy caramel fudge. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a sweet masterpiece designed to be the grand finale of any gathering.

Imagine the perfect blend of textures and flavors: fluffy, golden-brown marshmallows, luscious melted chocolate, and crisp cookies, all brought together with the decadent addition of gooey caramel fudge, kissed by the smoky essence of the grill. It’s a dessert that transcends expectations, a symphony of sweetness that will leave everyone craving “some more” – which, fittingly, is where the name s’mores originates.

What Exactly Are S’mores? A Classic American Treat

S’mores, an abbreviation for “some more,” hold a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers, particularly in American culture. Traditionally enjoyed around a crackling campfire, this iconic treat consists of a perfectly toasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate, sandwiched between two graham crackers. The heat from the marshmallow melts the chocolate, creating a warm, gooey, and utterly delightful experience. It’s simple yet profound, offering a nostalgic taste of childhood adventures and starry nights.

While the classic combination of ingredients is legendary, the beauty of s’mores lies in their adaptability. Over the years, countless variations have emerged, with people experimenting with different types of chocolate, cookies, and even adding fruits or nut butters. However, the core principle remains: a delightful interplay of soft, melted, and crunchy textures with sweet, comforting flavors. This recipe takes that beloved tradition and introduces a modern, gourmet twist that is sure to impress even the most discerning palate.

The Caramel Fudge Revolution: Elevating Your S’mores

Our featured BBQ dessert takes the beloved s’mores to an entirely new level with the ingenious inclusion of delicious caramel fudge. This isn’t just any grilled marshmallow dessert; it’s an extravagant concoction designed for ultimate indulgence. What makes this version so special? It’s the harmonious blend of:

• Fluffy Marshmallows: Both regular and mini marshmallows are used, creating layers of texture. The larger ones become incredibly soft and gooey, while the mini marshmallows caramelize slightly more, offering delightful crispy edges.
• Rich Milk Chocolate: Generous pieces of milk chocolate (we recommend quality pastilles like Droste for their smooth melt) transform into a warm, velvety layer.
• Crispy Cookies: Graham crackers provide that essential crunch, a perfect counterpoint to the soft fillings. You can also experiment with other types of biscuits or cookies for a unique flavor profile.
• Decadent Caramel Fudge Cubes: This is the game-changer. As the dish heats on the barbecue, the caramel fudge cubes melt into a wonderfully creamy, buttery sauce that intertwines with the marshmallow and chocolate. Every bite offers a rich, sweet explosion, creating a truly unforgettable dessert experience. The fudge adds an extra layer of sweetness and a luxurious texture that you simply can’t get enough of. It’s a piece of sweet art in every spoonful.

The combination of these elements, grilled on the barbecue, results in a dessert that is warm, melty, crunchy, and supremely satisfying. The smoky notes from the grill subtly infuse the sweets, adding another dimension of flavor that elevates this dish far beyond a simple campfire snack. It’s truly a decadent treat you won’t want to share.

Grilling S’mores: Tips for BBQ Perfection

While s’mores are traditionally associated with campfires, preparing them on a barbecue opens up a world of convenience and flavor. The controlled heat of a grill, especially when using a disposable grill dish, allows for a more even melt and a beautifully caramelized top without the hassle of skewers. Here’s how to achieve perfection:

Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely

• Marshmallows: Opt for a mix of large and mini marshmallows. The large ones provide a substantial gooey interior, while the mini marshmallows on top catch the heat quicker, forming delightful crispy, browned bits.
• Chocolate: Milk chocolate is classic for its sweetness and smooth melt. Chocolate pastilles or chunks work beautifully as they melt evenly. For a more intense flavor, consider dark chocolate, or even white chocolate for a different sweet profile.
• Cookies/Crackers: Graham crackers are traditional, but feel free to explore! Digestive biscuits, shortbread, or even chocolate chip cookies can add intriguing textures and flavors.
• Caramel Fudge: High-quality, soft caramel fudge cubes are key. They will melt into a rich, creamy sauce, enhancing the overall decadence.

Layering for Optimal Flavor and Texture

The secret to an extravagant s’mores mix lies in the layering:

1. Start by covering the bottom of your disposable grill dish with a generous layer of large marshmallows. This forms the primary gooey base.
2. Next, sprinkle half of your chopped cookies and chocolate pieces evenly over the marshmallows.
3. Add a scattering of mini marshmallows. These will melt into the gaps and get beautifully browned.
4. Follow with another layer of large marshmallows, then the remaining cookies and chocolate.
5. Finally, crown your creation with the caramel fudge cubes. These will slowly melt and cascade over the other ingredients as it cooks.

This strategic layering ensures that every spoonful is a complex bite of crispy, creamy, and wonderfully sweet goodness.

Grilling Technique for a Flawless Finish

Place your prepared grill dish on the barbecue over medium, indirect heat. The goal is to gently warm and melt the ingredients without burning the marshmallows. Grill for approximately 5 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed up, golden brown, and the chocolate and caramel fudge are beautifully melted and gooey. Keep a close eye on it, as marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly!

Once ready, carefully remove the hot dish from the grill. Serve immediately with spoons, allowing everyone to dig in and enjoy the warm, bubbling, decadent dessert straight from the BBQ. It’s a communal experience that perfectly caps off an amazing meal.

The Ultimate American-Style BBQ: A Culinary Journey

Our extravagant grilled s’mores served as the perfect grand finale to a memorable American-style BBQ. This wasn’t just any barbecue; it was a feast designed to delight, offering a diverse array of flavors and textures that celebrated the spirit of American outdoor cooking. Beyond the main dishes, every element was carefully chosen to complement the meal:

• Refreshing Beverages: We kicked things off with a delicate Rose Vanilla Iced Tea and a festive Licor 43 Sangria, setting a vibrant tone for the evening.
• Flavorful Main Courses: The grill sizzled with an impressive lineup of main dishes:
  • Bacon Bourbon Chicken Kebabs: Tender chicken wrapped in crispy bacon, glazed with a sweet and smoky bourbon sauce.
  • Grilled Shrimp with Cashew Nut Satay Sauce: Succulent shrimp with an exotic, nutty satay kick, offering a taste of the unexpected.
  • Honey Bourbon Spare Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone ribs, coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey bourbon BBQ sauce – a true crowd-pleaser.
  • Vegetarian Halloumi Caprese Kebabs: A fresh and delightful option featuring grilled halloumi cheese, ripe cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, perfect for our vegetarian guests.
• Vibrant Side Dishes: To balance the richness of the grilled meats, we served crisp, refreshing salads: a sweet Blueberry Melon Salad and a zesty Pomegranate Orange Salad. These provided a light, fruity counterpoint to the smoky mains.
• Artisan Bread: Our homemade Focaccia with Caramelized Red Onion and Garlic Butter was the perfect accompaniment, with its fragrant herbs and savory toppings, ideal for soaking up any delicious juices.

And as mentioned, the decadent grilled s’mores mix was the perfect sweet crescendo to this epic meal. Each dish was crafted to contribute to a diverse and memorable dining experience, ensuring there was something for everyone to savor. Tomorrow, we’ll share a summary of this fantastic BBQ, and then we’ll slowly start sliding towards Halloween – so stay tuned for more exciting recipes and festive ideas!

📖 Recipe