When summer is winding down and the evenings start to feel just a touch cooler, this easy slow cooker campfire dessert brings all the cozy flavor of fireside treats right into the kitchen. It has that familiar s'mores-style charm with graham crackers, melted chocolate, and gooey marshmallows, but it comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and no need to tend a fire. Recipes like this remind me of church suppers, cabin weekends, and the sort of simple sweets that disappear fast when a crowd gathers around the table.
Serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a little whipped cream, or a glass of cold milk for the youngsters and coffee for the grown-ups. It is also lovely spooned into small bowls after a cookout, alongside fresh berries or sliced bananas to balance the sweetness and make it feel just a little extra special.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker August Campfire Dessert
Servings: 8
Ingredients
12 dry graham cracker squares, broken if needed to fit
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Directions
1. Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker crock. Arrange half of the graham cracker squares in an even layer across the bottom, breaking a few pieces as needed to cover the surface.
2. Sprinkle half of the chocolate chips over the graham crackers, then half of the mini marshmallows. Drizzle half of the sweetened condensed milk over the top and dot with half of the butter pieces.
3. Repeat with the remaining graham crackers, chocolate chips, marshmallows, sweetened condensed milk, and butter to make a second layer. Cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are soft and golden around the edges.
4. Turn off the heat and let the dessert rest uncovered for 10 minutes so it settles slightly. Spoon it warm into bowls and serve right away.
Variations & Tips
Peanut Butter Twist: Add a few spoonfuls of peanut butter between the layers for a richer, nuttier version that tastes mighty fine with the chocolate and marshmallow.
Use Dark Chocolate: If your family likes a less sweet dessert, swap the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips. It gives the whole dish a deeper, more grown-up flavor.
Watch the Heat: Slow cookers can vary quite a bit, so begin checking at the 1 1/2 hour mark. You want everything melted and gooey, not scorched around the sides.
Easy Campfire Style Serving: For that true campfire feeling, serve this dessert in little mugs or crocks with long spoons. The soft layers and melted chocolate make it perfect for scooping.
Make It Extra Toasty: If you like a more golden marshmallow top, remove the crock insert carefully when the dessert is done and place it briefly under the broiler only if your insert is broiler-safe. Keep a close eye on it.