Welcome to the sweet and delightful world of s'mores, with a fresh fruity twist. This strawberry banana s'mores recipe takes the classic campfire treat to the next level. It combines the toasted, gooey pleasure of s'mores with the lush sweet flavors of caramelized bananas, fresh strawberries, and luscious chocolate. Indulge your senses and satisfy your sweet tooth with this game-changing dessert.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most homes. However, if you don't have a culinary torch for caramelizing bananas, you can use a regular pan to achieve similar results. Also, if fresh strawberries are not in season or available, a quality strawberry jam or preserve can be used as a substitute for the homemade strawberry sauce.
Strawberry Banana S'mores Ingredients
Strawberries: These are a key ingredient for the homemade sauce. Fresh is best, but a good quality preserve can be used.
Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and ease of caramelization.
Marshmallows: These give the s'mores their classic gooey texture.
Graham crackers: The base of the s'mores. Choose honey maid graham crackers for a hint of sweetness.
Hershey's milk chocolate: Adds the rich, creamy chocolate layer in the s'mores.
Sugar: Used to sweeten the strawberry sauce and caramelize the bananas.
Butter: Helps to caramelize the bananas and adds a bit of richness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the strawberry sauce.
Lemon: Adds a bit of acidity to balance the sweetness of the strawberry sauce.
Cornstarch: Thickens the strawberry sauce to give it a jam-like texture.
One reader, Everett Batts says:
This strawberry banana s'mores recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh strawberries, caramelized bananas, and gooey marshmallows is simply divine. The homemade strawberry sauce adds a burst of flavor, making this a delightful twist on the classic s'mores. It's a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Key Techniques for Strawberry Banana S'mores Recipe
Prepare the strawberry sauce: Combine the strawberries, sugar, vanilla, and lemon in a pot. Boil for 5 minutes until the strawberries break down, then add the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce.
Caramelize the bananas using a culinary torch: Slice the bananas into rounds, sprinkle with sugar, and use a culinary torch to lightly caramelize them.
Caramelize the bananas in a pan: Melt butter in a pan, add the bananas and sugar, and cook over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the bananas have browned.
How To Make Strawberry Banana S’mores
These strawberry banana s’mores are made sweeter and more flavorful with a strawberry sauce and caramelized banana assembled together for a sweet treat.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Sauce:
- 3cupsfresh strawberrieschopped
- ¼cupsugarif your strawberries are on the tart side, increase to 1/3
- 1tspvanilla extract
- ½lemonjuiced
- 2tspcornstarch
For the S’mores:
- 4Honey Maid Graham Cracker Squares
- 4Kraft Jet Puffed Marshmallowstoasted
- ½banana
- 1Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar
- 2tspsugar
- 2tspbutter
Instructions
To make the Strawberry Sauce:
-
Combine the strawberries, sugar, vanilla, and lemon in a pot. Place the pot over high heat, boil for 5 minutes, or until strawberries have started to break down.
-
Mix together the cornstarch with 2 teaspoons cold water. Add the cornstarch mixture to the strawberries and boil for an additional 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly; cool.
To make the Caramelized Bananas:
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Method 1: Slice the banana into 1/2 inch thick rounds. Sprinkle the rounds with sugar. Use a culinary torch to lightly caramelize the bananas.
-
Method 2: Melt the butter in a pan, add the bananas and sugar. Cook over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes or until bananas have browned.
To Assemble:
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Place a graham cracker square on a plate. Add 1/2 of a Hershey’s bar, top with 2 toasted marshmallows. Place half of the bananas on top of the marshmallows and top with 1 tablespoon of strawberry sauce.
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Repeat the process for the remaining ingredients to make a second s’more.
Nutrition
- Calories: 552.33kcal
- Fat: 14.29g
- Saturated Fat: 6.85g
- Trans Fat: 0.17g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.53g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.30g
- Carbohydrates: 104.55g
- Fiber: 7.13g
- Sugar: 71.53g
- Protein: 6.10g
- Cholesterol: 15.21mg
- Sodium: 174.53mg
- Calcium: 119.65mg
- Potassium: 621.01mg
- Iron: 2.49mg
- Vitamin A: 35.64µg
- Vitamin C: 144.73mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Strawberry Banana S'mores
When making the strawberry sauce, ensure to stir frequently to prevent the sauce from burning. The sauce should be a thick consistency, similar to a syrup. If it's too thin, continue cooking for a few more minutes. If it's too thick, add a bit more water. Remember, the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. For the caramelized bananas, make sure to use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas can become too mushy when cooked. Lastly, when assembling the s'mores, you can toast the marshmallows over a gas stove or under a broiler if you don't have a culinary torch. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Strawberry Banana S'mores
Prep ahead: Prepare the strawberry sauce and caramelized bananas in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize a culinary torch to quickly caramelize the bananas, or use a non-stick pan to speed up the caramelization process.
Organize ingredients: Lay out all the ingredients and kitchen tools needed for the recipe before starting to assemble the s'mores for a smoother cooking process.
Multi-task: While the strawberry sauce is cooling, start caramelizing the bananas to save time and streamline the cooking process.
Pre-cut ingredients: Pre-slice the bananas and break the chocolate bar into pieces beforehand to expedite the assembly of the s'mores.
Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry Banana S’mores Recipe
strawberries - Substitute with raspberries: Raspberries have a similar tartness and sweetness to strawberries, and they can provide a delicious alternative flavor to the sauce.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness to the sauce and also bring a unique flavor profile.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can provide a nutty and aromatic flavor that complements the fruits and chocolate in the recipe.
lemon - Substitute with orange: Orange can add a citrusy brightness to the sauce, similar to lemon, while also offering a slightly different flavor profile.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can act as a thickening agent for the sauce, similar to cornstarch, and it is a suitable alternative for thickening fruit sauces.
graham cracker squares - Substitute with vanilla wafer cookies: Vanilla wafer cookies can provide a similar crunchy texture and a hint of vanilla flavor to the s'mores.
marshmallows - Substitute with flavored marshmallows: Flavored marshmallows, such as strawberry or banana, can add an extra layer of fruity taste to the s'mores.
banana - Substitute with kiwi: Kiwi can offer a tangy and sweet flavor similar to banana, and its vibrant green color can add visual appeal to the s'mores.
milk chocolate bar - Substitute with dark chocolate bar: Dark chocolate can provide a richer and slightly bitter flavor compared to milk chocolate, adding depth to the s'mores.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a distinct sweetness and a hint of caramel-like flavor to the s'mores.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and a hint of coconut flavor to the s'mores.
Presenting Your Strawberry Banana S'mores
Elevate the s'mores with a modern twist: Instead of the traditional s'mores presentation, deconstruct the dish and present the graham cracker, marshmallows, and chocolate in a visually appealing and modern arrangement on the plate.
Artistic strawberry sauce drizzle: Use a squeeze bottle to create an artistic and precise drizzle of the strawberry sauce on the plate, adding a pop of color and enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
Caramelized banana fan: Arrange the caramelized banana slices in a fan shape on the plate, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to the presentation.
Garnish with fresh strawberry slices: Thinly slice fresh strawberries and use them as a garnish around the plate to add a burst of vibrant color and a refreshing element to the presentation.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the entire plate with a fine sprinkle of powdered sugar to create a visually stunning and professional finishing touch.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the s'mores on elegant, minimalist serving plates or platters to showcase the dish in a sophisticated and refined manner.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate and edible flowers, such as rose petals or lavender, to add a touch of luxury and a visually stunning element to the presentation.
Balance and symmetry: Focus on creating a balanced and symmetrical arrangement of the components on the plate to demonstrate precision and attention to detail in the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Strawberry Banana S'mores
Saucepan: A saucepan is a versatile kitchen tool used for cooking sauces, boiling liquids, and simmering ingredients. It typically has a long handle and a lid, making it ideal for a wide range of cooking tasks.
Culinary torch: A culinary torch is a handheld tool that produces a hot, focused flame. It is commonly used for tasks such as caramelizing sugar, browning meringues, or torching fruits.
Storing and Freezing Your Strawberry Banana S'mores Recipe
The strawberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, pour the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container or ice cube tray for smaller portions. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Assembled s'mores are best enjoyed immediately, as the graham crackers can become soggy over time. However, if you need to store them, wrap each s'more tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
If you have leftover caramelized bananas, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They can be enjoyed on their own, or used as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes.
To freeze the caramelized bananas, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Leftover marshmallows and chocolate can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for future use. Graham crackers should be stored in their original packaging or an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale.
Reheating Leftover Strawberry Banana S'mores
The best way to reheat leftover strawberry banana s'mores is to use a microwave. Place the s'more on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 15-20 seconds, or until the marshmallow is soft and gooey. This method will preserve the texture of the graham cracker and prevent it from becoming soggy.
Another option is to reheat the s'more in a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the s'more on a baking sheet. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the chocolate and marshmallow are melted and the graham cracker is crispy. This method will give you a slightly crispier texture than the microwave.
If you want to reheat multiple s'mores at once, you can use a conventional oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the s'mores on a baking sheet. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the chocolate and marshmallow are melted and the graham cracker is crispy. This method is ideal for larger batches of s'mores.
For a more rustic approach, you can reheat the s'more over an open flame, such as a campfire or a gas stove. Place the s'more on a long metal skewer or roasting stick and hold it over the flame, rotating occasionally, until the marshmallow is toasted and the chocolate is melted. This method will give you a smoky flavor and a slightly charred texture.
If you want to preserve the freshness of the strawberry sauce, you can reheat it separately in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warm. Then, spoon the warm sauce over the reheated s'more for a burst of fruity flavor.
Interesting Fact About Strawberry Banana S'mores
The strawberry banana s'mores recipe is a delightful twist on the classic s'mores, incorporating the flavors of fresh strawberries and caramelized bananas. This unique combination adds a fruity and sweet element to the traditional campfire treat. The addition of the homemade strawberry sauce elevates the s'mores, providing a burst of fruity flavor. The caramelized bananas bring a rich and caramelized taste, complementing the sweetness of the marshmallows and chocolate. This recipe offers a creative and delicious way to enjoy s'mores with a fruity twist.
Is Making Strawberry Banana S'mores at Home Cost-Effective?
This strawberry banana s'mores recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as strawberries, bananas, and marshmallows, are generally affordable and readily available. However, the use of Hershey's milk chocolate and graham crackers may slightly increase the overall cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Considering the delightful combination of flavors and the indulgent experience, the overall verdict for this recipe would be 8/10.
Are Strawberry Banana S'mores Healthy or Unhealthy?
The strawberry banana s'mores recipe, while indulgent and delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of added sugar, both in the strawberry sauce and the caramelized bananas. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
- The use of processed ingredients like graham crackers, marshmallows, and milk chocolate adds extra calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats to the dish.
- The recipe lacks nutritional diversity, as it primarily consists of simple carbohydrates and sugar, with little protein, fiber, or healthy fats.
However, the recipe does incorporate some healthier elements, such as fresh strawberries and bananas, which provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of added sugar in the strawberry sauce and caramelized bananas, or opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Use whole wheat graham crackers or a healthier alternative, such as almond flour crackers, to increase the fiber content and reduce processed ingredients.
- Swap milk chocolate for dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), which contains more antioxidants and less sugar.
- Add a source of protein, such as a smear of almond butter or Greek yogurt, to balance out the carbohydrates and provide a more satisfying treat.
- Serve smaller portions and pair the s'mores with fresh fruit to increase the overall nutrient density of the dessert.
Editor's Opinion on This Strawberry Banana S'mores Recipe
The combination of fresh strawberry sauce, caramelized bananas, and classic s'mores ingredients creates a delightful and indulgent treat. The contrast of the sweet, tangy strawberry sauce with the creamy chocolate and toasted marshmallows is a winning combination. The addition of caramelized bananas adds a unique twist and a lovely caramelized flavor. Overall, this recipe offers a playful and delicious take on the traditional s'mores, perfect for those who enjoy a fruity and decadent dessert experience.
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Why trust this Strawberry Banana S’mores Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic s'mores, incorporating fresh strawberries and ripe bananas for a burst of natural sweetness. The homemade strawberry sauce adds a touch of elegance, while the caramelized bananas bring a rich, caramelized flavor. The careful attention to detail in the instructions ensures a successful outcome, and the use of quality ingredients like Hershey's chocolate and Kraft marshmallows guarantees a delicious result. Trust in the combination of traditional s'mores elements with the addition of fresh fruits for a delightful and memorable treat.
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