A Classic Reimagined: Celebrate National S’mores Day With Vosges

The s’more (a contraction of the phrase “some more”) has been a symbol of simple pleasures and shared moments for as long as many of us can remember. But where did this irresistible confection first emerge, and who invented s’mores?

While some link the history of s’mores to the Girl Scouts, others point to a recipe from a book published in the early 1920s, which called it a “Campfire Graham Cracker Sandwich.” Victorian sponge cakes and early 20th-century confections like the MoonPie and Mallomar are other possible sources of inspiration for s’mores.

We may never know the true origin of s’mores, but it remains an enduring symbol of campfire magic and summer fun. Vosges has elevated this nostalgic favorite with our Campfire S’mores Collection, a dreamy box featuring:

• Hand-crafted Madagascar vanilla bean marshmallows
• Buttery shortbread crisps
• Spiced speculoos cookies
• Black salt caramel petites
• Vosges gourmet chocolate bars

It’s a fireside classic reimagined—with a gourmet twist.

The Anatomy of a S’more

A classic s’more is made of three simple parts: toasted marshmallows, milk chocolate, and graham crackers. Each ingredient has its own story, and you might be surprised to learn that none of them started out as a dessert.

Marshmallows

The marshmallow plant (Althaea officinalis) was historically used for medicine by ancient Greeks and Romans to treat inflammation and digestive issues. In 19th-century France, candy makers turned it into a sweet by whipping the root extract with egg whites and sugar, creating a soft, chewy treat called pâte de guimauve.

Eventually, gelatin replaced the plant extract, making marshmallows easier and cheaper to produce. That’s the version that ended up in traditional s’mores.

Graham Crackers

This simple ingredient also has surprising roots. In the 1800s, a Presbyterian minister named Sylvester Graham believed rich, flavorful foods led to sinful behavior. To curb these impulses, he promoted a plain diet that included a bland, dry cracker made from whole wheat flour that would later evolve into the graham cracker.

It was never meant to be a dessert—in fact, he intended for graham crackers to preserve a person’s purity. That they have evolved to become part of one of the country’s most popular indulgences (s’mores) is a twist he probably didn’t see coming.

Milk Chocolate

Chocolate may have the longest history of all s’mores ingredients. People in Mesoamerica have used cacao (a key ingredient in chocolate) for at least 3,000 years, mostly as a bitter drink used in rituals and as medicine.

When it arrived in Europe in the 1500s, chocolate slowly became sweeter and more widely available. In 1876, Daniel Peter invented milk chocolate by mixing chocolate with powdered milk. His creation led to the modern chocolate bar.

Put these three ingredients together, and you get a dessert made from centuries of invention and reinvention. Simple yet delectable.

The Classic S’more: Reinvented by Vosges Haut-Chocolat

The culinary team at Vosges believes the best traditions deserve thoughtful updates. We’ve redefined the fireside favorite using ingredients that elevate every bite. The Campfire S’mores Collection brings intention to every layer.

It starts with hand-crafted Madagascar vanilla marshmallows made in-house. In place of graham crackers, Jules Destrooper butter crisps and spiced speculoos cookies. For richness, we’ve included black salt caramel petites. Then there’s the heart of it all: a curated selection of fancy chocolate bars from Vosges. It’s a collection made for exploring.

How to Make S’mores

Whether you’re making s’mores the old-fashioned way around the campfire or indoors on a stovetop or in a toaster oven, here’s how to do it:

Campfire or Fire Pit Method

You’ll need:

• 1 house-made vanilla marshmallow
• 2 butter crisps or speculoos cookies
• 1 piece of your chosen Vosges mini chocolate bar
• 1 black salt caramel petite

Steps:

1. Skewer the marshmallow and hold it over the flame. Rotate slowly until golden and bubbly all the way around.
2. Place chocolate on one cookie and caramel petite on the other.
3. Sandwich the hot marshmallow between the cookies. Press gently.
4. Let sit for 5–10 seconds until chocolate softens. Enjoy immediately.

Stovetop or Toaster Oven Method

You’ll need:

• 1 house-made vanilla marshmallow
• 2 butter crisps or speculoos cookies
• 1 piece of your chosen Vosges mini chocolate bar
• 1 black salt caramel petite

Stovetop steps:

1. Use metal tongs or a skewer to hold the marshmallow over a low gas flame. Rotate until golden on all sides.
2. Place chocolate on one cookie and caramel petite on the other.
3. Sandwich the hot marshmallow between the cookies. Press gently.
4. Let sit for 5–10 seconds until chocolate softens. Enjoy immediately.

Toaster oven steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place the marshmallow on foil or a baking sheet and toast for 3–5 minutes until golden and puffed.
3. Place chocolate on one cookie and caramel petite on the other.
4. Carefully remove the marshmallow from the toaster oven, and sandwich it between the cookies. Press gently.
5. Let sit for 5–10 seconds until chocolate softens. Enjoy immediately.

Order the Vosges Campfire S’mores Collection and experience this classic confection in a whole new way this August 10th, National S’mores Day.