Grilled Maple S'mores (Maine Style) | Arteflame

Introduction

There is nothing quite like the scent of woodsmoke mingling with caramelized sugar to instantly transport you back to childhood summers. But these Grilled Maine Maple S’mores are a far cry from the burnt, ash-covered treats of the past. Imagine a golden, gooey marshmallow resting on a warm, snappy cracker, all tied together by a ribbon of rich, earthy maple syrup. It is the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for capping off a backyard barbecue or warming up a crisp autumn evening under the stars.

Why This Is The Ultimate Campfire Upgrade

Using the Arteflame grill transforms this messy staple into a sophisticated dessert. The precise heat zones allow you to achieve that elusive, perfect golden-brown crust without the char, while the flat top gently softens the chocolate. The real game-changer, however, is the Maine maple syrup. Its amber complexity bridges the gap between the milk chocolate and the toasted marshmallow, creating a flavor profile that is both nostalgic and gourmet.

Secrets to S'mores Perfection

• Warm the Foundation: Place your graham crackers on the cooler outer edge of the grill ring first. A warm cracker is less brittle and enhances the chocolate's melt.
• Timing the Drizzle: Add the maple syrup immediately after the marshmallow hits the chocolate. The residual heat creates a sticky, delicious glaze that locks in moisture.

Make It Your Own

If milk chocolate is too sweet for your palate, swap it for 70% dark chocolate for a richer, more intense bite. You can also replace the graham crackers with maple leaf cream cookies if you want to double down on that autumnal maple flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 Graham Cracker sheets (broken into halves)
• 8 Large Roasting Marshmallows
• 4 Milk Chocolate Bars (or Dark Chocolate for a richer taste)
• 1/4 cup Maine Maple Syrup (Grade A Dark recommended for robust flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Start your Arteflame grill by building a fire in the center using charcoal or wood. Allow it to burn down until the center cooktop reaches a high temperature, while the outer flat top griddle stabilizes at a medium, consistent heat.
2. Ensure the flat cooktop surface is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking, although s'mores generally require very little lubrication.
3. Identify a cooler zone on the outer edge of the grill ring where you can warm ingredients without burning them.

Step 2: Warm the Base Layers

1. Place half of the graham crackers on the cooler outer edge of the flat top grill. This warms the cracker, making it more aromatic and less likely to shatter when bitten.
2. Place a square of chocolate on top of each warming graham cracker. Let it sit for just 30 to 60 seconds—long enough to soften and become glossy, but not so long that it liquefies completely.

Step 3: Roast the Marshmallows

1. You have two options for the marshmallows: skewer them to roast over the open center fire for a traditional char, or place them directly on the flat cooktop ring near the center for a caramelized, golden-brown crust.
2. If using the flat top, rotate the marshmallow frequently using tongs to ensure an even, barrel-like toast on all sides. This method results in a gooey center with a delightful, non-burnt exterior.

Step 4: The Maple Infusion and Assembly

1. Once the marshmallow is roasted to your liking, place it immediately onto the chocolate-topped graham cracker.
2. While the marshmallow is hot, drizzle a generous teaspoon of Maine Maple Syrup directly over the marshmallow. The heat will cause the syrup to slightly caramelize and seep into the gooey sponge.
3. Top with the second half of the graham cracker and press down gently to secure the sandwich. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips

Mastering s'mores on the Arteflame is all about heat management. Unlike a traditional campfire where you are fighting inconsistent flames, the Arteflame allow you to control the texture of every ingredient. For the best results, use the outer rim of the grill to warm your graham crackers before assembly; a cold cracker can feel brittle, while a warmed one yields a better bite. When adding the Maine maple syrup, try to drizzle it right as the marshmallow comes off the heat. The high sugar content of the marshmallow combined with the hot syrup creates a beautiful glaze that locks in moisture. If you are serving a large group, you can prep the chocolate-topped crackers in a circle around the cool edge of the grill, creating a self-serve station where guests only need to roast their marshmallow and drizzle the syrup to finish their dessert.

Variations

While the classic Maine Maple S'more is perfection on its own, the versatility of the Arteflame grill allows for creative gourmet twists. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different palates or dietary preferences. For a savory-sweet combination, consider adding a slice of crisp bacon—cooked right on the flat top—alongside the maple syrup. The saltiness of the pork cuts through the sugar, creating an addictive flavor profile. Alternatively, swapping the chocolate for different confectioneries can completely change the experience. Here are a few favorite variations to try at your next cookout:

• The Maple Bacon S'more: Add a strip of crispy, applewood smoked bacon and a pinch of coarse sea salt.
• The Nutty Professor: Spread a layer of peanut butter or almond butter on the cracker before adding the chocolate.
• Dark Forest S'more: Substitute milk chocolate with 70% dark chocolate and add a grilled cherry or strawberry slice.
• Cookie Swap: Replace graham crackers with maple leaf cream cookies for a double-dose of maple flavor.
• The Spiced Drizzle: Mix a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper into your maple syrup before drizzling for a warm kick.

Best pairings

To truly round out the culinary experience of these Grilled Maine Maple S'mores, beverage pairing is key. The intense sweetness of the marshmallow and maple syrup needs a drink that can either cut through the sugar or complement the roasted notes. A dark, roasted coffee or a smoky espresso is the most traditional pairing, as the bitterness balances the dessert's sugary profile. For an adult twist, a heavy Stout beer or a Porter works exceptionally well; the coffee and chocolate notes in the beer mirror the flavors in the s'more. If you prefer spirits, a glass of bourbon or rye whiskey is an excellent choice. The vanilla and oak undertones of the whiskey harmonize beautifully with the caramelized maple syrup and toasted marshmallow. For the kids or non-drinkers, a cup of hot cocoa with a pinch of sea salt provides a cozy, warming accompaniment that everyone can enjoy.

Conclusion

The Grilled Maine Maple S'more is more than just a dessert; it is an experience that brings people together around the warmth of the Arteflame grill. By upgrading the ingredients and utilizing the superior cooking capabilities of a flat-top grill, you transform a standard camping snack into a gourmet delight. The interplay of textures—from the crunch of the cracker to the melting chocolate and the sticky, sweet richness of the maple syrup—creates a bite that is nostalgic yet refreshingly new. Next time you fire up the grill for a savory meal, make sure to save some embers for this sweet finale. It is a simple, elegant way to celebrate the joy of outdoor cooking and the delicious complexity of pure Maine maple syrup.