Did you know that there’s a special day each year to celebrate s’mores, one of America’s favorite campfire treats? Yes, there is a day for everything and August 10th is National S’mores Day! While it’s far too hot for old-fashioned s’mores around a campfire, there are many places in Austin to enjoy this nostalgic summer treat with the family.
S’mores for breakfast
Photo Credit: Mary’s Pop Shop/Facebook
Gelato pops and liege waffles are this UT-adjacent cafe’s claim to fame, including the s’mores waffle. For a treat to take on the road, pop in to Cornucopia next door and get a bag of s’mores popcorn.
S’mores pancakes also make seasonal appearances on the menu at St. Philip and Kerbey Lane. Call ahead to verify.
S’mores for dessert
What if you’re looking to top off a meal or need a special afternoon pick-me-up? Look no further than Austin’s storied food truck community to sate your craving for a campfire-style treat.
Photo Credit: Churro Co./ Instagram
One of my favorite sweet indulgences these days is a crispy, cinnamon-y churro. The Churro Co. offers your choice of as-is churros and cheeky, inventive churro-based desserts like the Blue Ivy (churros topped with blueberry compote and lemon curd). But if it’s s’mores you seek, ask for the “Campfire,” which offers churros tossed in graham cracker sugar and topped with Mexican chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and torched marshmallows.
Photo Credit: Cow Tipping Creamery/Facebook
This family-run West Campus-based food truck has redefined soft-serve ice cream in Austin. Their stackers (basically epic sundaes) are triumphs of creativity and deliciousness. If you aren’t distracted by the glories of the “At the Ritz” (your choice of soft-serve flavor topped with chocolate sauce, peanut butter sauce, and Ritz cracker dust) or “From Texas, with Love” (soft-serve topped with Dr. Pepper cherry sauce and Frito praline bark, among other things), check out the “Gimme S’more,” which features a tower of ice cream drenched in high-quality dark chocolate sauce, graham cracker crumble, and a mountain of toasted marshmallows.
For an immersive Southern-comfort experience, top off your dinner at Lucy’s Fried Chicken (don’t forget the Juicy Lucy watermelon margarita) with a piece of s’mores pie. It’s a slab of chocolate atop a graham cracker crust, topped with a good half-inch of bruleed marshmallow.
Special Occasion s’mores
Photo Credit: Amy’s Ice Creams
This boxed delight is a bit higher-end than the typical Hershey’s chocolate-and-graham-crackers combo. Amy’s combines high-quality chocolate, Biscoff cookies, and artisanal marshmallows make a great gift or a special treat on your next camping trip. Be sure to check the menu board for S’mores ice cream while you’re there, as it’s making the rounds right now.
Photo Credit: Maggie Louise Confections
These artisanal chocolates from Austin’s upstart chocolatier. Maggie molds El Rey milk chocolate in a snakeskin-imprinted cube, then fills it with house-made spiced graham cracker and vanilla marshmallow. The perfect playful-yet-elegant gift for your favorite client or teacher — or yourself.
S’mores for s’mores sake
What if you just want some straight-up s’mores? We’ve got you covered.
Go check out a screening of The Princess Bride and other family-friendly classic films and pick up s’mores from the concession stand to enjoy.
One of the most well-known spots for s’mores in Austin. Small packages of Honey Maid graham crackers, fun-size Hersehy bar, and standard marshmallows arrive with a personal-sized butane heater for table side grilling.
Make s’mores at home
No need for a campfire to make this tasty treat at home. The Hershey’s website is packed with recipes for s’more inspired delights that include S’more Bars, S’mores Pops, S’mores Cookies, Easy S’more Clusters and even a S’more Tini!
“Eat s’mores on National S’mores Day” is on the August Summer Fun Checklist! If you indulge in some s’mores, be sure to share a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #austinsummerfun, for the chance to win a prize!
About the author: Melanie Haupt is a wife, mom, cook, writer, teacher, and friend. She has lived in the Austin area (off and on) since 1988 and did both her Bachelor’s and her PhD at UT-Austin. She is a sometimes-runner, local food junkie, and knits dishcloths to keep her hands busy.
