Social media, especially TikTok, has the power to turn anything into a viral sensation, including recipes. Recently, the internet has been flooded with an innovative take on the classic American snack, s’mores: an air fryer s’mores dip. The allure of this three-ingredient recipe is undeniable, promising a warm, gooey treat made entirely in the must-have kitchen gadget of the moment. But I, for one, remain firmly on the air fryer fence. So, in the spirit of culinary curiosity, I decided to recreate this viral recipe in my trusty oven, aiming to separate the hype from the reality.
Autumn’s arrival brings with it a wave of cozy vibes, colder temperatures, and shorter days. It’s the perfect time to don your chef’s hat and whip up some comforting treats. The air fryer, with its promise of quick, easy, and healthier meals, has become the culinary star of the season. But despite its widespread appeal, I’ve resisted the temptation to join the air fryer bandwagon. It’s a matter of principle, I tell myself!
The viral s’mores dip recipe, promising toasty marshmallows and soft chocolate, caught my attention. While my teammate Nicola bravely tested the recipe in her air fryer, I opted for a traditional approach, relying on my oven and a trusty cast-iron skillet. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, aesthetically speaking, quite a lot. The recipe itself is simple enough, although finding genuine graham crackers in the UK can be a bit of a challenge. Google suggests digestive biscuits as an alternative, but the online community has declared this a culinary sin against the American campfire classic. I settled for Le Petit Beurre Biscuits, a buttery hybrid that somewhat resembled a malted milk-Rich Tea biscuit. Armed with a pack of biscuits, a bar of dark chocolate (or milk chocolate, if you prefer), and a generous bag of marshmallows, I began my s’mores dip adventure.
The process was simple: I lined the bottom of my skillet with marshmallows, scattered chunks of chocolate haphazardly, and popped it into the oven at 180°C for 10 to 15 minutes. I envisioned a cozy, sweet dip, evoking memories of Halloween and Bonfire night. However, my culinary dream quickly turned into a sticky nightmare.
Instead of the golden, gooey dip promised in the viral videos, I was greeted with a cloud-like sludge puddle, the chocolate mottled with marshmallow ooze. The marshmallows, according to TikTok, should remain mostly intact, boasting a toasty, golden brown skin reminiscent of an open fire. My dip, on the other hand, resembled a disfigured Michelin man.
Undeterred by its unappealing appearance, I cautiously dipped a biscuit into the sugary mess, hoping to achieve the aesthetically pleasing marshmallow pull showcased online. Sadly, the marshmallow had hardened into a Play-Doh-like texture, a far cry from the light and fluffy goodness I’d been promised.
Each bite was an explosion of sugar, leaving a slight tingle of pain in my teeth. There was no hint of toastiness, no campfire aroma, just a sickly sweet, muddled goo. The viral recipe, for me, was nothing more than a sugar suckerpunch to the senses. My experienced sweet tooth craves complexity, a tang or sharpness to cut through the sugary assault.
If drowning in a gluttonous sugar bath is your thing, then this recipe might be for you. But if you’re looking for the authentic campfire experience, I recommend grilling your marshmallows in the oven to achieve that toasty, caramelized perfection.
As for me, I’m more intrigued by the idea of a savory s’more. Toasting mini soft cheeses like brie or camembert, nestled between salty crackers, sounds like an autumn treat that truly tickles my fancy. After all, who needs sugar when you have the comforting flavors of autumn in a single, delicious bite?
