I’m familiar with the late-night pantry raids—those quiet, guilty-pleasure missions that seem to strike without warning. Like many, I’ve stood in front of the open cabinet, flashlight in the form of a phone, hunting for the one thing that will satisfy a sudden craving. Health trackers and daily goals can wait; the pull of chocolate or something sweet is persuasive and single-minded.
My internal monologue during these raids usually goes something like this:
I’ll just have one spoonful.
Oooooh, that was good. Just one more spoonful.
Hmm… peanut butter is healthy, and there’s no flour, so it’s fine.
Chocolate and peanut butter are amazing together—where’s the ice cream?
Before I know it, the cycle is in full swing. A single spoonful becomes a half-empty jar, and occasionally I wake up to evidence of a nighttime feast: an empty pint beside the bed and a scattering of candy wrappers on the nightstand, as if a stealthy intruder left a breadcrumb trail.
These episodes don’t happen constantly—maybe once a month—usually aligning with that familiar combo of bloating, irritability, and a craving for anything salty, sweet, or carb-heavy.
But my favorite late-night indulgence isn’t new to me. I could enjoy these all year: s’mores, and not just any s’mores. Nutella-Raspberry s’mores, to be precise—layers of Nutella, a tender marshmallow, and a burst of fresh raspberry between graham crackers. They’re dangerously good. Two or three of them is my sweet spot for real satisfaction. For those who need a quick method, microwaving the marshmallow for about 10 seconds softens it perfectly—quick enough for even the most determined midnight snacker.
To my husband, Rob, who quietly gathers discarded wrappers and leaves without a word: thank you. Your restraint is part of why I love you.
Enjoy.
- Graham crackers
- Marshmallows
- Nutella
- Fresh raspberries
- Spread a generous layer of Nutella on one graham cracker. Top with fresh raspberries.
- Heat a marshmallow until soft and puffy—about 10 seconds in the microwave works well for a quick s’more, or toast it over a low flame for a classic charred exterior.
- Place the warm marshmallow onto the Nutella-topped cracker, then sandwich with a second graham cracker. Press gently to spread the marshmallow into the Nutella and berries. Serve immediately.
- For the full recipe and variations, see Alice’s column on PBS Parents.