If you adore the gooey, chocolaty, and crunchy magic of traditional campfire treats then you’re absolutely going to fall in love with this S’mores Bars Recipe. Imagine all those classic s’mores flavors—graham crackers, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallows—conveniently baked into easy-to-serve dessert bars that are perfect for any occasion. These bars capture that nostalgic taste with a homemade touch that’s sure to delight your family and friends, whether you’re craving a cozy treat at home or bringing something special to your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is key, and you’ll be happy to know this recipe calls for simple pantry staples that come together effortlessly. Each ingredient brings a little something special, creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and mouthwatering appeal.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The crumbly base provides that iconic crunchy texture and honey-kissed flavor foundational to every s’more.
- Butter, melted: Adds richness and locks the crust together for a satisfying bite.
- Sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance the crust without overpowering the chocolate and marshmallows.
- Chocolate chips: Melts perfectly over the crust, delivering bursts of creamy, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate goodness.
- Mini marshmallows: The crowning glory, these puffed gems brown beautifully in the oven, adding gooey texture and that classic, toasty flavor.
How to Make S’mores Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it. This step ensures your bars won’t stick and will come out flawless every time.
Step 2: Mix the Crust
Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Stir until the mixture feels like wet sand—this will be the foundation of your bars, so press it firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. This crust is buttery with a slight sweetness that perfectly balances the toppings.
Step 3: Layer the Chocolate Chips
Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the crust, covering it completely. The chocolate will melt as the bars bake, spreading into luscious pools of rich flavor.
Step 4: Add the Mini Marshmallows
Top the chocolate layer with a generous handful of mini marshmallows. Their size ensures they melt and brown evenly without burning, giving you that trademark toasted finish.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the marshmallows become golden and slightly puffed. If you like a deeper toast, try briefly broiling the bars for 30 to 60 seconds, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
How to Serve S’mores Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for a decorative touch that invites you to dive right in. You can also add crushed graham crackers or a pinch of sea salt to elevate each bite with extra texture and complexity.
Side Dishes
These bars are wonderfully satisfying on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the warm gooeyness with cool creaminess. For a fresh twist, serve alongside sliced strawberries or a cup of rich hot chocolate for the ultimate cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your S’mores Bars Recipe into bite-sized squares for party platters or skewer small pieces with marshmallows and chocolate to create a fun “s’mores kabob.” For a rustic charm, wrap individual bars in parchment and tie them with twine—perfect for gifting or packing in lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This ensures they stay soft and prevent the marshmallows from hardening too much.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Reheating
To refresh the gooey texture, warm your s’mores bars briefly in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Just enough heat brings back that freshly baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Yes, but you might want to chop large marshmallows into smaller pieces for even melting and browning. Larger marshmallows can take longer to toast and might not melt as evenly across the bars.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or another gluten-free cookie crumb. Just make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I substitute the butter with something else?
While butter adds that classic rich flavor, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for dairy-free or vegan variations. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
How do I prevent marshmallows from burning?
Keep a close eye on the bars while baking and avoid broiling for too long. Marshmallows toast quickly, so broil in very short bursts or just bake until golden for the best results.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate and marshmallows. You can even mix in dried fruit for a personal twist.
Final Thoughts
Trying the S’mores Bars Recipe is like capturing a campfire tradition in a simple, homemade dessert that anyone can enjoy year-round. It’s quick to make, delightfully nostalgic, and endlessly adaptable, making it the perfect go-to recipe to satisfy those sweet cravings. Trust me, once you bake and share these bars, they’ll become a favorite staple in your dessert rotation. So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in gooey, chocolaty happiness!
Print
S’mores Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
S’mores Bars capture all the indulgent flavors of classic campfire s’mores in a convenient, easy-to-make dessert bar. Combining a buttery graham cracker crust with melted chocolate chips and toasted mini marshmallows, these bars offer a nostalgic treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan forming a firm, even crust.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the graham cracker crust, distributing them so every bar will have plenty of melty chocolate.
- Top with Marshmallows: Spread the mini marshmallows evenly over the chocolate chips, covering the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the marshmallows become golden brown and toasted on top.
- Optional Broil: For extra toasty marshmallows, put the bars under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool before cutting into 9 squares. Serve as a nostalgic sweet treat perfect for any gathering.
Notes
- Broil briefly at the end for extra toasted marshmallows.
- Use parchment paper for easier removal from the pan.
- Substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
