S’mores Bars: A Gooey, Chocolatey Treat You Can Make Anytime

There’s something about s’mores that just feels like childhood. The gooey marshmallow, the melty chocolate, and the crisp graham crackers—it’s a perfect trio of flavors and textures. But what if you could enjoy all that nostalgic goodness without the hassle of a campfire? That’s where these S’mores Bars come in!

This recipe transforms the classic treat into an easy, bake-in-your-own-kitchen dessert that you can enjoy year-round. Imagine biting into a chewy, buttery graham cracker crust layered with rich chocolate and fluffy marshmallows—every bite is pure bliss. These bars are simple, quick to prepare, and guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.

So, if you love s’mores but don’t always have a fire pit handy, this recipe is for you. Let’s get baking!

Description

These S’mores Bars bring the flavors of the beloved campfire treat into an easy-to-make dessert bar. A buttery graham cracker crust forms the base, topped with layers of chocolate and marshmallows, all baked to golden perfection. The result? A soft, chewy, and indulgent treat that captures the essence of s’mores—no campfire required!

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the filling:

• 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate, if preferred)
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• ½ cup marshmallow fluff

For the topping:

• ½ cup crushed graham crackers
• ½ cup additional mini marshmallows
• ¼ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. The mixture should feel like damp sand.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring an even layer.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Build the Layers

5. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust, allowing them to melt slightly. Use a spatula to spread them gently.
6. Drop spoonfuls of marshmallow fluff over the chocolate layer. It won’t spread perfectly, but that’s okay—melting will help it even out.
7. Sprinkle 1 cup of mini marshmallows over the top.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and slightly toasted.
9. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle crushed graham crackers and extra mini marshmallows on top. Press them gently to help them stick.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

10. Allow the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for 1 hour.
11. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Notes

• If using milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet, reduce the amount slightly, as it melts more easily.
• For extra richness, drizzle melted chocolate over the top after baking.
• If you prefer a crunchier base, bake the crust for an additional 3–5 minutes before adding the chocolate.

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian
• Keywords: s’mores bars, graham cracker, marshmallow dessert, easy s’mores recipe

Helpful Tips for the Best S’mores Bars

Making the perfect S’mores Bars is easy, but these tips will take them to the next level!

1. Use Fresh Marshmallows

Old or stale marshmallows can become tough and won’t melt properly. If yours have been sitting in the pantry for a while, grab a fresh bag for the best gooey texture.

2. Line Your Baking Pan with Parchment Paper

This makes removing the bars a breeze! Leave a little overhang on the sides so you can lift them out easily without breaking.

3. Press the Crust Firmly

A loosely packed crust can crumble when you cut the bars. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed measuring cup to press it down tightly.

4. Don’t Overbake the Marshmallows

Once they turn golden brown, remove the bars from the oven. Overbaking can make them hard instead of gooey.

5. Let Them Cool Before Slicing

It’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the bars cool ensures clean cuts. If you’re in a hurry, pop them in the fridge for 30 minutes.

6. Use a Sharp Knife for Slicing

For picture-perfect bars, coat your knife with a little cooking spray and wipe it clean between cuts.

7. Customize with Fun Add-Ins

Try peanut butter, caramel, or even crushed cookies for a unique twist. See the Substitutions and Variations section for more ideas!

Conservation and Storage

S’mores Bars are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers (or want to make them ahead of time), here’s how to store them properly.

Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature or Refrigerator)

• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you live in a warm or humid climate, consider refrigerating them to prevent the chocolate from melting.
• When refrigerated, the bars can last up to 1 week. Just let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating so they soften up.

Long-Term Storage (Freezing)

Want to enjoy S’mores Bars later? Freezing works great!

• Freeze individually: Place bars in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Store in a freezer-safe container: Once frozen, transfer the bars to a zip-top bag or airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• How long do they last? Frozen S’mores Bars stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating and Serving After Storage

• From the fridge: Let the bars sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
• From the freezer: Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about S’mores Bars is how easy they are to customize! Whether you need to adjust for dietary preferences or just want to get creative, here are some delicious variations and substitutions to try.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Graham Crackers → Digestive Biscuits or Oreos
  If you don’t have graham crackers, digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or crushed Oreos can work as an alternative for the crust.
• Butter → Coconut Oil or Dairy-Free Butter
  Want a dairy-free version? Swap butter for melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate → Milk, Dark, or White Chocolate
  Milk chocolate will give you a sweeter, creamier taste, while dark chocolate adds a deeper, more intense cocoa flavor. White chocolate is a fun twist for a sweeter, vanilla-like taste.
• Mini Marshmallows → Large Marshmallows or Vegan Marshmallows
  If you only have large marshmallows, chop them into smaller pieces. For a vegan option, use plant-based marshmallows like Dandies.
• Granulated Sugar → Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar
  Swapping in brown sugar gives the crust a richer, slightly caramel-like flavor.

Fun Variations

• Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
  Spread a thin layer of peanut butter (or almond butter) over the crust before adding the chocolate. This adds a salty-sweet, Reese’s-inspired twist!
• Salted Caramel S’mores Bars
  Drizzle caramel sauce over the chocolate layer before adding marshmallows for an extra gooey, sweet, and salty flavor.
• Cookies & Cream S’mores Bars
  Replace graham crackers with crushed Oreos and swap semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate.
• Nutty S’mores Bars
  Sprinkle chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts on top before baking for added crunch and flavor.
• Boozy S’mores Bars
  Mix a tablespoon of bourbon or Baileys into the melted chocolate for an adults-only treat.
• Gluten-Free S’mores Bars
  Use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies to make these bars celiac-friendly.
• S’mores Blondies
  Mix graham cracker crumbs into a blondie batter and bake it with chocolate chips and marshmallows for a chewy, cookie-like version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making the best S’mores Bars!

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! S’mores Bars are great for making ahead. You can bake them the night before and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. If storing for longer than a few days, freeze them for up to 3 months.

2. How do I get clean, even slices?

For the cleanest cuts, let the bars cool completely before slicing. If they’re extra gooey, chill them in the fridge for 30–60 minutes. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

3. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give a sweeter, creamier taste, while semi-sweet provides a richer, deeper cocoa flavor.

4. Do I have to use marshmallow fluff?

No, but it adds an extra gooey texture. You can skip it and just use mini marshmallows, or even chop up large marshmallows if needed.

5. What’s the best way to reheat S’mores Bars?

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven gooeyness, microwave a bar for 10–15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

6. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the graham crackers for gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie alternative.

7. Can I use a different type of cracker for the crust?

Definitely! Crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even Oreos can be used instead of graham crackers.

8. How do I keep the bars from becoming too hard?

Avoid overbaking, as this can make the marshmallows chewy instead of soft. Also, store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

9. Can I make these without an oven?

Yes! You can use a no-bake method by pressing the graham cracker crust into a pan, melting the chocolate in a microwave, and using a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows. Let them set before slicing.

10. What if I don’t have an 8×8-inch pan?

A 9×9-inch pan works, but the bars will be slightly thinner. You can also double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan for more servings.

Conclusion

These S’mores Bars take everything you love about classic s’mores and transform it into an easy, shareable dessert. Whether you’re making them for a summer BBQ, a cozy movie night, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest. And if you’re looking for more easy dessert bars, check out my other recipes—you might just find your new favorite treat.

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