S’mores Bars Recipe

If you love the nostalgic, gooey joy of campfire treats, then these S’mores Bars are about to become your new favorite dessert obsession. Imagine the perfect harmony of a crisp, buttery graham cracker crust layered with rich, melty chocolate, all topped off with irresistibly toasted marshmallows—deliciousness that captures the essence of classic s’mores in an easy-to-make bar form. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or a crowd-pleasing treat, these S’mores Bars bring all that campfire magic right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of making S’mores Bars lies in the simplicity and accessibility of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role: the graham cracker crumbs provide the perfect crunchy base, the butter binds and adds richness, the chocolate chips melt into a luscious layer, and the marshmallows toast up golden and gooey on top. Let’s break down what you need.

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: This forms the crunchy, sweet foundation of your bars, adding classic s’mores flavor and texture.
• 1/3 cup butter, melted: Butter binds the crumbs together and gives a rich, buttery crust that holds up perfectly when baked.
• 1 cup chocolate chips: Choose semi-sweet or milk chocolate—these melt beautifully creating a gooey, decadent layer.
• 1 cup marshmallows: These puff up and toast to golden perfection, making the top of your bars delightfully soft and chewy.

How to Make S’mores Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture is evenly moistened and crumbly. Then press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased baking pan. This step is key to getting that sturdy, buttery crust that holds all the delicious layers above.

Step 2: Add the Chocolate Layer

Next, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the pressed crust. The chips will melt gently during baking to form a smooth, rich chocolate layer that’s pure decadent bliss. Try to keep the chocolate layer even to ensure every bite has just the right amount of chocolatey goodness.

Step 3: Top with Marshmallows

Generously scatter the marshmallows over the chocolate chips. These will puff up and toast beautifully in the oven, providing that classic gooey, slightly caramelized top so iconic to any S’mores Bars. Don’t worry if they look crowded; they melt into a perfect marshmallow blanket as they bake.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes. You want to watch for golden brown edges on the marshmallows and melty chocolate beneath. This baking time ensures the crust is crisp, the chocolate is melted, and the marshmallows are toasted just right.

How to Serve S’mores Bars

Garnishes

While these bars are perfect just as they are, adding a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can elevate their presentation and texture. You can even experiment with a dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate finishing touch that contrasts nicely with the warm layers.

Side Dishes

Serve your S’mores Bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to mellow out the rich sweetness and add a cool creaminess. Fresh berries or a light fruit compote can also bring refreshing balance to these indulgent bars.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, cut your S’mores Bars into bite-sized pieces and serve them on a platter with skewers or decorative picks. They also make excellent party favors when wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine, bringing a cozy campfire feel to any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your S’mores Bars in an airtight container at room temperature to keep that perfect chewy texture. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days—plenty of time to enjoy a few extra bites or share with friends.

Freezing

If you want to keep these bars longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They maintain their flavor and texture well for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To bring your S’mores Bars back to that freshly-baked warmth, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This will gently melt the chocolate again and soften the marshmallows without burning, just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix for a unique flavor twist. Just keep in mind that the melting points vary slightly, so watch the bars as they bake to avoid burning.

Are there any substitutes for the graham cracker crust?

If graham cracker crumbs aren’t on hand, you can substitute with digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers. The texture and flavor will change slightly but still be deliciously crunchy and buttery.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or an alternative gluten-free cookie crumb. This way, you can enjoy the gooey joy of S’mores Bars without any worry.

What is the best way to toast the marshmallows on top without a broiler?

Baking at 350°F as directed allows the marshmallows to brown nicely. If you want a more intense toast, briefly switch your oven to broil near the end but watch closely to avoid burning.

How thick should the crust layer be?

A thickness of about a half-inch is perfect to create a sturdy base that holds the melted chocolate and marshmallows without being overwhelming or too crumbly.

Final Thoughts

S’mores Bars are a wonderfully simple way to bring the irresistible charm of campfire s’mores anywhere, anytime. Their combination of crunchy, melty, and gooey layers is guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy sweet cravings with ease. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these delightful bars and enjoy the warm comfort of a classic treat—right from your own oven.