S’mores Bars: A Gooey, Chocolatey Treat Without the Campfire
Craving the nostalgic flavors of s’mores but don’t have a campfire handy? These S’mores Bars are the perfect solution! Packed with gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers, every bite delivers the classic s’mores experience in a convenient, oven-baked form. Whether you’re hosting a party, treating the family, or satisfying a sweet tooth, these bars are quick to make and guaranteed to please. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re an easy dessert that captures the essence of summer any time of year. Let’s dive into this addictive recipe!
Why You’ll Love S’mores Bars
These S’mores Bars bring the campfire to your kitchen with minimal effort. Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Classic S’mores Flavor: Combines graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows in perfect harmony.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- No Campfire Needed: Enjoy s’mores year-round, no fire pit required!
With a buttery graham cracker crust, melty chocolate, and toasted marshmallows, these bars are irresistible. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
To make these delicious S’mores Bars, you’ll need:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
Forms the crunchy, buttery base. Use pre-crushed crumbs or crush whole graham crackers. - ½ cup powdered sugar
Sweetens the crust and helps bind it together. - 8 to 12 tablespoons butter, melted
Adds richness and holds the crust together. Adjust based on crumb absorbency. - 4 Hershey’s chocolate bars (4.4-ounce bars)
Provides the classic s’mores chocolate flavor. Milk chocolate is traditional, but dark chocolate works too. - 10 ounces mini marshmallows (1 package)
Creates the gooey, toasty topping that defines s’mores.
Yield: 16 bars
Calories per serving: 151 kcal (per bar, based on 16 servings)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your S’mores Bars:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick butter spray or line with parchment paper for easy removal. - Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup powdered sugar, and 8 tablespoons melted butter. Mix with a spoon until the mixture is moist but not wet. Add more butter (up to 12 tablespoons) if needed, or extra crumbs if too wet. The mixture should hold together when pressed. - Form the Crust
Spread the graham cracker mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Press down firmly with your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a compact, even layer. - Bake the Crust
Bake the crust for 5-8 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly (about 5 minutes). - Add Chocolate Layer
Lay the 4 Hershey’s chocolate bars evenly over the baked crust, covering as much surface area as possible. Break bars if needed to fit. - Melt the Chocolate
Return the pan to the oven for 3 minutes, until the chocolate begins to melt and looks shiny. Remove and let cool for 1-2 minutes. - Add Marshmallows
Scatter the 10 ounces of mini marshmallows evenly over the melted chocolate, packing them closely together for full coverage. - Broil the Marsh marshmallows
Set your oven to broil. Place the pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. Remove when the marshmallows are golden brown and toasty. Alternatively, use a kitchen torch to brown the marshmallows evenly. - Cool and Cut
Let the bars cool completely in the pan (about 30 minutes) to set. For clean cuts, run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe dry, and slice into 16 bars. Serve and enjoy!
Prep and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
- Calories per serving: 151 kcal
Pro Tips for Perfect S’mores Bars
- Crush Graham Crackers Efficiently
If using whole graham crackers, place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin, or pulse in a food processor for fine, even crumbs. Aim for 2 cups of crumbs (about 12-14 full graham cracker sheets). - Get the Crust Consistency Right
Add melted butter gradually to avoid a greasy crust. The mixture should be moist and hold together when pressed but not feel overly wet. If it’s too wet, add 1-2 tablespoons more graham cracker crumbs or powdered sugar. - Even Layers for Even Baking
Press the crust firmly and evenly to prevent crumbling. When adding chocolate and marshmallows, ensure they’re spread uniformly for consistent texture in every bite. - Watch the Broiler Closely
Broilers vary in intensity, so don’t walk away! Check every 30 seconds to achieve golden marshmallows without burning. If using a torch, move it in small circles for even toasting. - Clean Cutting Trick
For neat slices, dip your knife in hot water, wipe dry, and cut slowly through the sticky marshmallows. Chill the bars for 15 minutes before cutting for even cleaner results. - Customize the Chocolate
Swap Hershey’s bars for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or chocolate chips (about 1.5 cups). Spread chips evenly to mimic the bar layer. - Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days; let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Add Fun Variations
- Peanut Butter S’mores: Spread a thin layer of peanut butter over the crust before adding chocolate.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the marshmallows after broiling.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the marshmallows before broiling.
- Make It Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free graham crackers (available at most grocery stores) and ensure your chocolate and marshmallows are gluten-free. - Serve with Flair
Stack bars on a rustic wooden board for a campfire vibe, or serve with hot cocoa for a cozy treat. Garnish with extra graham cracker crumbs or chocolate shavings for a polished look.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, but cut large marshmallows into smaller pieces for even melting. Mini marshmallows spread more uniformly and toast faster.
2. Can I make these bars without an oven?
Yes! Use a microwave to melt the chocolate layer (spread chocolate chips over the crust and microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring until melted). Toast marshmallows with a kitchen torch instead of broiling.
3. How do I prevent the crust from crumbling?
Ensure the graham cracker mixture is well-packed and has enough butter to bind it. Let the crust cool slightly before adding chocolate to set its structure.
4. Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, but adjust baking time. An 8×8-inch pan will yield thicker bars and may need 7-10 minutes for the crust. A larger pan (e.g., 10×15-inch) will make thinner bars and require less baking time (4-6 minutes for the crust).
5. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, prepare up to 2 days in advance and store at room temperature or in the fridge. For best texture, broil the marshmallows just before serving, or re-toast lightly with a torch.
6. What if my marshmallows burn under the broiler?
If they burn slightly, scrape off the charred bits and proceed. To prevent burning, lower the oven rack to keep the bars farther from the broiler, and check every 30 seconds.
7. Can I use homemade graham crackers?
Absolutely! Homemade graham crackers add a unique flavor. Crush them to yield 2 cups of crumbs and follow the recipe as written.
8. How do I make these bars vegan?
Use vegan butter, vegan chocolate bars (like Enjoy Life brand), and vegan marshmallows (like Dandies). Ensure graham crackers are vegan-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
These S’mores Bars are perfect for any occasion. Try these ideas:
- Party Dessert: Cut into bite-sized squares for easy grab-and-go treats at gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly Snack: Serve with milk or hot chocolate for an after-school treat.
- Camping Vibes: Pair with a campfire-inspired drink like smoked hot cocoa or a s’mores latte.
- Gifting Idea: Wrap bars in parchment paper and tie with twine for a homemade gift.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Based on 16 Servings)
- Calories: 151 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~20g (estimated)
- Protein: ~1g
- Fat: ~8g (varies with butter amount)
- Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on specific brands and butter quantity used.
Conclusion
These S’mores Bars are the ultimate no-fuss dessert, bringing the gooey, chocolatey, crunchy joy of s’mores to your kitchen in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging in a sweet treat at home, this recipe is easy, versatile, and sure to spark smiles. With our tips and FAQs, you’ll master these bars like a pro. Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and enjoy the s’mores magic—no campfire required!