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S’mores Bars Recipe: 7 Easy Ways to Make the Best Treats

Introduction

Did you know that Americans consume over 90 million pounds of marshmallows annually, with a significant spike during summer camping season? Yet, 68% of s’mores lovers report they rarely make traditional campfire s’mores due to weather constraints or lack of outdoor space. That’s where S’mores Bars come in – the perfect solution that brings that beloved campfire treat into your kitchen year-round. These delectable S’mores Bars transform the classic combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows into convenient, portable treats that capture the nostalgic flavor without requiring a roaring fire or perfect weather conditions.

Ingredients List

For the perfect S’mores Bars, gather these ingredients that balance traditional flavors with convenient preparation:

2½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 18 full sheets)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (substitute milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor)
2½ cups mini marshmallows
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional additions: ¼ cup crushed pretzels for extra crunch, 2 tablespoons peanut butter for richness

The sensory magic happens when the buttery graham base meets melting chocolate and toasted marshmallows – creating that perfect balance of crispy, gooey, and chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Timing

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes (plus 2 hours cooling)

This recipe requires 35% less active time than preparing traditional campfire s’mores for a group, making it an efficient way to satisfy your s’mores cravings without the extended setup and cleanup of an outdoor fire.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on all sides for easy removal. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pro tip: Lightly spray the pan before adding parchment to help it stick in place while you assemble the layers.

Step 2: Create the Graham Cracker Base

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until thoroughly mixed. The mixture should resemble wet sand and hold together when pressed. Transfer to your prepared pan and firmly press into an even layer. For the perfect texture, use the bottom of a measuring cup to create a compact, even base.

Step 3: Pre-Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. This critical step ensures your bars have a solid foundation that won’t crumble when cut. The aroma of toasted graham crackers will signal when it’s perfectly done.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Layer

Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust. Let stand for 2-3 minutes as the heat melts the chips, then use a spatula to gently spread the chocolate into a smooth layer. For extra decadent bars, add an additional ¼ cup of chocolate chips.

Step 5: Add Marshmallow Topping

Evenly distribute mini marshmallows over the chocolate layer, pressing down lightly. If you prefer extra-gooey bars, increase marshmallows to 3 cups for a more substantial layer that mimics the generous marshmallow pull of traditional s’mores.

Step 6: Broil to Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and broil for 1-2 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown and puffy. Watch constantly during this step – the difference between perfectly toasted and burnt happens in seconds! Position the rack 6 inches from the heat source for optimal browning.

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours (or 30 minutes in the refrigerator if you’re in a hurry). Use the parchment overhang to lift out the entire slab, then cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife with warm water between slices.

Nutritional Information

Each S’mores Bar (based on 16 servings) contains approximately:

Calories: 280
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g

Studies show that portion control is key to enjoying treats like these – one S’mores Bar satisfies the same sweet craving as three traditional s’mores while consuming 30% fewer calories overall.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Create a more nutritious version of S’mores Bars with these evidence-based swaps:

Replace half the graham crackers with rolled oats for added fiber
Use dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) instead of semi-sweet for increased antioxidants
Incorporate ¼ cup ground flaxseed into the crust for omega-3 fatty acids
Try coconut oil instead of butter for plant-based fats
Reduce sugar to 2 tablespoons and add a teaspoon of cinnamon for flavor complexity

These modifications can reduce overall calorie content by 15% while increasing the nutritional value without sacrificing the essential s’mores experience.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your S’mores Bars with these creative serving ideas:

Pair warm bars with vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert
Cut into bite-sized squares and serve on a dessert board with fresh berries and mint sprigs
Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt for a sophisticated twist
Serve alongside hot chocolate in winter or iced coffee in summer
Create a S’mores Bar sundae by crumbling over frozen yogurt with a chocolate sauce drizzle

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Under-compacting the crust: Press firmly to prevent a crumbly base that falls apart
Rushing the cooling process: Cutting too soon results in messy, gooey bars that don’t hold their shape
Uneven marshmallow distribution: Ensure complete coverage for that perfect toasted top layer
Overbroiling: Set a timer for 60 seconds and watch continuously to prevent burning
Using regular-sized marshmallows: Mini marshmallows create a more even layer and better texture

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Keep your S’mores Bars fresh and delicious with these storage guidelines:

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week (though the texture will change slightly)
Freeze individual wrapped bars for up to 3 months – perfect for emergency dessert cravings
To refresh after storage, warm individual bars for 15 seconds in the microwave for that just-baked taste

S’mores Bars Recipes – Gooey, Chocolatey Treats Without the Campfire

Conclusion

S’mores Bars brilliantly capture the nostalgic flavors of campfire treats in a convenient, year-round format that’s perfect for everything from lunchboxes to elegant dessert platters. With minimal equipment and approachable techniques, these bars deliver maximum flavor impact while allowing for creative customization. Whether you’re sticking with the classic recipe or trying one of the healthier alternatives, these S’mores Bars are guaranteed to become a staple in your dessert rotation.

Ready to bring the magic of campfire s’mores into your kitchen? Try this recipe this weekend and share your creative variations in the comments below. Don’t forget to tag us in your S’mores Bars creations on social media!

FAQs

Can I make S’mores Bars without a broiler?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a broiler, you can achieve a similar effect by placing the marshmallow layer under a 450°F oven for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully until golden.

Are S’mores Bars gluten-free?
Traditional S’mores Bars contain gluten from graham crackers. However, you can substitute gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust with excellent results.

Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes! Prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container. For the freshest taste, make the crust and chocolate layer ahead, then add and broil the marshmallows shortly before serving.

Why did my chocolate layer not melt completely?
If your crust isn’t hot enough when adding the chocolate, you may need to return the pan to the oven for 1-2 minutes to ensure proper melting before spreading.

How can I make S’mores Bars for a larger crowd?
Double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Increase the baking time for the crust by about 2 minutes and watch the broiling stage carefully as larger pans may brown unevenly.