S’mores Bars Recipe: Easy and Delicious Treat

If you love the classic taste of s’mores, these S’mores Bars are the perfect, easy-to-make dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a buttery graham cracker crust, gooey marshmallows, and melted chocolate, these bars capture all the flavors of the traditional campfire treat in a convenient bar form. Perfect for parties, picnics, or just a cozy night in, this recipe comes together quickly and delivers that nostalgic s’mores taste!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.

Step 3: Bake the Crust
Bake the graham cracker crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until it becomes lightly golden. Once baked, set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the next layers.

Step 4: Add Marshmallows & Chocolate
Evenly sprinkle the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips over the cooled graham cracker crust. These will melt together during baking to form the gooey, s’mores-inspired filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth. This mixture will create a slightly sweet and golden topping over the marshmallows and chocolate.

Step 6: Bake the Bars
Pour the sugar and egg mixture evenly over the marshmallows and chocolate. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the marshmallows are melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Cool & Cut
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the dish. This step is important to help the bars firm up and make slicing easier. Once cooled, cut them into squares and serve.

Serving and Storage Tips:

  • Serving: Serve the bars at room temperature or slightly warm for the best gooey texture. They are perfect as a snack, dessert, or even a treat for a picnic.
  • Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
  • Reheating: You can gently warm the bars in the microwave for a few seconds to get that gooey marshmallow effect again.

Helpful Notes:

  • Press the Crust Firmly: Make sure to press the graham cracker crust firmly into the pan to create a stable base for the bars.
  • Cool Completely Before Cutting: It’s tempting to cut the bars right away, but allowing them to cool completely ensures cleaner cuts and helps the layers set properly.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs:

  • Martha Stewart: “For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the bars before serving.”
  • Ina Garten: “If you want more texture, consider adding crushed graham crackers or nuts to the topping before baking for a delightful crunch.”

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?
    Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor, though semi-sweet provides a nice balance to the sweet marshmallows.
  2. Can I add extra marshmallows?
    Absolutely! You can sprinkle more marshmallows on top before the final baking step if you prefer a gooier, marshmallow-rich dessert.
  3. What if I don’t have graham crackers?
    You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with digestive biscuits or another similar cookie for the crust.
  4. Can I freeze S’mores Bars?
    Yes, you can freeze these bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
  5. Can I use homemade marshmallows?
    Yes, homemade marshmallows can be used, though they might melt a bit differently. Just cut them into small pieces similar in size to mini marshmallows.
  6. Can I make this recipe in a smaller pan?
    You can halve the recipe and use an 8×8-inch pan, adjusting the baking time slightly.

These S’mores Bars are the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of campfire s’mores without leaving the kitchen. With a buttery graham cracker crust, gooey marshmallow layer, and rich chocolate, they’re an easy, crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion. Enjoy!

Leave a Comment