S’mores are a classic summer dessert. And in my humble opinion, they’re irresistible.
Just thinking about the milk chocolate and toasted marshmallows sandwiched between two graham crackers reminds me of summer evenings spent camping, or late nights with friends gathered around the fire pit out back.
It’s an easy recipe that’s made with simple ingredients, and it’s the classic flavors that really make those childhood memories come rushing back, though I do like to give this treat a makeover with new ingredients every now and then.
Gooey, sticky marshmallow all over your fingers, melted chocolate around your lips and crumbs in your lap – it’s all part of feeling like a kid again, and it’s absolutely fantastic.
Of course, not all of us have access to a fire pit or the option to go camping every night, which is why I love using my broiler method for making s’mores.
Because that recipe was so popular, I wanted to make another dessert inspired by my favorite summer treat. Here’s another simple and delicious way to bring your favorite chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker combination indoors.
The graham cracker crust is slightly sweet and buttery. The milk chocolate melts and creates a dense, stunning layer. The marshmallows brown lightly, with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbled on top to really seal the deal.
Imagine all of this, made right in your kitchen and toasted up in the oven. When the weather doesn’t cooperate, or you’re stuck at home, or you’re just looking for the perfect treat to bring to a summertime party, make these s’mores bars.
Once you’ve let them cool just a bit, they’re sure to disappear unbelievably quickly.
Serve them when they are still slightly warm to enjoy the true s’mores experience. You can even microwave them for approximately 10 seconds to make them warm again if they’ve been sitting out for a bit.
Somehow, that little bit of warmth makes every bite that much better as it melts in your mouth.
Make Them Your Own
If you are looking to shake things up with this classic recipe, there are a few ways to experiment with your s’mores bars:
- Use homemade marshmallows and homemade classic graham crackers or einkorn spelt graham crackers for a personal touch that makes everything taste better (and no preservatives!).
- Spread raspberry or strawberry jam on the crust before topping with the chocolate and marshmallows.
- Consider trying dark chocolate, or combining half white chocolate with the milk chocolate chips.
- Add a touch of color with fruit flavored marshmallows – the kids always love them.
It’s so easy to make this recipe your own, and to make these bars unique. Trust me when I say this recipe will become a staple in your house.
They are fantastic for bringing to picnics and backyard barbecues, not to mention birthday parties and more. I highly recommend making a double batch if you are planning to feed a crowd – it’s hard for anyone to stop after just one of these gooey, decadent bars.
No matter what you love about s’mores, whether it’s the chocolate, the graham crackers, or the marshmallows, you can have it all with these bars. It’s a classic flavor combination for a reason. Bonfire not included.
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S’mores Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
Description
When you don’t have a bonfire, bring the campfire indoors with homemade s’mores bars. Combine the classic flavors of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham crackers in a whole new way!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 ounces milk chocolate chips (or bars broken into pieces)
- 3 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla. Stir in graham cracker crumbs, flour, and salt.
- Set 1 cup of the graham cracker mixture aside, and press the rest into the bottom of a greased 9×13″ pan. Layer chocolate on top, then sprinkle marshmallows over that. Take the remaining graham cracker mixture and crumble it all over the top in an even layer.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Cut into 24 bars and serve immediately, or allow to cool completely before storing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Keywords: marshmallow, chocolate, graham cracker
Cooking By the Numbers…
Step 1 – Measure Ingredients
Measure out all of the ingredients. Having everything measured and ready to go is the best way to make sure you are ready to make the recipe smoothly.
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2 – Make Crust
In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue beating on medium-high until combined.
Then add the graham cracker crumbs, flour, and salt, stirring slowly until combined.
Measure out 1 cup of the dough mixture and set aside.
Step 3 – Layer the Bars
Grease a 9-by-13-inch pan with cooking spray or butter. Press the graham cracker dough into the bottom of the pan in an even layer.
Layer the chocolate chips on top in an even layer. Top with a layer of marshmallows.
Sprinkle the graham cracker crust that you set aside earlier evenly over the top.
Step 4 – Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes. The marshmallows will be golden brown on top.
Step 5 – Cool and Cut
Remove from the oven, and set the pan on a wire rack to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting.
Cut into approximately 24 bars. Let cool briefly until ready to serve.
No Campfire Needed
It can be extremely frustrating to not have access to the cooking method you need to make the food you are currently craving.
That’s how I feel every time I crave s’mores. I used to be able to curb the craving when I had a gas stove, because I would stand with a marshmallow on a skewer, toasting it slowly over the open flame.
Not the safest idea ever, I know, but I needed s’mores!
Now I am without a gas range, but there’s no need to panic. No open flame is needed to make these delicious s’mores bars. You can make them whenever the craving hits. Or you could always try experimenting with your kitchen torch, if you have one…
Tell us what you think about these summertime dessert bars below, and be sure to rate the recipe. And for even more delicious homemade dessert ideas, check out our sweet treat recipes.
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Photos by Meghan Yager, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Originally published by Shanna Mallon on June 7, 2009. Last updated: December 7, 2023 at 13:53 pm.
Nutritional information derived from a database of known generic and branded foods and ingredients and was not compiled by a registered dietitian or submitted for lab testing. It should be viewed as an approximation.
About Meghan Yager
Meghan Yager is a food addict turned food and travel writer with a love for creating uncomplicated, gourmet recipes and devouring anything the world serves up. As the author of the food and travel blog Cake 'n Knife, Meghan focuses on unique foodie experiences from around the world to right at home in your own kitchen.
I love s’mores bars. I made them last summer and they are still one of my favorites.
Shannalee – Decadent to the very core, the s’mores bars rule. But how about those that can indeed build a bonfire in the back yard? I feel left out 🙁
Gabi @ Mamaliga
They both look tasty, but yeah, the smores bars look REALLY tasty.
I almost forgot to come back and comment here, and that’s really a shame since you three were so sweet to chime in!
Risa – Me, too!
Mamliga – If you’re saying you are one such person, and that you can make your own bonfires in the backyard, I am jealous, jealous. When should I come over?
TJ – The shortbread looked pretty, but it was bleh. Still almost uneaten, sitting on the counter. I can’t bring myself to want any. The s’mores bars have one small wedge left, and I have my eye on it.
Those smores bars look so good. I have seriously been craving smores for about 2 years now but I still haven’t made them! I might just do it and get it over with! 🙂
Maris! Two years is just too long to be craving anything. Make these!
For me the choice was a no brainer! S’mores bars hands down! 🙂
~ingrid
Ingrid, Good call!
I just made these and they are fabulous! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Steph, Thanks for letting me know! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
thank you SO much for this awesome recipe! made these last weekend and me and my MIL demolished the entire thing in 2days…yikes! the crust is fantabulous!!!!
Glad you enjoyed them, Angela!