S’mores Bars Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could capture that perfect campfire treat in an easy-to-make pan dessert, then this S’mores Bars Recipe is going to knock your socks off. It’s like having all the gooey, chocolatey, marshmallowy goodness of a traditional s’more without needing a fire pit, sticks, or even perfect weather. Seriously, I love making these for casual get-togethers or whenever I’m craving that nostalgic, sweet crunch.

What makes this S’mores Bars Recipe so special is the way it strikes the perfect balance between crispy graham cracker crust, melting chocolate, and toasted marshmallows right on top. I find they’re perfect for when you want a crowd-pleaser that’s quick but still feels homemade and indulgent. Plus, you can tweak the layers easily, and I’m going to share all my best tips so your bars come out just like mine — maybe even better!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the magic behind the ingredients in this S’mores Bars Recipe. Each one complements the other perfectly to recreate that classic campfire flavor without fuss—plus, you probably already have these basics in your pantry or fridge!

• Graham cracker crumbs: They form the crunchy, slightly sweet base that’s crucial for that iconic s’mores crust.
• Butter (melted): Helps bind the graham crumbs together and adds richness for a tender but firm crust.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and slightly firms up the crust, ensuring it holds together when you cut into the bars.
• Hershey chocolate bars: Classic milk chocolate melts beautifully over the crust, giving you that signature s’mores chocolate layer.
• Mini marshmallows: The star on top — they toast quickly under the broiler, adding a lovely caramelized flavor and gooey texture.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I enjoy most about this S’mores Bars Recipe is how easy it is to make your own with just a few tweaks. You can truly make it your own, whether you want it richer, sweeter, or a bit healthier.

• Dark Chocolate Variation: I swapped in semi-sweet or dark chocolate bars once and loved the slightly less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor it gave the bars.
• Peanut Butter Twist: Adding a swirl of peanut butter on the crust before adding chocolate creates a decadent, nutty layer I can’t get enough of.
• Gluten-Free Version: Using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs worked beautifully when I made these for my friend with dietary restrictions.
• Extra Marshmallows: For a super gooey top, add an extra layer of mini marshmallows – just keep a close eye under the broiler!

Step-by-Step: How I Make S’mores Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 pan with non-stick butter spray — this will save you from any sticky cleanup! In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with powdered sugar and melted butter. The key here is to stir until the crumbs are thoroughly coated and look like wet sand — this means they’ll pack nicely to form a crust that holds together once baked. Press this mixture firmly and evenly along the bottom and edges of your pan. Don’t be shy, use your fingers to really pack it down so it crisps up just right.

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for about 5-8 minutes, just until you start to see the edges turn a lovely golden brown. This short bake firms up the base so it doesn’t crumble when you layer on the chocolate and marshmallows later. Let it cool completely before moving on, which helps maintain those distinct layers in your bars.

Step 3: Layer the Chocolate

Once your crust is cool (or at least room temperature), lay the Hershey bars evenly across the surface, covering as much of the crust as possible. Pop the pan back into the oven for about 3 minutes until the chocolate just starts to melt and looks shiny. Perfect timing here ensures the chocolate will be spreadable but won’t pool into a mess. Remove and let it cool for a minute or two.

Step 4: Add and Toast the Marshmallows

Now the fun part: pile those mini marshmallows tightly on top of the warm chocolate layer. Don’t skimp here — the marshmallow layer is what brings the gooey charm of this S’mores Bars Recipe alive. Set your oven to broil and carefully slide the pan in. This is where you want to become a marshmallow hawk — watch those little puffs closely as they can go from toasted perfection to burnt in soon as a blink. Usually 2 minutes is perfect, but be ready to pull them out the moment they get a golden-brown hue. Trust me, I learned this the hard way!

Step 5: Cool, Chill, and Cut

Let your bars cool to room temperature, then pop them in the fridge for better setting — this makes slicing easier and less sticky. When you’re ready to cut, heat a sharp knife under hot water, dry it quickly, then slice. Warm knives cut through the sticky marshmallow and melty chocolate better, and you might need to repeat this warming step for clean cuts.

How to Serve S’mores Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep things simple with these bars, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top adds a pretty finish. On occasion, I’ve even drizzled a little caramel sauce over the marshmallows right before serving for an extra sweet touch that’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

These bars are a dessert that shines on its own but pairing them with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries really elevates the experience. A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk makes the perfect balance to the sweetness and gooey texture of the bars.

Creative Ways to Present

For summer parties, I’ve served these in mini mason jars layered with extra marshmallows and crushed graham crackers for a fun, portable treat. Around the holidays, adding festive sprinkles on top of the marshmallows before broiling is a cute way to customize these classic s’mores bars.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge — they keep well for about 3-4 days without losing much of their gooey charm. Just make sure to press parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing

Freezing s’mores bars works surprisingly well! I wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When I want a treat, I let them thaw in the fridge overnight and they maintain their texture better than I expected.

Reheating

If you want to warm up leftover bars, a quick zap in the microwave (around 15 seconds) brings back that melty marshmallow goodness. Just be careful not to overheat or the marshmallows can get tough and chewy instead of soft.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This S’mores Bars Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings that campfire magic indoors with so little effort — perfect for anytime you crave a cozy treat. I hope you’ll find making and sharing these as joyful as I do. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become your go-to dessert for every gathering or quiet night craving something sweet and nostalgic.

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