S’mores Bars

The ultimate campfire treat now has a kitchen-friendly twist! These S’mores Bars are everything you love about traditional s’mores crispy graham cracker crust, melty milk chocolate, and fluffy toasted marshmallows all layered into one rich, handheld dessert. They’re indulgent, nostalgic, and ridiculously easy to whip up with just five simple ingredients.

Perfect for parties, holidays, or just satisfying that sweet tooth, these bars bring the same gooey joy without needing a fire. Plus, they slice beautifully once cooled, making them a crowd-pleasing choice for bake sales or picnic baskets. Whether you’re a longtime s’mores lover or discovering the combo for the first time, this recipe will have you reaching for “some more” again and again.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 30 crackers)

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 6 cups mini marshmallows (divided)

• 12 ounces milk chocolate chips (1 bag)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix graham cracker crumbs (reserving 1/4 cup), melted butter, and salt in a bowl until fully combined.

3. Press the graham cracker mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan to form an even crust.

4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes.

5. Remove from the oven and top with 4 cups of mini marshmallows. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.

6. Let the pan cool for 5 minutes so the marshmallows can slightly deflate.

7. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the marshmallow layer.

8. Top with the remaining 2 cups of mini marshmallows and sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs on top.

9. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.

10. Cool completely (about 1 hour) at room temperature before slicing into bars for the cleanest cut.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 273 kcal | Servings: 24 bars

The Ultimate Comfort Dessert: Exploring the Magic of S’mores Bars

When it comes to classic American desserts that stir up feelings of nostalgia, s’mores often top the list. Whether you’ve toasted marshmallows around a summer bonfire or melted chocolate between graham crackers during childhood camping trips, there’s something about the gooey, sweet, slightly crunchy combination that instantly evokes comfort and joy. But what if you could enjoy all that same indulgent flavor without the mess, the flames, or the outdoors?

Enter: S’mores Bars. This crowd pleasing treat is a brilliant reinterpretation of the classic campfire dessert. Baked in the oven, made in one pan, and effortlessly shareable, S’mores Bars take everything we love about s’mores and package it into neat, sliceable squares that are ideal for potlucks, bake sales, picnics, holidays, or cozy nights in.

In this article, we’re diving deep into the delicious world of S’mores Bars exploring their background, flavor, texture, variations, best use cases, and expert tips to help you make the most of this sweet and sticky indulgence.

A Brief History of S’mores and Their Evolution

The original s’more a contraction of the phrase “some more” is thought to have been first published in a 1927 Girl Scouts handbook titled Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. Credit is often given to Loretta Scott Crew, a scout leader who popularized the recipe. The combination was simple and perfect: toasted marshmallows and a square of chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers.

Fast forward nearly a century, and s’mores have evolved far beyond the fire pit. From s’mores cupcakes and pies to shakes and cheesecakes, the beloved flavor profile has inspired countless creative takes. Among the most accessible and widely adored adaptations is the S’mores Bar a baked dessert that layers all the essential elements of the traditional version but in a far more practical and portable form.

Why People Love S’mores Bars

S’mores Bars are beloved for many of the same reasons traditional s’mores are, but they offer several unique benefits that elevate them from simple snack to versatile dessert.

1. Year-Round Treat:
Unlike traditional s’mores that rely on open flames or special tools, S’mores Bars are made right in your oven. That means you can enjoy them in the dead of winter or at a summer pool party no campfire required.

2. Perfect for Sharing:
Since they’re made in a baking dish and sliced into squares, these bars are ideal for sharing at parties, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. They travel well and don’t require utensils to enjoy, making them a true grab-and-go delight.

3. Nostalgic and Comforting:
The combination of sweet marshmallow, creamy chocolate, and buttery graham cracker crust evokes childhood memories for many people. Eating a S’mores Bar feels like a warm hug from the past.

4. Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor:
One of the most appealing aspects of this recipe is its simplicity. With just five basic pantry ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels gourmet and satisfying.

The Perfect Balance of Texture and Flavor

What makes S’mores Bars so satisfying isn’t just the ingredients it’s how they’re layered and baked to perfection.

• The crust offers a slightly crisp, buttery base, made from crushed graham crackers that hold their form after baking but remain tender to the bite.

• The marshmallow layer provides gooey sweetness and a delightful chew, especially when lightly golden and toasty from the oven.

• The chocolate melts just enough to spread and bind with the marshmallow, delivering that smooth richness we associate with high-quality candy bars.

Each bite is a blend of crispy, melty, sweet, and rich a multi-textured experience that feels both indulgent and comforting.

When and How to Serve S’mores Bars

Because they are so versatile and universally loved, S’mores Bars can be served on many occasions:

• Birthday parties: A hit with both kids and adults.

• Bake sales: Easy to package and sell individually.

• Picnics and barbecues: They travel well and hold their shape, even without refrigeration.

• Holiday platters: Pair with cookies, brownies, and other treats for a dessert buffet.

• Lunchbox treat: Add a little surprise to a child’s (or adult’s) lunch.

• Movie nights: Replace your usual bowl of popcorn with a plate of these gooey bars.

They’re also great for gifting. Wrapped in parchment and twine or stacked in a clear treat bag, S’mores Bars make a heartfelt homemade present.

Variations and Customizations

While the classic version is always a hit, S’mores Bars are highly adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few fun twists:

• Peanut Butter S’mores Bars: Add a swirl of peanut butter before topping with marshmallows or use peanut butter chips in place of milk chocolate.

• Dark Chocolate Lovers: Swap out milk chocolate for dark or bittersweet chocolate for a richer flavor.

• Cookie Crust: Use crushed Oreos or chocolate chip cookies instead of graham crackers for a whole new spin.

• Holiday Flair: Add peppermint extract and crushed candy canes for a Christmas version, or use pastel marshmallows for springtime celebrations.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the recipe accessible to more guests.

Expert Tips for Perfect S’mores Bars

If you want to take your bars to the next level, keep these tips in mind:

• Cool Completely Before Cutting: The bars hold their shape best when fully cooled. Cutting while still warm can lead to a sticky mess.

• Line the Pan: Use parchment paper with overhangs for easy removal and cleaner slicing.

• Don’t Skip the Layers: Make sure you bake after each major layer. This helps firm up the structure and gives the marshmallows that toasted golden finish.

• Compact the Crust: Use a flat-bottomed cup to press the crust evenly and firmly. This helps prevent crumbling when you slice the bars.

• Watch the Marshmallows: Keep a close eye on the top layer of marshmallows toward the end of baking to prevent over-toasting or burning.

Storage and Make-Ahead Advice

S’mores Bars are great for making ahead of time. Once cooled and sliced, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. For longer storage, they can be frozen just keep in mind the texture of marshmallows may change slightly when thawed.

Avoid refrigerating unless absolutely necessary, as cold temperatures can make the marshmallows too hard and chewy. If you do chill them, let them come back to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion: 

S’mores Bars are more than just another dessert they’re a heartfelt reimagining of one of America’s most nostalgic and beloved treats. With their irresistible combination of gooey marshmallows, melty chocolate, and crisp graham cracker crust, these bars bring the magic of campfire s’mores indoors and into every season.

Whether you’re baking a batch for friends, indulging in a cozy night treat, or introducing your kids to the joy of s’mores without the smoke, this simple dessert delivers big on flavor and memory. Easy to make, easy to share, and endlessly customizable, S’mores Bars are a must-have in every home baker’s recipe box.