There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the taste of s’mores. The combination of melted chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers brings back memories of campfires and summer nights. But you don’t need an open flame to enjoy that classic flavor. S’mores bars are the perfect way to recreate this beloved treat in a convenient and shareable form. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing lunchbox treats, or just craving a sweet dessert, this easy recipe for s’mores bars is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What Are S’mores Bars?
S’mores bars are dessert bars inspired by traditional campfire s’mores. Instead of assembling each s’more individually, this recipe layers all the classic ingredients into a single baking pan. The graham cracker crust serves as the base, followed by layers of chocolate and marshmallow, then topped with more graham crumbs or cookie dough. After baking, the bars are sliced into squares for a delicious and portable dessert that tastes like a bite of summer all year round.
Main Features
- Layers of graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow
- Easy to bake in one pan
- Great for parties, picnics, or after-school snacks
- Adaptable with different mix-ins or chocolate varieties
Ingredients Needed for S’mores Bars
One of the best things about this recipe is how accessible the ingredients are. You can find everything in a standard grocery store, and you may already have many items in your pantry.
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers or cookie dough for topping
How to Make S’mores Bars
These homemade dessert bars come together in just a few steps. There’s no need for fancy equipment just a baking pan and some basic mixing tools.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to lift the bars out after baking.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm base. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to press it down flat.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Layer
Sprinkle the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate evenly over the graham cracker crust. If you like richer flavor, dark chocolate chips can be used in place of milk chocolate. The heat from baking will melt the chocolate into a luscious layer.
Step 4: Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the chocolate layer. This helps bind everything together and gives the bars a creamy, sweet texture. Add vanilla extract at this stage if using, to enhance the flavor.
Step 5: Add the Marshmallows
Scatter the mini marshmallows over the top. If you like them extra gooey, use more than two cups. Press them slightly into the mixture to help them stick. You can also reserve some to sprinkle on top during the last few minutes of baking if you want them more golden.
Step 6: Optional Topping
If you like a more textured finish, sprinkle extra graham cracker pieces or crumbled cookie dough over the top of the marshmallows. This adds a bit of crunch and visual appeal.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Keep an eye on the marshmallows to prevent them from burning. If necessary, cover loosely with foil toward the end of baking.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the s’mores bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps them firm up and makes it easier to cut clean squares. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into bars of your desired size.
Tips for Perfect S’mores Bars
- Use high-quality chocolate for better melting and flavor.
- Let bars cool fully before cutting to prevent messiness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For an extra treat, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the finished bars.
Variations and Add-Ins
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe for s’mores bars, it’s easy to customize the flavors to suit your tastes or match the occasion. Here are a few tasty ideas:
Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
Swirl a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the sweetened condensed milk before pouring it over the chocolate. You can also add peanut butter chips along with or instead of chocolate chips.
Nutty Crunch
Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds between the layers for added crunch and richness. Toasted nuts work especially well to enhance the overall flavor.
Cookies and Cream S’mores
Replace some or all of the graham cracker crumbs with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. This twist adds an Oreo-style flavor that pairs perfectly with marshmallows.
Salted Caramel Drizzle
After baking, drizzle salted caramel over the cooled bars. The sweet and salty combination works wonderfully with the toasted marshmallow flavor.
Why Make S’mores Bars at Home?
There are plenty of store-bought dessert options, but homemade s’mores bars offer several advantages. They’re simple to make, use common pantry ingredients, and don’t require any fancy techniques. More importantly, they capture the comforting, classic taste of s’mores in a way that’s perfect for any time of year. Baking them at home also allows you to adjust sweetness, texture, and mix-ins exactly the way you like.
Serving Suggestions
S’mores bars are delicious on their own, but they also make a great addition to dessert platters or potluck spreads. Here are a few fun serving ideas:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a rich dessert.
- Wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for a cute homemade gift.
- Layer chopped s’mores bars into a trifle with whipped cream and chocolate pudding.
This easy recipe for s’mores bars brings together everything you love about the classic campfire dessert in a form that’s convenient, portable, and perfect for sharing. With a crunchy graham base, rich chocolate layer, and gooey marshmallow topping, each bite delivers comfort and sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together or just treating yourself at home, s’mores bars are always a hit. Try them today and bring a little campfire magic into your kitchen.