Oh, s’mores! Just the word brings back memories of crackling campfires and gooey, melted marshmallows, right? Well, I’ve got a way to get that amazing s’mores flavor without even needing a campfire! These easy s’mores bars are seriously my go-to when a craving strikes. They’re just so ridiculously simple to whip up, and they deliver all that classic chocolatey, marshmallowy goodness in a perfect, portable bar. Honestly, they taste like a hug from childhood!
Why You'll Love These S'mores Bars
Seriously, these bars are a game-changer! You’ll adore them because:
- They’re incredibly simple to make – perfect for when you need a quick treat.
- Everyone loves s’mores, so these are always a huge hit with family and friends.
- They bring back all those cozy, nostalgic feelings of campfires and summer nights.
- You can whip them up from start to finish in under an hour!
Ingredients for Your S'mores Bars
Okay, so gathering your ingredients is the super-easy first step. You’ll find most of these are pantry staples, which is why these bars are so great for last-minute cravings. Trust me, having these on hand means you can whip up a batch of pure joy anytime!
Graham Cracker Crust Ingredients
For that perfect base, you’ll need about 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs. I usually just crush up a sleeve of graham crackers in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin – it’s a great stress reliever! Then, you’ll need 1/3 cup of melted butter to bind it all together. Make sure your butter is melted but not too hot.
Chocolate Filling Ingredients
Now for the gooey heart of the bar! Grab 1 cup of milk chocolate chips. Milk chocolate gives it that classic sweet s’mores flavor, but if you’re a dark chocolate fan, you can totally swap those out for semi-sweet! And for a little something extra, I sometimes toss in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts. They add a lovely crunch, but they’re totally optional if you’re keeping it simple.
Marshmallow Topping Ingredients
And of course, you can’t have s’mores without marshmallows! You’ll need 1 cup of mini marshmallows. They spread out so nicely and toast up beautifully. If you only have the big ones, just chop them up a bit – but the minis are just perfect for this.
How to Prepare Your Perfect S'mores Bars
Alright, let’s get baking! This is where the magic really happens, and honestly, it’s so straightforward. You’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together. First things first, get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and ready to go!
Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, mix your graham cracker crumbs with that lovely melted butter. Stir it until all the crumbs are nicely coated – it should look like wet sand. Then, pour this mixture into an 8×8 inch baking pan. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat glass to really press it down firmly and evenly across the pan. This helps make sure your crust doesn’t crumble apart later. Pop that into the preheated oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, just until it’s lightly golden around the edges. It smells so good already!
Adding the Chocolate Layer
Take the pan out of the oven and immediately sprinkle those chocolate chips evenly all over the warm crust. If you’re adding chopped nuts, sprinkle those on top of the chocolate chips now. Pop the pan back into the oven for just another 3 to 5 minutes. You’re not trying to bake it, just soften those chocolate chips so they’re melty and ready to be spread. You’ll see them start to look a little glossy and soft.
Toasting the Marshmallow Topping
Carefully take the pan out again. Now, gently spread the softened chocolate chips into an even layer over the crust. Then, scatter the mini marshmallows all over the chocolate. You want them pretty close together so there are no gaps. Pop it back into the oven for just 2 to 3 more minutes. Keep a super close eye on it – you want those marshmallows to puff up and get just lightly golden and toasted. If you have a broiler, you can use that too, but seriously, watch them like a hawk because they go from perfect to burnt in seconds!
Cooling and Cutting S'mores Bars
This is the hardest part, I know! Once those marshmallows are perfectly toasted, take the pan out of the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. I usually let mine sit for at least an hour, maybe even longer. This step is crucial because if you try to cut them while they’re warm, they’ll just turn into a gooey mess. Patience, my friend! Once it’s totally cooled, you can cut it into 16 nice, clean bars. Enjoy that s’mores goodness!
Tips for S'mores Bars Success
Want to make your s’mores bars absolutely perfect every time? A few little tricks can really make a difference! First off, use fresh graham crackers for your crumbs. Stale ones can make the crust a bit dry and crumbly, and nobody wants that. If you can’t find graham crackers, digestive biscuits work in a pinch, too!
When it comes to toasting those marshmallows, keeping a close eye is key. If you’re worried about using the broiler, you can also just pop them under a hot oven light for a minute or two, or even use a kitchen torch if you have one – just be gentle! And remember, letting them cool completely is non-negotiable for those clean, beautiful bar shapes.
S'mores Bars Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? These s’mores bars are super adaptable! You can easily swap out the milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a different vibe. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the chocolate layer can add a surprising warmth. Or, try adding a little espresso powder to the chocolate – it really makes the chocolate flavor pop!
Serving and Storing Your S'mores Bars
These s’mores bars are pretty fantastic all on their own, but they’re also great with a tall glass of cold milk, right? Or maybe a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra decadent! They’re perfect for picnics, parties, or just a cozy afternoon snack.
Storage Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop these bars into an airtight container or wrap them well with plastic wrap. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for about 3-4 days. Honestly, though, they usually disappear way before that!
Frequently Asked Questions about S'mores Bars
Got questions about these delightful treats? I’ve got answers!
Q: Can I use something other than graham crackers for the crust?
A: Absolutely! While graham crackers are classic, you can totally use crushed digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers for a slightly different flavor. Just make sure you have about 1 1/2 cups of crumbs.
Q: What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?
A: No worries! If you only have the big marshmallows, just snip them into smaller pieces with kitchen shears. You’ll need about 1 cup of chopped marshmallows. Just watch them carefully when toasting, as they might toast a bit faster.
Q: How can I make these bars even more chocolatey?
A: Great question! For an extra chocolate punch, try using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. You could even sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top right after spreading the softened chocolate layer before adding the marshmallows.
Q: Are these bars really as easy as they seem?
A: Yes, they really are! That’s what makes them such a fantastic easy dessert. The steps are super straightforward, and you don’t need any fancy baking skills. They’re a perfect quick dessert for when you need something sweet fast!
Estimated Nutritional Information for S'mores Bars
Keep in mind that the nutritional values for these s’mores bars are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use and any substitutions you make. Generally, you can expect each bar to be around 200 calories, with typical amounts of fat, carbohydrates, and a bit of protein. It’s always good to check the packaging of your ingredients for the most accurate information!
Print
Melted S’mores Bars: Pure Childhood Joy in Minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and delicious s’mores bars with a graham cracker crust, chocolate filling, and toasted marshmallow topping.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust. Add nuts if using.
- Return to oven for 3-5 minutes, or until chocolate chips are softened.
- Spread the softened chocolate evenly.
- Top with mini marshmallows.
- Bake for another 2-3 minutes, until marshmallows are lightly toasted.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Toast marshmallows under the broiler, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: smores, s'mores bars, chocolate bars, marshmallow bars, graham cracker dessert, easy dessert, quick dessert