S’mores Bar Recipe

I absolutely love this S’mores Bar Recipe because it takes all the magic of a classic campfire treat and transforms it into an easy, year-round dessert that I can whip up anytime the craving hits. The combination of a buttery graham cracker crust, layers of rich melted chocolate, and that signature toasted marshmallow topping creates a nostalgic, comforting flavor that feels so indulgent yet simple. Every bite reminds me of summer evenings with friends, but honestly, I’m happy to enjoy it all through the seasons without a fire pit in sight.

Why You’ll Love This S’mores Bar Recipe

What excites me most about this recipe is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The graham cracker crust is buttery and crisp, giving a lovely contrast to the gooey melted chocolate and the warm, toasty marshmallows on top. It’s like a personal s’more that’s perfectly portioned and easy to share—no skewers or campfire necessary. The way these layers meld together, with just the right amount of sweetness and that slightly caramelized marshmallow finish, makes it impossible to stop at one square!

Beyond the deliciousness, I love how straightforward it is to prepare. Mixing a few simple ingredients like graham cracker crumbs, butter, and powdered sugar creates a sturdy crust that holds everything together amazingly well. The steps are fast and don’t require any fancy equipment, so it’s a great go-to for last-minute gatherings, holidays, or cozying up on a weeknight when I want something nostalgic and fun. I think what sets this recipe apart is how it captures that campfire experience in an easy, fuss-free bar form that everyone can enjoy indoors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients are simple but each one plays a crucial role in capturing the classic s’mores flavor and texture. From the buttery crust to the melty chocolate and fluffy marshmallow topping, every element comes together harmoniously to create a dessert that’s totally crave-worthy.

• 2 Cups graham cracker crumbs: This forms the sturdy yet crumbly base that tastes like s’mores in every bite.
• 8-12 Tablespoons butter, melted: Moistens and binds the crust, offering a rich buttery flavor you’ll love.
• ½ Cup powdered sugar: Adds slight sweetness and helps the crust hold together tightly.
• 4 Hershey Chocolate Bars (4.4 oz each): Classic milk chocolate to melt over the crust for that iconic s’mores taste.
• 1 package mini marshmallows: The star topping that toasts beautifully under the broiler, giving you that golden finish.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick butter spray to make sure the bars come out cleanly after baking.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter using a spoon. The butter helps bind the crumbs into a solid crust, so mix until well combined.

Step 3: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your prepared pan. I like using my fingers to pack it down firmly so it doesn’t crumble after baking.

Step 4: Bake the crust for 5 to 8 minutes. You want to see the edges start to turn lightly golden. Keep an eye on it because you want it sturdy but not burnt, as it will harden when it cools.

Step 5: Once the crust has cooled, carefully lay the four Hershey chocolate bars across the surface, covering as much of the crust as possible. Pop the pan back in the oven for about 3 minutes, just until the chocolate starts to melt and becomes glossy.

Step 6: Remove the pan and let it cool for a minute or two before piling the mini marshmallows closely across the melted chocolate layer, packing them tightly so the entire surface is covered.

Step 7: Switch your oven to broil and place the pan under the broiler. Watch the marshmallows very carefully—they only need about 2 minutes to develop that perfect golden brown toast. Don’t walk away! Ovens vary, and marshmallows can quickly burn or even catch fire.

Step 8: Once the marshmallows are toasted to your liking, remove the pan and let everything cool completely. For best results, I put the bars in the refrigerator to fully set, which makes slicing them much easier.

Step 9: When you’re ready to serve, use a sharp knife warmed with hot water to slice through the bars smoothly. Clean the knife between cuts if it gets sticky from the marshmallow layer.

Servings and Timing

This S’mores Bar Recipe makes about 16 generous servings, perfect for sharing with friends or family at any gathering. The total prep time is just 10 minutes, with a cook time of about 15 minutes, so you can have these bars ready to enjoy in about 25 minutes total. Be sure to allow some extra cooling or chilling time if you want to slice and serve neat squares easily.

How to Serve This S’mores Bar Recipe

Serving these bars warm or at room temperature is perfect because the marshmallows stay soft and the chocolate remains luscious, but you can also chill them for a firmer texture if that’s your preference. I love plating these on a rustic wooden board or a simple white platter to let their golden hues shine—it’s such an inviting sight, especially with the toasted marshmallows glistening on top.

To make your dessert spread even more incredible, try pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. If you want something lighter, fresh berries on the side complement the sweetness beautifully and add a pop of color that brightens the whole presentation. For beverages, I’m a fan of classic pairings like cold milk, hot cocoa for chilly nights, or even a fizzy ginger ale to balance the richness.

This S’mores Bar Recipe shines at casual family dinners, holiday parties, or get-togethers around a cozy fire pit. It’s also one of those crowd-pleasers that kids and adults alike adore. The bars can be portioned easily, so feel free to make smaller bite-sized pieces for a fun dessert buffet or larger squares as a satisfying treat after dinner.

Variations

Over time, I love playing around with this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. If you want to switch things up, try using dark or semi-sweet chocolate bars instead of classic milk chocolate to mix in a richer, slightly less sweet flavor. Peanut butter chips or crushed nuts sprinkled over the chocolate before adding marshmallows add delightful texture and interest.

For those needing gluten-free options, simply swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies to keep the crust just as satisfying. To create a vegan version, use vegan butter alternatives, vegan chocolate bars, and marshmallows made without gelatin. It’s so satisfying to see how these simple swaps can keep the essence of the bars intact for everyone to enjoy.

Lastly, if you want to put a twist on the cooking method, try making individual s’mores bars in muffin tins for cute, portable treats. I’ve even taken this recipe outdoors to an open grill or campfire oven, using foil pans for a smoky flavor that really brings back that nostalgic campfire vibe I adore.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. I prefer the fridge because it helps keep the marshmallows from getting overly sticky or melting into the chocolate too much.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars successfully by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They keep well frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy later, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving. I find freezing slightly changes the texture of the marshmallows, making them chewier, which some people really enjoy!

Reheating

For reheating, I gently warm the bars in a low oven (around 275 degrees) for 5-7 minutes to soften the chocolate and marshmallows without burning them. Avoid microwaving as that can make the marshmallows tough and the crust soggy. If reheating after freezing, be sure to thaw first for the best texture and flavor restoration.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate for this S’mores Bar Recipe?

Absolutely! While classic Hershey bars create that iconic taste, you can use dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even chocolate chips depending on your preference. Just be mindful that different chocolates melt differently, which could affect the texture.

How do I prevent the marshmallows from burning under the broiler?

Broiling marshmallows requires close attention because they toast quickly. Keep the oven door slightly ajar if possible and watch constantly. As soon as the marshmallows turn golden brown, remove the pan immediately to avoid burning or catching fire.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let them come to room temperature before serving to soften the marshmallows slightly, or warm them gently if you prefer a freshly toasted texture.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan-friendly?

You can make this recipe vegan by substituting vegan butter, using dairy-free chocolate bars, and vegan marshmallows that are gelatin-free. These swaps allow you to maintain the signature flavors without animal products.

What’s the best way to cut sticky bars without a mess?

After the bars have cooled, warm a sharp knife under hot water, dry it quickly, and slice cleanly through the bars. Repeat warming and drying between cuts if necessary to prevent the knife from sticking to gooey marshmallows.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this S’mores Bar Recipe a try because it’s one of those feel-good desserts that brings joy with every bite. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for sharing whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself. Trust me, these bars have become a beloved favorite in my kitchen, and they might just become yours too!

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