What’s the perfect treat to bring to a summer gathering? These homemade S’mores Bars are a quick and easy family favorite, made with toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate. Rich graham cracker crust and gooey chocolate filling make them irresistible. Save this idea for your next weeknight dinner dessert or potluck.

S’mores Bars

Introduction

Imagine the classic campfire treat, s’mores, but in a convenient, gooey, and utterly delicious bar form. S’mores Bars are the perfect dessert for anyone looking to capture the essence of a summer evening without the need for a campfire. These bars are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few everyday ingredients, and are perfect for both kids and adults alike. The combination of a crunchy graham cracker crust, a rich chocolate layer, and toasted marshmallows creates a flavor and texture combination that is hard to resist. Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a family gathering, or just a simple dessert for a week! night, S’mores Bars are sure to be a hit.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The recipe strikes a perfect balance between the sweetness of the chocolate and marshmallows, the crunch of the graham crackers, and the simplicity of using readily available ingredients.
• Ease of preparation: S’mores Bars are surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking and straightforward assembly, making them a great option for beginners or those short on time.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite their simplicity, S’mores Bars look and taste impressive, making them a great choice for potlucks, parties, or as a gift for friends and family.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in S’mores Bars include graham crackers for the crust, chocolate bars for the chocolate layer, and marshmallows for the marshmallow topping. You’ll also need some unsalted butter to help bind the crust together and a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. For the chocolate, you can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or a combination of both, depending on your preference. Marshmallows come in various sizes, but mini marshmallows work best for this recipe as they toast more evenly. Practical substitutions include using different types of crackers for the crust, such as digestive biscuits, or experimenting with various flavors of chocolate.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your graham cracker crust by crushing 1 1/2 cups of graham crackers in a food processor until they are finely ground. Mix in 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish lined with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it is lightly browned. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. While the crust is cooling, melt 2 cups of chocolate bars (broken into pieces) in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
3. Step 3: Top the chocolate layer with mini marshmallows. You can use as many or as few as you like, but a single layer covering the entire surface works well. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the marshmallows are toasted to your liking. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
4. Step 4: Remove the S’mores Bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Cutting them when they are completely cool will help you get clean, sharp edges.

Handy Tips

• To ensure your marshmallows toast evenly, try to space them out as much as possible on top of the chocolate layer. Also, keep an eye on them while they’re in the oven, as the toasting time can vary depending on your oven and the size of your marshmallows.
• For a golden-brown marshmallow topping without using the oven, you can also use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallows after the bars have cooled. This method allows for more control over the toasting process.

Heat Control

When baking the graham cracker crust and toasting the marshmallows, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the temperature and the baking time. The ideal temperature for baking the crust is 350°F (180°C), and it should be baked for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned. For toasting the marshmallows, a short baking time of 2-3 minutes at the same temperature is sufficient. Signs of doneness include a lightly browned crust and marshmallows that are toasted to your desired level of golden brown.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in S’mores Bars comes from the graham cracker crust and the toasted marshmallows. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure not to overbake the crust, as it can become too hard. Similarly, toasting the marshmallows just until they’re lightly golden brown will provide a nice textural contrast to the soft chocolate and crunchy crust.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One expert tip for achieving a perfectly toasted marshmallow layer is to broil the bars for a few seconds after baking. This will give the marshmallows a nicely toasted exterior. However, be extremely cautious and keep a close eye on the bars, as they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly.
• For easier cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper before pressing in the graham cracker crust. This will prevent the crust and chocolate from sticking to the pan and make removal of the bars much simpler.

Storage Tips

• S’mores Bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you won’t be consuming them within this timeframe, consider freezing them. To freeze, cut the bars, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerate overnight.
• For reheating, you can place a bar in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the chocolate and marshmallows. However, be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the chocolate to melt excessively and the marshmallows to become too soft.

Gift Packaging Ideas

S’mores Bars make a wonderful gift, especially when packaged attractively. Consider placing the bars in a decorative tin or a mason jar lined with parchment paper. You can also wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place them in a gift bag or wrap them in a decorative paper. Adding a ribbon or a gift tag with a personal message can make the gift even more special. For a more rustic look, you can place the bars in a small wooden crate or a paper bag and tie it with twine.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Adding a pinch of sea salt or a teaspoon of cinnamon to the graham cracker crust can give the bars an interesting flavor twist.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding other toppings like chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well), dried cranberries, or even candy pieces (like M&M’s) to the chocolate layer before adding the marshmallows for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: You can experiment with different types of chocolate or use flavored marshmallows (like strawberry or blue raspberry) to change up the flavor profile of the bars.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your crust turns out too hard, it may have been overbaked. Try reducing the baking time in future batches. If the marshmallows are too toasted, they can become brittle and crunchy; try toasting them for less time.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute them with other crunchy biscuits or even cookies. For the chocolate, any type will work, but keep in mind that different types of chocolate have different melting points and flavor profiles.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your bars while they’re in the oven. An undercooked crust will be soft and pale, while an overcooked one will be dark brown and hard. Marshmallows that are undercooked will be pale and soft, while overcooked ones will be dark brown and potentially burnt.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, S’mores Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze them after they’ve been cut into bars to make thawing and serving easier.
• Is it gluten-free? Traditional graham crackers contain gluten, making the classic version of S’mores Bars not gluten-free. However, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free graham crackers or substituting the crust with a gluten-free alternative.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger batch of S’mores Bars. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time slightly, especially for the crust, to ensure it cooks evenly.

Conclusion

S’mores Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the classic flavors of s’mores with the convenience of a bar dessert. They’re perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special events, and can be easily customized with your favorite toppings or flavor variations. With their ease of preparation, impressive presentation, and delicious taste, S’mores Bars are sure to become a favorite among both kids and adults. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try, and don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own. Happy baking, and enjoy sharing these wonderful treats with your loved ones!