Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 12 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Quick Answer
S’mores Bars combine creamy chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and graham crackers into a chewy, buttery treat perfect for holiday gatherings.
As a food lover and New Yorker navigating through the bustling streets this season, I cherish creating delightful treats that not only satisfy my sweet tooth but also bring people together. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, there’s something irresistibly comforting about making a classic treat like S’mores Bars. These bars encapsulate the essence of cozy gatherings, warm fires, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. The combination of creamy chocolate, toasted marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers layered into a chewy, buttery base makes these bars a must-try.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly captures the essence of cozy gatherings and holiday cheer.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients found in your pantry.
- Irresistibly delicious combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers.
- Great for sharing with friends and family during the festive season.
- Can be easily customized with different chocolate or toppings.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create these delightful S’mores Bars.
For the Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup chocolate chips for topping
How to Make S’mores Bars (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect S’mores Bars that everyone will love.
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until glossy and well mixed. Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for an aromatic touch.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 4: Add Graham Crackers
Fold in the graham cracker crumbs to the batter and mix gently. This will give your bars the iconic S’mores flavor.
Step 5: Layer the Filling
Spread half of the batter in the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle with milk chocolate chips and mini marshmallows before topping with the remaining batter, ensuring the filling is mostly covered.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. The center should be set with a slight jiggle. Release your kitchen from the intoxicating aroma of melted chocolate and marshmallows!
Step 7: Add Topping
Upon removing from the oven, sprinkle the additional chocolate chips over the hot bars, allowing them to melt slightly. Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This can lead to tough bars, so mix just until combined.
- Skipping the cooling time: Cutting the bars too early can cause them to fall apart, so be patient!
- Not using enough chocolate or marshmallows: More is more when it comes to these ingredients for that authentic S’mores experience.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips along with milk chocolate.
- If you prefer a more decadent touch, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, but they’re best enjoyed fresh!
Variations
- Substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed Oreo cookies for a chocolatey twist.
- Use a combination of milk and dark chocolate chips for a more complex flavor.
- Add peanut butter chips for an additional layer of flavor.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious dessert.
- Pair with hot cocoa or coffee for a cozy treat.
- Cut into small squares and serve as a party or holiday treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the batter and filling in advance; store separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Storage: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them.
- Freezing: Wrap cut pieces in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While perfecting these S’mores Bars, I found that patience really pays off—allowing them to cool completely creates the perfect chewiness and structure. Plus, the tantalizing scent of melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows makes the wait totally worth it!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 24 bars · Serving Size: 1 bar
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~220 calories · 2g protein · 30g carbs · 10g fat
Delicious S’mores Bars for the Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Whisk until glossy and well mixed. Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for an aromatic touch.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the graham cracker crumbs to the batter and mix gently. This will give your bars the iconic S’mores flavor.
- Spread half of the batter in the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle with milk chocolate chips and mini marshmallows before topping with the remaining batter, ensuring the filling is mostly covered.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. The center should be set with a slight jiggle. Release your kitchen from the intoxicating aroma of melted chocolate and marshmallows!
- Upon removing from the oven, sprinkle the additional chocolate chips over the hot bars, allowing them to melt slightly. Use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Notes
FAQs
What can I substitute for graham crackers?
If you don’t have graham crackers on hand, you can use crushed digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers as a substitute for the crust.
Can I make these S’mores Bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free S’mores Bars by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
How do I store leftover S’mores Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap cut pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
