S’mores Bars Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this S’mores Bars Recipe! It’s like capturing the magic of a campfire s’more but in an easy-to-make, handheld bar that works perfectly for any occasion—whether you’re bringing a dessert to a picnic or craving a nostalgic treat after dinner. The combination of a buttery graham cracker crust, melty chocolate, and those toasty marshmallows just hits every sweet spot, and trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

I’ve made these bars countless times, and what I adore is how effortless they are without skimping on that gooey, crunchy goodness we all crave in a s’more. Plus, they’re great for kids’ parties, casual get-togethers, or even as a sweet pick-me-up on a cozy night in. Once you try this S’mores Bars Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients form the classic base of s’mores, but in bar form! Each component plays a role in delivering those iconic flavors and textures. When shopping, I recommend going for good quality chocolate bars and fresh mini marshmallows for the best melt and flavor.

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides the signature crunchy base and that toasty, slightly sweet flavor essential to s’mores.
• Butter (melted): Binds the crust ingredients together and adds richness—it’s what makes the crust crisp up nicely when baked.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough while keeping it tender and crumbly.
• Hershey Chocolate Bars: Classic milk chocolate melts beautifully to form that luscious layer we all love.
• Mini Marshmallows: These melt and toast quickly under the broiler, creating that perfectly gooey topping.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how this S’mores Bars Recipe invites creativity! Whether you like your chocolate dark or prefer tossing in some peanut butter for a salty-sweet combo, these bars adapt easily without losing their charm. Feel free to make it your own.

• Swap Chocolate Varieties: I once used dark chocolate for a more sophisticated taste—delicious if you want less sweetness.
• Add Nuts or Coconut: For some crunch and extra texture, chopping walnuts or sprinkling shredded coconut on top before broiling can be a game-changer.
• Use Flavored Marshmallows: I tried cinnamon-flavored marshmallows over the holidays and it added a cozy twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs lets you enjoy these as a treat even if you avoid gluten.

Step-by-Step: How I Make S’mores Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Make That Perfect Crust

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick spray. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until everything is evenly combined. This is the moment where you want the crumbs to feel like wet sand; not too dry but not soupy either. Press that mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan and slightly up the sides. The pressure here matters—firm compression means a crisp crust that won’t crumble when you slice later. Bake it for about 5-8 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. This quick bake sets the crust so it will hold its shape once the bars are complete.

Step 2: Add the Chocolate Layer

Once the crust cools a bit, lay your Hershey bars over it, covering the crust as evenly as you can. Don’t be shy—overlapping is fine to make sure every bite gets that chocolate goodness. Pop it back in the oven for just 3 minutes or until the chocolate starts melting and looks glossy. Keep an eye here; you want melted smooth chocolate, not burnt edges.

Step 3: Toast Those Marshmallows to Perfection

Now spread the mini marshmallows tightly over the melting chocolate—you want them snug so that toasting is even. Switch your oven to broil and place the pan inside. Here’s the crucial part: watch your s’mores bars like a hawk! Broiling takes only about 2 minutes, and those marshmallows can jump from golden brown to black in seconds. Once they start turning caramel-colored on top, take the pan out immediately to avoid any fiery mishaps (true story—I learned this the hard way).

Step 4: Cool and Cut With Ease

Let your bars cool down completely—this is key to keeping them intact when slicing. I usually pop mine into the fridge after they’ve cooled at room temp; it firms them up beautifully. When it’s time to cut, here’s a neat trick: warm a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and slice. The warm blade glides through gooey marshmallows and chocolate much easier and helps avoid those sticky, messy cuts. You might need to rewarm the knife frequently if you’re cutting a big batch.

How to Serve S’mores Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top right after broiling the marshmallows—it balances the sweetness and adds a subtle crunch. Sometimes, I also dust a bit of cinnamon or cocoa powder over the bars for extra flavor depth. Little touches make these bars feel special, especially when serving guests.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving these at a party, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries really brightens things up. For drinks, a glass of cold milk or a coffee with a hint of caramel syrup complements the bars perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite presentations is layering these bars in small mason jars for parties—they’re like portable desserts! For holiday gatherings, arranging them on a pretty platter with crushed peppermint or colored sprinkles adds festive flair. I’ve also wrapped individual squares in parchment paper tied with twine for cute giftable treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover s’mores bars in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a day or two. I usually keep mine chilled because I love how the chocolate firms up—it also helps maintain their shape when stacking.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze quite well! When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw in the fridge overnight to keep the texture soft without melting the chocolate and marshmallow too much.

Reheating

If you want that melty fresh-out-of-the-oven feel again, pop individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Watch carefully so the marshmallows don’t puff up too much or burn. Alternatively, a quick low-temp warmup in the oven (about 300°F for 5 minutes) refreshes the gooey texture nicely.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This S’mores Bars Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s that nostalgic flavor wrapped into an easy, shareable dessert that suits so many occasions. Whether you’re making it for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to bring smiles and maybe even a little campfire magic into your kitchen. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want a warm, comforting sweet treat!

Print