S’mores Bars (Golden Graham and Marshmallow Krispies)

Imagine the joy of a campfire s’more without the mess or flames. That’s exactly what these S’mores Bars deliver — crispy, gooey, chocolate-drizzled bites that bring all the flavors of the classic treat in a no-bake, crowd-pleasing dessert. With crunchy Golden Grahams, melty marshmallows, and smooth milk chocolate, every square is loaded with nostalgic sweetness. Whether you’re packing them for a picnic or slicing up a late-night treat, these bars are the ultimate shortcut to happiness.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of a love for classic s’mores but a deep dislike for sticky fingers and smoky cleanup. One summer, I had leftover Golden Grahams in the pantry and way too many marshmallows from a canceled bonfire. With a little kitchen experimenting, these bars came to life — chewy, crunchy, chocolatey perfection that disappeared faster than I could slice them. Now they’ve become a backyard barbecue favorite and a weeknight staple in our home.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

S’mores have been around since the early 1920s, first appearing in a Girl Scout handbook. But turning them into no-bake bars? That’s a more modern twist. The idea of combining cereal with marshmallow and chocolate is inspired by the ever-popular Rice Krispies treats. Swapping in Golden Grahams cereal creates that unmistakable graham cracker crunch, while chocolate chips and marshmallow cream mimic the gooey roasted layers. It’s a genius shortcut with all the charm of the original.

Why You’ll Love S’mores Bars

If you’re looking for an easy, no-bake dessert that wows, this is it. Here’s why:

Versatile: Great for holidays, lunchboxes, potlucks, or just a midweek craving.
Budget-Friendly: Made from a few pantry staples that go a long way.
Quick and Easy: Less than 15 minutes to make — no oven required.
Customizable: Add nuts, swap cereals, or drizzle with white chocolate.
Crowd-Pleasing: Kids love them. Adults sneak seconds.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping the night before an event.
Great for Leftovers: Stays delicious for days and travels well.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want that perfect chewy-crispy texture every time? Here’s what to keep in mind:

1. Use Fresh Marshmallows: Stale ones won’t melt smoothly and can turn rubbery.
2. Melt Low and Slow: Use gentle heat when melting to avoid scorching the sugars.
3. Reserve Mix-Ins: Save some chocolate chips or mini marshmallows to stir in last for extra texture.
4. Grease Your Hands: Press the mixture into the pan using oiled fingers or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. Cool Completely: Let bars set fully before cutting to get clean, sharp edges.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Keep things simple with just a few basic tools:

Large Saucepan: For melting the butter and marshmallows.
Spatula: To stir and spread the mixture into the pan.
8×8 or 9×9 Baking Dish: For perfectly thick bars.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters with sticky ingredients.
Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting chocolate chips and oil.
Sharp Knife: For slicing once cooled.

Ingredients in S’mores Bars

Each component brings the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and nostalgia:

1. Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons – Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows.
2. Mini Marshmallows: 4 cups + 1/4 cup – The gooey binder and signature s’mores texture.
3. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
4. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon – Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
5. Marshmallow Cream: 1/2 cup – Adds extra smoothness and stickiness to hold it all together.
6. Golden Grahams Cereal: 4 cups – Provides the signature graham cracker crunch.
7. Milk Chocolate Chips: 1 cup + 1/4 cup – Melts into the bars and adds the essential s’mores flavor.
8. Oil: 1 teaspoon – Thins the melted chocolate for perfect drizzling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Short on supplies? Try these easy swaps:

Golden Grahams: Use crushed graham crackers or a mix of other cereals.
Milk Chocolate Chips: Try dark or semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
Marshmallow Cream: Add more mini marshmallows in its place.
Butter: Coconut oil or margarine will also work.
Vanilla Extract: Almond or maple extract for a twist.

Ingredient Spotlight

Golden Grahams Cereal: These honey-kissed squares are the heart of this recipe. They give that unmistakable graham cracker flavor and stay crisp in all the gooey goodness.

Mini Marshmallows: They melt fast and evenly, creating that soft pull-apart texture that’s pure s’mores magic.

Instructions for Making S’mores Bars

Let’s put it all together — gooey, chocolatey goodness coming right up:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   No oven needed! Just lightly grease or line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Stir in 4 cups of mini marshmallows, vanilla, salt, and marshmallow cream until smooth and fully melted.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Remove the saucepan from heat. Gently fold in the Golden Grahams cereal until evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Stir in 1/4 cup marshmallows and 1 cup chocolate chips. Quickly press mixture into the prepared pan using oiled hands or parchment paper.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon oil in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars. Let them cool completely at room temperature until set.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Slice into bars and serve at room temperature. Get ready for ooey-gooey perfection in every bite.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The beauty of these bars lies in their contrast — crunchy cereal, gooey marshmallow, and silky chocolate drizzle. The marshmallow cream keeps them chewy but not sticky, while the Golden Grahams stay crisp for that classic graham cracker bite. Every bite is sweet, buttery, and balanced with just a hint of salt.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make your S’mores Bars even better with these bonus tips:

• Line your pan with parchment for easy removal.
• Let bars set at room temp — refrigerating can make them too hard.
• Use a serrated knife to get clean, even cuts.

What to Avoid

These common mistakes can turn your bars into a sticky mess:

• Overheating the marshmallows. This causes them to stiffen too quickly.
• Skipping the oil in the chocolate drizzle. It helps make it smooth and glossy.
• Cutting before they’ve set. The bars won’t hold their shape.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 9
Calories per serving: 270

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can easily make these bars ahead — they actually improve as they sit. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If it’s warm out, pop them in the fridge to help the chocolate stay set. Avoid stacking without parchment in between, or they may stick together.

How to Serve S’mores Bars

Serve these at room temperature on a dessert tray with a cold glass of milk. For parties, wrap them in wax paper squares and tie with twine for an adorable grab-and-go treat. Or stack them high for a dessert tower that will disappear in minutes.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftover bars? Here’s how to remix them:

• Crumble into yogurt parfaits for a crunchy twist.
• Chop and stir into vanilla ice cream for homemade s’mores swirl.
• Use as a topping on brownies or cupcakes for double dessert fun.

Additional Tips

• Lightly grease your spatula or spoon before mixing.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm flavor boost.
• Mix in crushed graham crackers for extra crunch.

Make It a Showstopper

Drizzle both dark and white chocolate on top for a dramatic effect. Sprinkle with mini marshmallows or crushed graham crackers before the chocolate sets. Serve on a colorful tray to make the chocolate pop and draw attention at any party table.

Variations to Try

• Peanut Butter S’mores Bars: Stir in 1/4 cup peanut butter with the marshmallows.
• Nutty Crunch Version: Add 1/3 cup chopped toasted almonds or pecans.
• White Chocolate Drizzle: Replace the milk chocolate with white for a fun twist.
• S’mores Bites: Press into mini muffin tins for bite-size versions.
• Salted Caramel S’mores Bars: Drizzle with caramel and sea salt flakes.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?
A1: Yes, just chop them into smaller pieces to melt more evenly.

Q2: Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
A2: Not necessarily, but refrigeration can help keep the chocolate drizzle firm.

Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
A3: Yes, use a certified gluten-free graham cereal or substitute.

Q4: What if I don’t have marshmallow cream?
A4: Just add an extra 1/2 cup of mini marshmallows.

Q5: Can I freeze these bars?
A5: Yes, freeze between layers of parchment and thaw before serving.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Absolutely! Use a 9×13 pan for a larger batch.

Q7: How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?
A7: Use parchment paper or grease the pan well.

Q8: Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk?
A8: Definitely — it’ll add a more intense chocolate flavor.

Q9: Are they overly sweet?
A9: They’re sweet like classic s’mores, but the salt balances it nicely.

Q10: How long do they take to set?
A10: Let them cool at room temp for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Conclusion

These S’mores Bars with Golden Grahams and marshmallow krispies are your shortcut to the ultimate nostalgic treat. With no campfire required and only 15 minutes of prep, they’re the easiest way to bring a taste of summer fun into any season. Trust me, these bars are going to disappear faster than you can say “one more piece.”

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