If you have a soft spot for campfire nostalgia and crave something you can enjoy anytime at home, the Gooey S’mores Bars with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallows Recipe is going to be your new favorite. This dessert perfectly captures that iconic combination of crunchy graham cracker, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallows, all layered into a delightful bar that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these bars bring the magic of s’mores indoors, offering gooey, warming sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Gooey S’mores Bars with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallows Recipe lies in its simple, classic ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing textures and flavors, making this dessert a comforting, crave-worthy treat.
- Graham cracker crumbs: About 2 cups provide that signature crispy and sweet base that holds everything together beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Half a cup melts into the crumbs, adding rich moisture and helping the crust set perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: A quarter cup to sweeten the crust just right without overpowering the other flavors.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Two cups create the luscious chocolate layer – you can swap for milk chocolate for a sweeter profile.
- Mini marshmallows: Four cups are essential for that gooey, toasted topping that turns every bite into an indulgence.
- Optional toppings (crumbled graham crackers, melted chocolate drizzle): These add extra texture and a little visual flair, perfect for topping your bars if you want to get fancy.
How to Make Gooey S’mores Bars with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallows Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This simple prep tip makes removing your finished bars from the dish so much easier and keeps everything neat.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the crust cooks evenly and the chocolate melts just right under the marshmallows.
Step 3: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated, and the mixture feels like wet sand. This not only brings flavor but also creates the perfect base that crisps up as it bakes.
Step 4: Press and Bake the Crust
Firmly press the crust mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan in an even layer. Then bake it for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden and smells irresistible. Let it cool just a bit to keep the layers distinct.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Layer
Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust. Give them a couple of minutes to soften, then spread the melted chocolate into a smooth, even layer with a spatula. This step makes sure each bar is packed with melty, luscious chocolate goodness.
Step 6: Top with Marshmallows and Broil
Scatter the mini marshmallows evenly on top of the chocolate layer. Switch your oven to broil, place the pan on the middle rack, and broil for 1 to 2 minutes while keeping a close eye. You want the marshmallows golden and toasted – that irresistible, slightly caramelized crunch on top of soft fluffiness.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once broiled to perfection, let the bars cool completely at room temperature. For easier cutting and cleaner edges, pop them in the fridge for 15 to 20 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the whole slab, then slice into squares and get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Gooey S’mores Bars with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallows Recipe
Garnishes
To add a personal touch, try sprinkling some crumbled graham crackers or drizzling melted chocolate across the top of the bars once cooled. These small details enhance both the look and flavor, making your creation look extra tempting for guests or loved ones.
Side Dishes
Pair these gooey bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance their sweetness and add a creamy contrast. A hot cup of coffee, rich cocoa, or even a fresh glass of milk also complements their nostalgic flavor beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Gooey S’mores Bars with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallows Recipe on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh berries, nuts, or small bowls of caramel and chocolate sauce for dipping. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with twine also creates perfect grab-and-go treats for parties or kid’s lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a day or two. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated where they’ll remain moist and delicious for up to a week.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars in advance or save some for later, freezing works wonderfully. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or until the chocolate softens and the marshmallows regain a little softness. You can also pop them under a broiler for a few seconds to re-toast the marshmallows if you like.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate for the bars?
Absolutely! Semi-sweet chocolate chips work great, but feel free to use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or dark chocolate if you prefer a richer, less sweet flavor. The mix-and-match possibilities are endless.
What can I substitute for graham cracker crumbs?
If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies make excellent substitutes to create a similar crunchy base.
Are mini marshmallows necessary or can I use regular marshmallows?
Mini marshmallows distribute more evenly and toast best, but if you only have larger ones, chop them into smaller pieces for even coverage and melting.
How do I avoid marshmallows burning under the broiler?
Keep a close eye on the bars while broiling since marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly. Broil on a lower rack if possible and check every 30 seconds once they start to brown.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to keep the crust delicious while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so comforting and joy-inducing about the Gooey S’mores Bars with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallows Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to bring classic campfire flavors right into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness. Once you try making these bars, they’ll quickly become a go-to dessert for family dinners, gatherings, or a special treat just for you. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy these irresistible, gooey delights!
Print
Gooey S’mores Bars with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallows Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
S’mores Bars are a deliciously gooey dessert that captures the classic campfire s’mores flavors in a convenient, easy-to-make baked treat. Featuring a crispy graham cracker crust, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallows, these bars are perfect for any occasion and simple to prepare in the oven.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 crackers)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter option)
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
Optional Toppings:
- Crumbled graham crackers
- Drizzle of melted chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out after baking.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Make the Graham Cracker Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir well until the mixture resembles wet sand with even coating.
- Press Crust into Dish: Firmly press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish creating an even layer.
- Bake the Crust: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden. Remove and let it cool slightly.
- Add the Chocolate Layer: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust. Allow them to melt slightly for 1-2 minutes, then spread the melted chocolate into an even layer using a spatula.
- Top with Marshmallows: Evenly distribute the mini marshmallows over the chocolate layer.
- Broil to Toast Marshmallows: Turn on the oven broiler and place the baking dish on the middle rack. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely, until the marshmallows are golden brown and toasted.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. For easier slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the dish and cut into squares.
Notes
- Keep a close eye while broiling marshmallows to avoid burning as they toast quickly.
- You can customize the chocolate type based on your preference—semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips both work well.
- Optional toppings like crumbled graham crackers or drizzled melted chocolate add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for extended freshness.
