S’mores Bars
S’mores Bars are a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat. These gooey, chocolatey, and creamy bars combine the flavors of graham crackers, chocolate, and toasted marshmallows into a convenient dessert that you can enjoy at home. Whether you are hosting a party or just craving something sweet, S’mores Bars are the perfect choice.
Why Make This Recipe
Making S’mores Bars is an easy way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of s’mores without needing a campfire. The recipe only uses a few simple ingredients, and the steps are straightforward. These bars are a crowd-pleaser and can be made ahead of time, making them great for gatherings. Plus, who wouldn’t love a rich, dessert that is reminiscent of childhood camping trips?
How to Make S’mores Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the partially baked crust.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Remove the dish from the oven and evenly scatter the mini marshmallows over the melted chocolate layer.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 2-4 minutes or until the marshmallows are golden brown and puffed. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For easier cutting, you can refrigerate the bars for about 1 hour to firm up. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
- Enjoy the s’mores bars as a delicious treat on their own.
How to Serve S’mores Bars
S’mores Bars can be served as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgence. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. You can also drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top for added flavor!
How to Store S’mores Bars
To store S’mores Bars, keep them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make S’mores Bars
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- If you like a thicker crust, you can increase the amount of graham cracker crumbs.
- Watch the marshmallows closely when baking to get that perfect golden brown color without burning them.
- Feel free to mix in some crushed nuts for added texture and taste.
Variation
For a fun twist, you can add peanut butter chips along with the chocolate chips, or even use caramel sauce for a different flavor profile. You might also try swapping out the mini marshmallows for large marshmallows cut into smaller pieces.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can use regular-sized marshmallows. Just cut them into smaller pieces for even distribution over the chocolate.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day ahead. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.
What should I do if my chocolate doesn’t melt completely?
If your chocolate isn’t melting well, you can pop the dish in the oven for a few more minutes. Alternatively, place the baking dish over a pot of simmering water on the stove (a double boiler) to gently melt the chocolate.
Enjoy making and sharing these delicious S’mores Bars!