Name: Smore Bars Recipe: Easy, Gooey, No Campfire Needed!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 24 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups Graham cracker crumbs; 1 1/2 cups Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup for crust, 1 cup for chocolate layer); 1/4 cup Granulated sugar (for crust); 1/4 teaspoon Salt (for crust); 1 cup Granulated sugar (for chocolate layer); 1/2 cup Light brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 teaspoon Salt (for chocolate layer); 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract; 2 large Eggs, room temperature; 1 cup All-purpose flour; 4 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 package Mini marshmallows (approx. 4 cups)

Smore Bars are about to become your new favorite way to experience the iconic taste of summer campfires, all from the comfort of your kitchen and without a single flick of a match! I absolutely adore how these ingenious treats capture every element of a classic s’more – the crunchy graham cracker base, a thick layer of gooey chocolate, and that beautifully toasted marshmallow topping – in one convenient, sliceable form. The tradition of s’mores dates back to early 20th-century American scouting handbooks, where they were affectionately called ‘some mores’ because, well, who can ever have just one? While the original campfire version holds a special place in our hearts, the brilliance of Smore Bars lies in their accessibility and versatility.

People simply can’t get enough of their comforting, nostalgic flavors and the perfect blend of textures – from the crispiness of the crust to the decadent melt of the chocolate and the airy sweetness of the marshmallow. They’re effortlessly portable, ideal for sharing at any gathering, or simply indulging in a moment of pure, sticky-sweet bliss.

Prepare yourself for a delightful trip down memory lane with every bite!

Ingredients:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 2 cups (about 1.5 sleeves) finely crushed graham cracker crumbs (from about 12-14 full graham cracker sheets)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (6 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars
For the Topping:
- 4 cups mini marshmallows (about one 10-ounce bag)

Preparing Your Workspace and Ingredients for Perfect Smore Bars

First things first, let’s get our oven ready and prepare our baking pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan. This size is ideal for achieving the perfect thickness in your Smore Bars. Line it completely with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides. This overhang is your best friend when it comes to lifting the finished bars out of the pan cleanly. A little non-stick cooking spray underneath the parchment can help keep it in place, but it’s not strictly necessary if you’re careful. Proper pan preparation is crucial for easy removal of your delicious Smore Bars.
Next, let’s tackle the graham crackers. If you haven’t bought pre-crushed crumbs, now’s the time to turn those crispy sheets into a fine powder. You can do this efficiently using a food processor. Simply break the graham crackers into pieces and pulse until they form fine, even crumbs. Alternatively, if you don’t have a food processor, place them in a large zip-top bag, seal it, and crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. Aim for consistency – you don’t want big chunks! Measure out your 2 cups of finely crushed crumbs and set them aside.
In a small microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan over low heat, melt your 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter for the crust. Make sure it’s completely liquid, but don’t let it brown. Melted butter is essential for binding our crust together, creating that foundational layer for our incredible Smore Bars.
For the chocolate layer, ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This isn’t just a chef’s whim; room temperature eggs incorporate much more smoothly into the batter, creating a uniform mixture that bakes evenly and results in a more tender, fudgy brownie. If you forgot to take them out, you can quickly bring them to room temperature by placing them in a bowl of warm (not hot!) water for about 5-10 minutes.

Crafting the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your finely crushed graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Use a whisk or a fork to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly. The sugar helps to slightly sweeten the crust and contributes to its crispness, while the salt balances the flavors beautifully.
Pour the melted butter over the dry graham cracker mixture. Using a spatula or your hands, mix until all the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand. You want every single crumb to be coated in that buttery goodness. This ensures a cohesive crust that won’t fall apart.
Transfer the graham cracker mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan. Using the bottom of a clean measuring cup or your hands, firmly and evenly press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Pay special attention to the corners and edges to ensure a uniform thickness throughout. A well-packed crust is key to a sturdy base for your Smore Bars.
Now, for a crucial step to prevent a crumbly crust: Place the pan with the pressed crust into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Baking the crust briefly helps to set it, making it more stable and less prone to crumbling when you cut into your Smore Bars. While it’s baking, the butter will melt and spread, and then solidify upon cooling, creating a wonderfully firm foundation.
Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the rich chocolate layer. Keep the oven on, as it will be needed again shortly!

Building the Indulgent Chocolate Layer

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Once the butter is fully melted, remove the pan from the heat. This helps to prevent the mixture from getting too hot before adding the eggs.
To the melted butter, add 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until they are well combined and smooth. The mixture might look a bit thick and glossy at this stage. Using both granulated and brown sugar adds complexity and moisture to your Smore Bars, giving them that signature fudgy texture.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly for about 5-7 minutes. This cooling period is important because we don’t want to scramble the eggs when we add them. Stirring occasionally during this time will help it cool evenly.
Once the mixture has cooled slightly, crack in your two room-temperature large eggs, one at a time. Whisk each egg in thoroughly until it’s completely incorporated and the batter is smooth and shiny before adding the next. This step creates an emulsion that contributes to the fudgy texture of the brownie layer.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Vanilla isn’t just for flavor; it also enhances the chocolate notes, making your Smore Bars even more irresistible.
Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients. With a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the flour into the batter until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough brownies instead of delightfully fudgy ones. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry flour.
Finally, fold in your 1 cup (6 ounces) of semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars. These extra pockets of chocolate will melt beautifully, adding another layer of intense chocolate flavor and gooeyness to your Smore Bars.
Carefully pour the rich chocolate batter evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust in your prepared baking pan. Use your spatula to spread it right to the edges, ensuring a uniform layer.

Baking and Marshmallow Topping for the Ultimate Smore Bars

Place the pan back into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not completely wet batter. A completely clean toothpick means you’ve overbaked, and we want fudgy Smore Bars!
Remove the pan from the oven. At this point, the brownie layer should be mostly set but still soft. Now, it’s time for the signature marshmallow topping! Immediately and evenly sprinkle all 4 cups of mini marshmallows over the warm chocolate layer. Don’t be shy; cover the entire surface!
Return the pan to the oven for another 3-5 minutes, or until the marshmallows are puffed up, golden brown, and delightfully gooey. Keep a very close eye on them during this stage, as marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a matter of seconds. Every oven is different, so trust your eyes! For an even more dramatically toasted top, you can switch your oven to the broiler setting for the last 30-60 seconds, but watch them like a hawk to prevent burning!
Once the marshmallows are perfectly toasted to your liking, carefully remove the pan from the oven. The aroma filling your kitchen right now should be absolutely heavenly – a sure sign of amazing Smore Bars to come!

Cooling and Serving Your Delicious Smore Bars

This next step requires patience, but it’s vital for beautifully cut Smore Bars. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, or even longer. Resist the urge to cut into them while they’re warm! As they cool, the chocolate layer will firm up, and the marshmallows will set, making them much easier to slice cleanly. If you try to cut them too soon, you’ll end up with a sticky, gooey mess – delicious, yes, but not ideal for presentation.
Once completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhangs to carefully lift the entire slab of Smore Bars out of the pan and transfer it to a cutting board.
Using a large, sharp knife, cut the bars into your desired size squares. For cleaner cuts, you can warm your knife slightly under hot water and wipe it clean between each slice. This helps prevent sticking, especially with the gooey marshmallow layer. I usually aim for 24 squares (4 rows by 6 rows) for a good serving size, but you can go bigger or smaller depending on your preference.
Serve your homemade Smore Bars as is, or for an extra special treat, warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving to get that freshly toasted marshmallow feel again. Enjoy every single bite of these nostalgic and utterly delicious Smore Bars! They are perfect for parties, dessert cravings, or just a cozy night in.

<h2>Conclusion:</h2>
<p>Well, my friends, we’ve journeyed through the creation of what I truly believe is one of the most delightful and undeniably addictive treats you’ll ever bake. This recipe isn’t just about combining a few ingredients; it’s about crafting an experience, a little slice of pure joy that instantly transports you back to cozy campfires and carefree evenings, but without the hassle of setting up a tent or battling mosquitos. It’s the quintessential comfort food, reimagined for your kitchen, offering all the gooey, chocolatey, marshmallowy goodness of traditional s’mores in a much more convenient, shareable, and frankly, less messy bar form.</p>

<p>What makes these particular <strong>Smore Bars</strong> a true must-try isn’t just their incredible flavor profile – though that alone is reason enough! It’s the perfect harmony of textures: the buttery, slightly salty graham cracker crust that provides a comforting base, the rich, melty chocolate layer that oozes with every bite, and of course, the golden, toasted marshmallow topping that adds that signature chewiness and sweet, smoky aroma. Each component plays its part to perfection, creating a symphony of taste that is both nostalgic and utterly irresistible. I promise you, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand exactly what I mean. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for any gathering, big or small, or simply as a special indulgence just for you.</p>

<h4>Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations</h4>
<p>Now, while these bars are absolutely divine straight out of the pan (once cooled enough to handle, of course!), there are so many wonderful ways to enjoy them and even put your own spin on the classic. For a truly decadent dessert, try serving a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream; the contrast between the warm, gooey bar and the cold, creamy ice cream is simply out of this world. A drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate the experience even further, adding sophisticated notes to a wonderfully playful treat. They’re also fantastic alongside a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk, making them the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or a delightful end to a family dinner. You could even package them individually as charming gifts for friends and neighbors, spreading a little bit of that campfire magic around.</p>

<p>Feeling adventurous? The beauty of these <strong>Smore Bars</strong> lies in their adaptability. You could easily swap out the milk chocolate for dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense flavor, or even white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier twist. Imagine adding a layer of peanut butter before the chocolate chips for a peanut butter cup s’mores fusion – pure genius! For a touch of texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the chocolate layer before baking, or even some mini pretzel bits for a sweet and salty crunch. A dash of cinnamon or a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper mixed into the graham cracker crust can introduce a subtle warmth or an exciting little kick. You could even experiment with different types of cookies for the crust, like chocolate wafers or shortbread, though the classic graham cracker truly holds a special place in my heart for that authentic s’mores vibe. Don’t be afraid to get creative and personalize them to your taste; that’s part of the fun of baking!</p>

<h4>Your Turn to Bake and Share!</h4>
<p>I honestly can’t wait for you to experience the magic of making these yourself. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from pulling a tray of these golden-brown, bubbling beauties from the oven, and the aroma alone is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face. This recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and yields consistently spectacular results, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just starting their culinary adventures. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fill your home with the most incredible scents. Make a batch for a party, surprise your loved ones, or simply treat yourself to a moment of pure bliss. You deserve it!</p>

<p>Once you’ve whipped up your own batch of these delightful treats, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the classic recipe, or did you venture into some delicious variations? What was your favorite part of baking and, more importantly, eating them? Please share your thoughts, your successes, and even your creative modifications in the comments below. Snap a picture and show off your baking prowess! Your feedback and stories inspire me and our whole community of home bakers to keep creating and sharing delicious moments. Thank you for joining me on this sweet journey, and happy baking!</p>