If you’re searching for a dessert that captures the nostalgic joy of campfire treats but in an easily shareable, indoor-friendly form, look no further than the Gooey S’mores Bars with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallows Recipe. This heavenly creation layers a buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust with luscious melted chocolate and a perfectly toasted blanket of mini marshmallows. Every bite is a warm hug of sweetness, crunch, and gooey goodness that will make you crave s’more anytime of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, the ingredients in this recipe come together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Each component plays a special role—from the crunchy graham cracker crust to the melty chocolate and golden marshmallow topping.
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: The base that adds wonderful texture and classic s’mores flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust together while enriching it with a smooth, buttery taste.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the crumbly crust.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides the rich, melty chocolate layer; use milk chocolate for an even sweeter touch.
- 4 cups mini marshmallows: The crowning glory that toasts to golden perfection, offering a light, fluffy texture.
- Optional toppings (crumbled graham crackers, melted chocolate drizzle): Elevate presentation and add extra layers of flavor.
How to Make Gooey S’mores Bars with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallows Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring you leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal of your bars later on. This simple preparation helps achieve perfect edges and keeps cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and the crumbs are evenly coated. This ensures the crust will be firm, flavorful, and ready to hold all the gooey layers on top.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This step is crucial to forming a sturdy base that won’t crumble when you slice the bars. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden and fragrant, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Layer
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust. Let them sit briefly so they can begin to melt, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly. This layer adds the indulgent, melty chocolate center we all adore in s’mores.
Step 5: Top with Marshmallows
Generously sprinkle mini marshmallows over the chocolate layer. Marshmallows are what make this recipe truly special by adding a sweet, pillowy texture and that charming toasted look once baked.
Step 6: Broil to Toast the Marshmallows
Switch your oven to broil and place the dish on the middle rack. Broil the bars for 1 to 2 minutes while keeping a close eye on them to ensure the marshmallows turn a gorgeous golden brown without burning. This step gives the topping that irresistible toasted, slightly caramelized flavor.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then chill them in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up for easier slicing. Use the parchment overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan and cut into squares. Now, you’re ready to indulge in these luscious Gooey S’mores Bars with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallows Recipe!
How to Serve Gooey S’mores Bars with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallows Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation by sprinkling a few crumbled graham crackers on top or drizzling melted chocolate over the marshmallows. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a touch of elegance and freshness to your serving plate.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement their sweetness and add a creamy coolness. A hot cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate also pairs beautifully, making for a perfectly cozy treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the Gooey S’mores Bars with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallows Recipe on a wooden board or rustic tray adorned with extra graham cracker crumbs and chocolate shards. You might also nestle individual bars inside decorative cupcake liners to make them easy to grab and enjoy without any mess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Keeping them covered prevents the marshmallows from drying out and the crust from getting soggy.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your Gooey S’mores Bars with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallows Recipe warm, gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the marshmallow topping perfectly gooey and soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips give the perfect balance of sweetness, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter bar or dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor. Just make sure to use good quality chips for the best melt and taste.
What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
You can crush whole graham crackers yourself using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and smashing them with a rolling pin. Alternatively, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers can work as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of unsalted butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, and vegan marshmallows to make these bars entirely plant-based. They’ll still be just as gooey and delicious.
Can I make smaller or larger batches?
Definitely. Simply adjust the quantities proportionally based on your baking dish size. For smaller portions, use an 8×8-inch pan and reduce the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the crust and marshmallow to prevent overbaking.
How do I prevent marshmallows from burning during broiling?
Keep a constant eye on your bars while broiling, as marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds. Place the rack in the middle of the oven rather than too close to the heating element, and broil in brief intervals, rotating the pan if needed for even toasting.
Final Thoughts
I can honestly say that the Gooey S’mores Bars with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallows Recipe is one of those magical crowd-pleasers that bring back childhood memories while being ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re sharing with friends, enjoying a quiet moment, or packing a sweet surprise for a party, these bars deliver pure happiness in every bite. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’ll become a timeless favorite you return to again and again.
Print
Gooey S’mores Bars with Graham Cracker Crust and Toasted Marshmallows Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
S’mores Bars are a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that captures the irresistible combination of graham crackers, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallows in a convenient bar form. Perfect for sharing or enjoying anytime you crave a sweet, nostalgic treat reminiscent of classic campfire s’mores.
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 remove the bars later.
- Preheat the 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 until the crumbs are fully coated and have a texture like wet sand.
- Press the Crust: Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Add the Chocolate Layer: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust. Wait for a couple of minutes so the heat starts melting the chips, then spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Top with Marshmallows: Evenly distribute the mini marshmallows over the melted chocolate layer.
- Broil to Toast the Marshmallows: Turn on the oven broiler and place the pan on the middle rack. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully, until the marshmallows turn golden brown and toasted.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature. For easier slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares. Optionally, sprinkle with crumbled graham crackers or drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving.
Notes
- Watch the marshmallows carefully while broiling as they can burn quickly.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- For a sweeter dessert, substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- To make serving easier, chill bars before cutting.
