Oh, let me tell you about the magic of s’mores bars! Imagine that gooey goodness of melted chocolate and toasted marshmallows, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s like a campfire treat without having to set up a tent! I can still remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. My cousin, who usually prefers fancy desserts, took one bite and said, “Wow, this is incredible!” It was a huge hit, and ever since, I’ve been the ‘s’mores bar’ person at every family get-together. They’re simple, sweet, and just bring everyone together. Trust me, once you whip these up, they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire!
Ingredients List
To create these heavenly s’mores bars, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
These ingredients come together beautifully to create that familiar s’mores taste. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy this is!
How to Prepare S’mores Bars
Making s’mores bars is a delightful experience that’s easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your bars bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference!
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. You want to mix it until everything’s well combined and resembles damp sand. It should hold together when you squeeze it in your fist. If it’s too crumbly, just add a tad more melted butter! This crust is the heart of your bars, so getting the consistency just right is key.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Now, it’s time to assemble! Grab a greased baking dish and press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom. Make sure it’s compact for that nice, chewy texture. Next, sprinkle your chocolate chips evenly over the crust—don’t be shy, the more, the merrier! Finally, add those mini marshmallows on top, spreading them out to cover every inch of chocolate. It’s already looking scrumptious!
Step 4: Baking Time
Pop your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on those marshmallows! You’re looking for them to puff up and turn a lovely golden brown. This is the moment when the kitchen starts to smell heavenly. Once they’re golden, you know they’re ready to come out!
Step 5: Cooling and Cutting
After baking, let your s’mores bars cool in the dish for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling step is essential, as it helps everything set up nicely. Once cooled, you can slice them into bars. I like to use a sharp knife to get clean edges. Get ready for that ooey-gooey goodness when you take a bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about what you’re getting in each delicious s’mores bar! Each bar is roughly estimated to have around 150 calories, with 7 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein, and 20 grams of carbohydrates. Remember, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of the sweet treat you’re indulging in. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to adore making s’mores bars for so many reasons! Here’s why they’re a must-try:
- Quick preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Deliciously indulgent with that perfect blend of chocolate and marshmallow.
- Perfect for gatherings; everyone loves them!
- Easy to make with minimal clean-up.
- Customizable—add your favorite mix-ins!
Trust me, these bars are bound to become a favorite in your home!
Tips for Success
To ensure your s’mores bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, use high-quality chocolate chips—trust me, it makes a world of difference in flavor. If you like a gooier texture, don’t hesitate to add a few extra marshmallows on top! When baking, keep an eye on the marshmallows; if they brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil to prevent burning. For storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Enjoy them warm or at room temp, but I personally love them fresh out of the fridge for that cool, chewy bite!
Variations
The beauty of s’mores bars is that they’re incredibly versatile! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the chocolate chips for different types—dark chocolate or even peanut butter chips can add a delightful twist. For a nutty crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or almonds into the crust or sprinkle them on top before baking. You can also use flavored marshmallows, like caramel or chocolate, to really amp up the taste. And if you want a fruity touch, consider adding a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam between the crust and chocolate. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your s’mores bars, I love to serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the gooey chocolate and marshmallow layers. You could also add some fresh fruit, like strawberries or bananas, for a refreshing contrast. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top. Trust me, these pairings take your dessert experience to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your leftover s’mores bars fresh and delicious, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week—if they last that long! If you prefer them warm, you can reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or you might end up with a gooey mess! Enjoy those delightful bites anytime you crave a sweet treat!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out this creamy chicken tortilla soup recipe or this creamy garlic parmesan pasta recipe!
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S’mores Bars: 7 Gooey Reasons to Love This Sweet Treat
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious s’mores bars with a graham cracker crust, chocolate, and marshmallows.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust.
- Add mini marshmallows on top of the chocolate chips.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until marshmallows are golden brown.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container.
- Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Adjust the amount of marshmallows to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: s'mores bars, dessert, chocolate, marshmallow, graham cracker
