S’mores Bars

These S’mores Bars bring the nostalgic taste of campfire s’mores into a handheld, easy-to-serve treat. The graham cracker crust provides the perfect crunchy base, while layers of melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows create a harmonious blend of flavors. Whether you’re reminiscing about summer nights or just craving a chocolatey delight, these bars offer the same satisfying experience with a fraction of the effort.

Perfect for a casual gathering, a sweet snack, or an after-dinner treat, these S’mores Bars are guaranteed to be a hit. They also make an excellent gift for friends and family, packed in a cute tin or wrapped in parchment paper. The best part? You can enjoy them year-round without needing a campfire!

Full Recipe:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup milk chocolate chips

• 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until well mixed.

3. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until fully incorporated into a dough.

5. Press about 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure it’s evenly spread.

6. Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the dough.

7. Add mini marshmallows on top of the chocolate chips.

8. Use the remaining dough to crumble and scatter over the marshmallows, covering most of them.

9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and set.

10. Allow the bars to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 16 squares

History and Origin

The s’mores treat has its origins in the United States, first appearing in a recipe called “Some Mores” in a 1927 publication called Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. The recipe was attributed to the Girl Scouts, although similar treats had been made by other cultures long before the 1920s. The name “s’mores” is a contraction of “some more,” which reflects the treat’s irresistible nature—it’s easy to see why anyone who tries it would want “some more!”

Traditionally, s’mores are made by roasting a marshmallow over an open fire and then sandwiching it between two pieces of graham cracker with a piece of chocolate. This makes for a gooey, sweet, and satisfying bite that has become a staple at camping trips, cookouts, and bonfires. The recipe evolved as people began to experiment with various ways to enjoy the treat, from making s’mores pies to baking them in bars, which is where our S’mores Bars come in.

The beauty of s’mores lies in their simplicity and their universal appeal. Across generations, this simple treat has stood the test of time, and now, it has morphed into many delicious variations.

Variations and Adaptations

Though the traditional s’mores combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows is beloved, there are plenty of ways to customize and adapt this recipe to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are a few ideas for variations you can try:

1. Chocolate Variations: While milk chocolate is the most common choice for s’mores, you can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolates like caramel or hazelnut. Some people even use Nutella for an extra creamy texture.

2. Add-ins for Extra Flavor: You can make your s’mores bars even more exciting by adding ingredients such as crushed candy bars, peanut butter chips, toffee bits, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, spiced note. The possibilities are endless!

3. Gluten-Free Option: For those with dietary restrictions, it’s easy to make this recipe gluten-free. Simply substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or a gluten-free cookie base, and ensure the chocolate you use is free from gluten.

4. Vegan Adaptation: If you’re vegan, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil, and use vegan marshmallows and chocolate to keep the recipe entirely plant-based.

5. Over-the-Top Version: For those who want an even more decadent treat, consider topping the bars with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of crushed graham cracker crumbs for extra crunch. Adding a bit of sea salt to balance the sweetness is also a great idea.

Each variation gives this classic treat a unique twist, allowing you to tailor the bars to your personal preferences or dietary needs. No matter how you modify the recipe, the essential components—the gooey marshmallow, melty chocolate, and crunchy graham cracker—remain at the heart of the dessert.

Nutritional Information

S’mores Bars, like many indulgent desserts, are rich in sugars, fats, and calories, which contribute to their mouthwatering, irresistible flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of nutritional content for each serving of S’mores Bars:

• Calories: 210 kcal per square

• Fat: 10g (of which 6g are saturated fat)

• Carbohydrates: 28g (of which 18g are sugar)

• Protein: 2g

• Fiber: 1g

While these bars are not considered a health food, they do provide a quick burst of energy and a satisfying treat for those with a sweet tooth. The chocolate offers small amounts of antioxidants, and marshmallows provide a bit of gelatin, which can be beneficial for joint and skin health. However, this treat is best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake or trying to eat more healthily.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

S’mores Bars are a versatile dessert, making them ideal for various occasions. Here are some fun serving ideas to elevate your dessert experience:

• Outdoor Movie Night: These bars are perfect for a cozy evening with family or friends, especially for a backyard movie night. Serve them alongside ice cream, or perhaps a rich, hot fudge sundae, for an extra indulgence.

• Picnics and Potlucks: Since S’mores Bars are portable and easy to serve, they are an ideal dessert for picnics and potluck gatherings. Pair them with refreshing drinks like lemonade or iced tea for a perfect summer treat.

• Coffee Pairing: For a comforting treat, enjoy your S’mores Bars with a hot cup of coffee or a cold brew. The richness of the chocolate and marshmallow pairs beautifully with the bold flavor of coffee.

• Pair with Fruit: To balance the sweetness, serve S’mores Bars with fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas. The fruit’s tartness provides a refreshing contrast to the sugary bars.

• With a Glass of Milk: You can’t go wrong with the classic pairing of cookies and milk. Serve S’mores Bars with a cold glass of milk, and enjoy the nostalgia of childhood treats.

Tips and Tricks for Success

To ensure your S’mores Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips:

1. Don’t Overbake: These bars can become too dry if overbaked. Keep an eye on them in the oven, and remove them when they’re golden brown and set.

2. Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking pan with parchment paper not only helps with easy removal but also prevents the bars from sticking to the pan.

3. Chill Before Cutting: After the bars have cooled, refrigerate them for a bit before slicing. This helps the bars hold their shape better and makes for cleaner cuts.

4. Press the Dough Evenly: When pressing the dough into the baking pan, make sure it’s evenly distributed to avoid parts of the bars being over or undercooked.

5. Toast the Marshmallows: If you prefer toasted marshmallows, consider briefly placing the bars under the broiler (watch carefully!) for a minute or two to get that golden, crispy finish on top.

Potential Health Benefits

Though S’mores Bars are not typically considered a health food, there are a few benefits to some of the ingredients:

• Chocolate: Dark chocolate, in particular, is known to be high in antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals in the body. It may also support heart health when consumed in moderation.

• Graham Crackers: Traditional graham crackers are made from whole wheat flour, which provides a small amount of fiber to aid digestion. Whole grains are also a good source of essential nutrients like B vitamins and iron.

• Marshmallows: While marshmallows are mostly sugar, they do contain gelatin, which is derived from collagen and may offer some benefits for skin, hair, and joint health.

However, keep in mind that S’mores Bars are a dessert and should be enjoyed as an occasional treat, not as a regular part of your diet. For a more health-conscious version, consider making your own graham cracker crust from whole grains and opting for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.

Conclusion

S’mores Bars are a delightful dessert that bring the beloved campfire treat into the kitchen, offering all the gooey, chocolaty goodness with none of the hassle. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and wide appeal make them an ideal dessert for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore some variations, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings and impress your guests. Give them a try, and you’ll quickly understand why this treat remains a favorite in kitchens across the world.