As I scrolled through my phone one evening, a mouthwatering image of gooey s’mores sparked a craving I couldn’t ignore. With campfire memories dancing in my mind, I realized I could whip up a comforting, homemade dessert right in my kitchen—no fire pit required! These Easy S’mores Bars blend the nostalgic crunch of graham crackers with melty chocolate and golden marshmallows, delivering all the warmth of traditional s’mores in a fraction of the time. Not only are they incredibly simple to prepare, but they also make for a delightful treat that friends and family will adore. Plus, these bars are highly customizable, allowing you to get creative with ingredient swaps like peanut butter cups or extra nuts for that personal touch! Ready to indulge in a slice of nostalgia? Let’s dive into this ooey-gooey recipe together!

Why Make Easy S’mores Bars?

Nostalgic Flavor: Enjoy the classic campfire taste without the hassle! These bars bring back memories of roasting marshmallows with friends.

Simple to Prepare: Just a few ingredients and easy steps make this recipe perfect for all skill levels, from novice bakers to seasoned pros.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Ideal for parties or cozy family nights; everyone will want to join in on the fun!

Customizable Goodness: Get creative! Add peanut butter cups, nuts, or even caramel for a unique twist.

Quick Satisfaction: With minimal prep and bake time, you can enjoy these gooey bars in just under an hour!

Perfect for those evenings when you want a special dessert without all the fuss. If you love baking, check out my delicious Rhubarb Custard Bars or try this amazing No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake for more easy treats!

Easy S’mores Bars Ingredients

For the Crust

Graham Cracker Crumbs – This forms the sturdy base; use store-bought for convenience or crush whole crackers for a homemade touch.
Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and structure to the crust; there are no necessary substitutions!
Melted Butter – Infuses the crust with richness; ensure it’s properly combined to avoid a soggy base.

For the Filling

Hershey Bars (or other chocolate) – Essential for that sweet, decadent flavor; feel free to substitute with semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a twist.
Mini Marshmallows – Creates that gorgeous gooey topping; larger marshmallows can work too if that’s what you have on hand.

These Easy S’mores Bars are a heavenly treat that can be whipped up in no time, satisfying your cravings any day of the week!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy S’mores Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will create the perfect environment for baking your Easy S’mores Bars to gooey perfection. While the oven heats up, you can gather and prep your ingredients, ensuring you’re all set for the next steps.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Mix these ingredients until they form a crumbly, cohesive mixture. Once combined, firmly press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, ensuring an even layer across the bottom. This crust will form the delicious foundation of your bars.

Step 3: Bake the Crust
Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake it for 5-8 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. This brief baking time helps set the crust, making it sturdy enough to hold the layers of chocolate and marshmallows that follow. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Layer
Remove the crust from the oven and lay the Hershey bars evenly over the top, covering the entire surface. Return the freshly baked crust to the oven for an additional 3 minutes. This will soften the chocolate, making it easier to spread and incorporate into the layers of your Easy S’mores Bars.

Step 5: Top with Marshmallows
After the chocolate has softened, take the pan out of the oven and press mini marshmallows evenly over the warm chocolate layer. This will ensure that each bite of your Easy S’mores Bars is filled with gooey goodness. Distribute the marshmallows to cover as much of the surface as possible.

Step 6: Broil for a Golden Finish
Switch your oven to broil and place the pan back inside. Broil the marshmallows for 1-2 minutes, keeping a close watch as they can brown quickly. You want them to become golden and toasted, giving your Easy S’mores Bars that signature marshmallow flavor and texture.

Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once your marshmallows are perfectly toasted, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. For easier slicing, you can refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes. When ready to cut, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water to achieve clean cuts, ensuring each slice showcases the delicious layers.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your Easy S’mores Bars are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at room temperature or slightly chilled. These ooey-gooey treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends and are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Easy S’mores Bars Variations

Customize your Easy S’mores Bars for an exciting twist that tantalizes your taste buds!

Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into the crust for an added crunch. It enhances the texture and flavor beautifully.
Peanut Butter Bliss: Swirl creamy peanut butter throughout the chocolate layer for an irresistible nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with marshmallows.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle melted caramel sauce over the marshmallows for an extra layer of sweetness and a chewy texture that elevates every bite.
Minty Fresh: Incorporate peppermint extract into the chocolate layer for a refreshing minty version that’s perfect for the holidays.
Spicy Chocolate: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the chocolate layer for a delightful heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Cookie Layer: Replace half of the graham cracker crumbs with crushed cookies, like Oreos, for a decadent twist on the traditional crust. It adds a whole new flavor profile!
Fruit Flavors: Toss in some halved strawberries or banana slices on top of the chocolate before adding the marshmallows to introduce a fruity dimension.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your ultimate dessert masterpiece! While you’re here, don’t forget to check out my tasty Rhubarb Puff Tart for yet another easy treat that will wow your loved ones!

How to Store and Freeze Easy S’mores Bars

Room Temperature: Store your Easy S’mores Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and gooey.

Fridge: For longer-lasting freshness, you can refrigerate the bars; they’ll stay tasty for about a week. Make sure to cover them tightly to prevent drying out.

Freezer: These bars do not freeze well, as the marshmallows may become tough and the texture compromised upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh!

Reheating: If you prefer a warm treat, you can microwave a slice for a few seconds—just enough to soften the chocolate and marshmallows without melting too much.

What to Serve with Easy S’mores Bars?

Get ready to create the ultimate dessert experience that pairs perfectly with the irresistible gooeyness of your bars!

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich flavors of chocolate and marshmallows, adding a delightful chill to each bite.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries provide a tart contrast to the sweetness, awakening your taste buds while adding a refreshing, fruity touch.
Chocolate Milk: This nostalgic drink elevates the s’mores experience, creating a cozy pairing that’s comforting and indulgent, just like your childhood memories.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel over your Easy S’mores Bars brings a luscious sweetness that dances beautifully with the chocolate and marshmallows—pure bliss!
Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola adds texture and a wholesome contrast, offering a satisfying bite alongside the gooey goodness of the bars.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, this dreamy topping enhances the flavors with a tropical twist, perfect for those who love a little extra flair.
Mint Tea: A warm cup of mint tea cuts through the richness of the bars, providing a soothing balance and a moment of refreshing warmth after dessert.
Peanut Butter Dip: Pair your bars with a creamy peanut butter dip for a nutty enhancement that takes every bite to a delicious new level.

Make Ahead Options

These Easy S’mores Bars are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the graham cracker crust and bake it up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it tightly covered at room temperature to maintain its crunch. For an even quicker assembly later, you can also layer the chocolate on top of the crust, refrigerating until you’re ready to finish them off with marshmallows. When you’re ready to serve, just add the mini marshmallows and broil for a couple of minutes until they’re golden brown. This way, you’ll still enjoy those delicious, gooey bars without the last-minute rush!

Expert Tips for Easy S’mores Bars

Watch Closely: Keep a close eye on the marshmallows while broiling; they can turn from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds.
Perfect Crust: To avoid a soggy bottom, ensure the melted butter is evenly mixed into the graham cracker crumbs before pressing into the pan.
Cool Down: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. Chilling them for 30 minutes also helps achieve clean cuts.
Storage Savvy: Store your Easy S’mores Bars in an airtight container at room temperature, but remember, they won’t freeze well.
Customize It: Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like peanut butter cups or chopped nuts to enhance the flavor of your Easy S’mores Bars!

Easy S’mores Bars Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right graham cracker crumbs?
Absolutely! For the perfect crust, you can use store-bought graham cracker crumbs for a smooth, even texture. If you prefer a homemade touch, crush whole graham crackers using a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and roll with a rolling pin until fine. Look for crumbs that have no large chunks to ensure a consistent crust.

How should I store my Easy S’mores Bars?
Store your Easy S’mores Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will still taste delicious, but if you’d like to keep them fresh for longer, refrigerate them. Just remember to cover them tightly to avoid them drying out; they can last about a week in the fridge.

Can I freeze Easy S’mores Bars?
Unfortunately, freezing Easy S’mores Bars isn’t recommended as the texture of the marshmallows tends to change and become tough upon thawing, losing that perfect gooeyness. If you absolutely need to freeze them, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. But I recommend enjoying them fresh for the best experience!

What if my marshmallows burn while broiling?
Very! It’s crucial to keep a watchful eye on the marshmallows while broiling them. If they start to brown too quickly, simply remove the pan from the oven and let them cool slightly. You can try broiling them for a shorter time next time—every oven is different!

Can I customize the ingredients?
The more the merrier! You can absolutely tailor your Easy S’mores Bars by adding extras like peanut butter cups, nuts, or caramel squares to the chocolate layer for a unique treat. Just make sure to keep the proportions balanced, so the bars set correctly and maintain their delicious texture.

Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
If you are concerned about allergies, it’s important to note that the bars contain common allergens like wheat (from graham crackers) and dairy (from chocolate and butter). For those with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free graham crackers and non-dairy chocolate and butter alternatives to make the recipe more inclusive!