One of the best things about summer and fall is eating gooey s'mores bars around the fire with your family. With this easy s'mores bar recipe, you can enjoy the classic treat anytime. Without having to rummage through the garage for those old marshmallow roasting sticks!
Kids big and small will enjoy this summertime delicacy!
Just in time for the 4th of July, you're going to love these s'mores cookie bars!
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What makes this recipe irresistible
It all starts with the buttery graham cracker crust. It is way tastier than plain cracker squares! Then, just like regular s’mores, the combination of chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows will take you right back to childhood!
This is a treat we always enjoy at the lake over the 4th. It's a family tradition! Now, rain or shine these individual s'mores bars make the perfect treat our cookout every year!
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
What I love most about this easy recipe is you don't need a huge list of ingredients. Most call for ingredients like marshmallow creme, brown sugar, vanilla extra, etc. But for this AMAZING recipe, you'll only need four ingredients!
Please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for the exact measurements.
- graham cracker crumbs
- melted butter
- chocolate bars
- marshmallows
Step-by-Step Guide: Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions for the easy s’mores dessert. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!
- Preheat oven.
- Pour the melted butter into the graham cracker crumbs. Mix together until the butter is incorporated.
- Line a 9x13” baking dish with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Press ¾ of the crumb butter mixture into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Bake the s'mores base in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Press the chocolate bars in a single layer on top of the graham cracker layer, then line it with the marshmallows.
- Top off with the rest of the graham cracker crumbs on top.
- Bake again for another 20-30 minutes.
- Remove s'mores bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
- Refrigerate for a few hours before cutting into squares with a sharp knife.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
- Medium mixing bowl
- 9 by 13-inch pan or baking dish
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It's not, but it's so helpful! With the crumb topping, you prevent your fingers from sinking into the gooey marshmallows. As a result, it makes eating the bars more enjoyable—and, a lot easier if you have kids! Bye-bye, sticky fingers!
First, refrigeration helps the bars set, so don't skip that step! A few hours is recommended at the minimum.
Then, add some steaming hot water to a large, tall container and set your knife in it to warm the blade. A hot blade slices through the bars better than a room temperature or cold one.
Use this hot knife to cut the s'mores bars, wiping the blade dry before each slice, and cleaning off the residue after. This way, you'll get pristine cuts that show the beautiful, even layers of s'mores deliciousness.
We like to microwave each slice for about five to ten seconds just before serving. It gives you that melty chocolate/warm marshmallow effect just like your favorite childhood camping treat! However, they're great at room temperature, too.
Deb tips for the perfect s'mores bars
Line the pan with greased aluminum foil for two reasons. It prevents sticking AND allows you to lift the s'mores bars out of the pan easily! It makes slicing them a breeze!
- Don't forget to check your chocolate carefully to make sure you have just over 13 oz. We use three XL Hershey's chocolate bars, which are 4.4 oz each, but yours may vary.
- These are best with a little ooey-gooeyness. So if you're serving them right out of the fridge, pop them in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften them up.
Creative variations to try
Traditional s'mores require just three ingredients, so that's why we've kept this recipe simple. However, feel free to get creative! S'mores bars are supposed to be fun, after all!
- Use chocolate or honey graham crackers or Golden Grahams instead of regular ones.
- You can use mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff on top of the chocolate if you have either in your pantry.
- Hershey's chocolate bars makes the best s'mores (IMO), but you can experiment with different types of chocolate. Some people prefer a combination of dark and milk chocolates to deepen the flavor a bit.
- Or, go wild and use chocolate pieces of candy or milk chocolate chips! Just be sure to spread them in a dense, even layer over the crust.
- Ever had a peanut butter s'more? Yeah, it's as good as it sounds. Heat up some crunchy or creamy peanut butter (to make it looser) and spread it carefully over your chocolate layer. Thank me later!
How to store leftovers
Room Temperature - You can refrigerate the bars to store them, but I recommend leaving them on the counter. Just pop the bars in an airtight container and place them out of direct sunlight. They'll last for five days (but likely be gone before morning!)
Freezer - Wrap cooled s'mores bars well and freeze for up to three months. You can place a piece of parchment paper in between each to stack them and save freezer space. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat - Microwave individual slices for five to ten seconds for the most delicious bars ever!
Related recipes
- With graham cracker crust and a creamy, decadent chocolate filling, Chocolate Hershey Pie is about to become your new favorite dessert!
- Melty marshmallow filling sandwiched between pillow-soft chocolate cake domes, Solar Eclipse Moon Pies are out-of-this-world good!
- What is it about bar-shaped desserts that just make you want to go back for seconds?! These Banana Chocolate Bars are as delectable as they sound, so make a double batch!
Serve with
- Falling Off of the Bone Grilled Ribs - so tender, it's perfect with this dessert because it's all about the cookout!
- Easy Grilled Vegetables in Foil - super simple AND tasty, plus clean up is a breeze!
- Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (if you've never put s'mores bars in a sundae, well, you're missing out!)
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S'mores Bars
Ingredients
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¾ cup butter salted
- 3 4.4 ounce Extra Large Hershey's chocolate bars 4.4oz each
- 20 s’mores size marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Melt the butter and pour into the graham cracker crumbs in a medium mixing bowl. Mix together with a fork until the butter is completely incorporated.
- Line a 9x13” Baking dish with foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Press ¾ of the butter crumbs into the bottom of the baking dish and press down using fingers until evenly lined on the bottom.
- Bake in the oven for 10 minutes then remove.
- Press the chocolate bars on top of the crumbs layer, then line with the marshmallow squares.
- Top off with the rest of the graham cracker crumbs on top.
- Bake again for another 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Refrigerate for a few hours before cutting into squares.
Lois says
A great treat for your family and friends that have a sweet tooth. We love them.