S’mores Bars Cookie Graham
There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers. When you turn that delightful trio into S’mores Bars, everything gets even better! As a food enthusiast who has experimented with countless dessert recipes, I can assure you that these bars bring the campfire classic to your kitchen—no fire needed.
Why Make This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: These bars perfectly combine the chocolatey goodness of brownies, the chewiness of marshmallows, and the crunch of graham crackers.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and bake time, you can whip up a batch of these delightful treats in under an hour.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients like nuts or different chocolates for a personal touch.
- Perfect for Sharing: These bars serve a crowd, making them an excellent choice for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy family night.
- A Trip Down Memory Lane: I love making these because they remind me of summer nights spent around campfires, enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Bake
You’ll be layering graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows in a baking dish, creating a gooey and delicious dessert that’s both fun and satisfying to make.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first tackled this recipe, I underestimated the gooeyness of the marshmallows! My initial batch turned out a bit too sticky, but I quickly learned that a thin layer of chocolate on top of the marshmallows helps create that ideal s’mores texture. The result was a bar that was even tastier than I had imagined!
How to Make S’mores Bars Cookie Graham
To create these delectable bars, you start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. You’ll layer graham cracker crumbs mixed with melted butter as the base, then add chocolate chips and fluff up some marshmallows before topping them with another layer of chocolate and graham crackers. This method ensures each bite is packed with flavor and texture.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while they bake. Overbaking can make them hard instead of chewy. They should be golden brown!
- Chill Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely, or even chill them in the refrigerator before cutting for cleaner edges.
- Use Heavy-Duty Foil: If you don’t have parchment paper, heavy-duty aluminum foil can work to line the baking dish—just grease it well to avoid sticking.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of caramel on top before serving for an added gourmet touch.
How to Serve S’mores Bars Cookie Graham
- Serve Warm: These bars are best enjoyed slightly warm with melted chocolate. Pop them in the microwave for a few seconds if they’ve cooled too much.
- Add Ice Cream: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence—think s’mores sundae!
- Presentation Tips: Cut into squares or rectangles and dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
- Occasion Recommendations: Perfect for birthdays, camping-themed parties, or any casual gathering where you want to impress your guests!
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store any leftover S’mores Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well for about 2 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or enjoy them cold—still delicious!
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers and flour to make these bars gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Twist: Substitute dairy-free chocolate chips and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Nutty Addition: Add a layer of crushed nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch.
- Flavored Chocolate: Try using flavored chocolate chips such as mint or caramel for a unique flavor profile.
Nutritional Highlights
These S’mores Bars are a fun treat that provides quick energy from the sugars and carbs. However, they are best enjoyed in moderation due to their rich ingredients. Keep in mind, they contain gluten, dairy, and nuts depending on your variations, so adjust accordingly for allergies.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Too Sticky: If the bars remain too sticky, ensure you’ve allowed ample cooling time. Chilling them will help firm things up.
- Crumbly Bars: If they crumble too much when cut, it may be due to overbaking; trust your oven and keep an eye on them.
- Uneven Layers: For more even distribution, when layering, spread the chocolate and marshmallow mixture evenly before adding graham cracker layers on top.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use fresh marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes, but fresh marshmallows will increase the gooeyness. If you prefer a more defined structure, stick with mini marshmallows. -
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them a day in advance. Just store them properly, and they will be just as delicious. -
Do I need to use graham cracker crumbs?
No, you can crush whole graham crackers into crumbs or even substitute them with a different cookie like buttery shortbread for a unique flavor. -
How do I prevent the chocolate from burning?
Place your chocolate layer on top of the marshmallows during the last 5 minutes of baking to avoid burning. This way, it melts beautifully without getting overcooked.
Dive into these S’mores Bars Cookie Graham, and prepare for the taste of nostalgia in every delicious bite!
Print
S’mores Bars Cookie Graham
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful S’mores Bars combining chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers into a gooey dessert treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box graham crackers (about 12 whole sheets)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a base.
- Evenly sprinkle half of the chocolate chips over the graham crust.
- Add a layer of mini marshmallows over the chocolate chips.
- Top with the remaining chocolate chips and another layer of graham crackers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until golden brown and the marshmallows are melted.
- Allow to cool completely or chill before cutting into bars.
Notes
For best flavor, use high-quality chocolate. Don’t overbake to retain chewiness.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg