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There are few things in life that evoke as strong a sense of nostalgia as a classic s’more. Picture this: sitting around a campfire, the scent of toasted marshmallows hanging in the crisp night air, paired with the rich, sweet notes of chocolate melting between two crisp graham crackers. While the campfire scenario is delightful in its own right, there’s something deeply satisfying about bringing that iconic flavor into the cozy warmth of your kitchen. That’s where these ooey gooey s’mores bars come in, a recipe that encapsulates all the joy of those childhood campfire treats—minus the need for a fire pit.
I began crafting this recipe while looking for ways to make summer memories a year-round affair. Because let’s face it, summer evenings can be fleeting, but the flavor of roasted marshmallow and melting chocolate should be available at any time of year—and preferably, right when you need a late-night snack or a sweet pick-me-up. These bars harness that classic combination and transform it into something beautifully shareable and utterly indulgent.
Why you’ll love this recipe
What makes these s’mores bars particularly comforting is their texture. They strike that lovely balance between chewy, gooey, and crispy. The crust, made from crushed graham crackers and butter, creates a firm base that gives way to a luscious layer of chocolate and soft marshmallow fluff, before being topped with a sprinkle of delightful crumbles. It’s a bite filled with nostalgia, yet uniquely its own.
Plus, the aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake—rich chocolate mingling with buttery crumbs—is enough to convince anyone that great things are happening inside. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a potluck, or just indulging during a quiet evening at home, these bars are sure to draw everyone together for a shared moment over sweet decadence. They’re rich and satisfying, yet don’t ask you to pull out an entire baking arsenal—just a few core ingredients and a little bit of patience.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to whip up these delicious bars:
- 9 sheets of graham crackers: The foundation of any s’mores-inspired treat. Once crushed, they offer the perfect balance of sweet and slightly nutty flavors.
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This helps create a sturdier crust, adding just the right amount of structure to hold everything together.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to elevate the sweetness and balance the flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup softened butter: Adds richness and keeps the crust beautifully tender. You could substitute with a vegan alternative if desired.
- ⅔ cup brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor with its slight caramel notes. Feel free to use less if you prefer a less sweet treat.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A simple but essential element for enhancing overall flavor.
- 3 ½ Hershey’s chocolate bars: Classic milk chocolate is the go-to, but dark or even flavored varieties can elevate your bars.
- 3 ½ ounces marshmallow fluff: This gooey stuff is crucial to achieving that signature s’mores texture—sweet and pillowy.
Let’s get cooking
Ready to dive into this? Here’s how to pull it all together:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil—this will help with easy removal later.
- In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until finely ground, with no lumps remaining. It’s like turning them into little sand-like particles.
- In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with the flour and salt. Set this sandy mixture aside for now.
- In another large bowl, whisk together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is where you’ll notice the delightful caramel scent of the brown sugar.
- Add in the vanilla extract and mix until it’s incorporated nicely.
- Carefully fold in the graham cracker mixture until just combined—don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with a dense crust.
- Press about ⅔ of the dough evenly into the base of your prepared pan. It should form a nice, compact layer to hold the chocolate.
- Next, layer the Hershey’s chocolate bars over the crust. You want it evenly distributed for that perfect chocolatey bite.
- With a small spoon, dollop the marshmallow fluff evenly on top of the chocolate. Let the fluff seem a bit haphazard—that adds to the charm.
- Finally, crumble the remaining dough over the marshmallow fluff layer. Make sure to pat it down gently; some marshmallow should peek through. It’s all about that ooey gooey goodness.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely before cutting—this might be the hardest part.
Serving suggestions
When it comes to serving these bars, I prefer enjoying them warm—there’s something endlessly satisfying about that. They are fantastic on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You might also enjoy them with a sprinkle of sea salt on top, enhancing the sweet and salty flavor profile that makes s’mores so memorable.
Storage and reheating tips
Should you have any leftovers (and that’s a big if), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They tend to keep beautifully, but if you want to maintain that soft texture, consider refrigerating them loosely wrapped in parchment paper. You can also freeze them for up to three months—just be sure to cut them into squares before freezing to make them easier to grab later.
To reheat, a quick stint in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds will bring back that gooey charm. You could also pop them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F to recapture some of that wonderful fresh-baked aroma.
Pro chef tips
Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way:
- **Use room temperature butter**: This incorporates better into your sugar for a fluffier crust.
- **Don’t skip on pressing the dough firmly**: A well-packed crust will hold up better against gooey layers and make for easier slicing.
- **Feel free to mix it up**: Experiment with different types of chocolate or even add some crushed nuts for added texture.
Creative twists
If you’re in the mood for some variation, why not try:
- Peanut Butter Delight: Drizzle some peanut butter over the chocolate layer for a nutty spin.
- Something Fruity: Add sliced strawberries or banana between the chocolate and marshmallow fluff for a fresh twist.
- Mint Chocolate: Use mint-flavored chocolate for a refreshing change.
Ingredients
- 9 sheets graham crackers
- 1 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup softened butter
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ Hershey’s chocolate bars
- 3 ½ ounces marshmallow fluff (½ of a jar)
Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or foil.
- Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground, then mix with flour and salt in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Fold in the graham cracker mixture until just combined.
- Press ⅔ of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Layer the chocolate bars evenly over the crust.
- Dollop the marshmallow fluff over the chocolate layer.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the marshmallow, pressing lightly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown; let cool completely before cutting.
Your questions answered
- Can I use a different chocolate? Absolutely. Dark chocolate or flavored bars can add a fun twist.
- What if I can’t find marshmallow fluff? You can use mini marshmallows instead, just sprinkle them evenly and adjust baking time accordingly.
- How do I keep the bars from sticking? Lining your pan with parchment paper is key. It makes for easy lifting and cutting later.
- Can these bars be frozen? They freeze nicely. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped.
- What’s the best way to slice them? Use a sharp knife; warming the knife in hot water before slicing can help achieve cleaner cuts.
Cooking isn’t just about the food; it’s about creating memories and sharing moments with loved ones. These s’mores bars are my invitation to you to indulge in a little sweetness and rekindle fond memories—whether that’s a summer night with the fire crackling or a cozy afternoon with a cup of coffee. I encourage you to try this recipe, tweak it to make it yours, and most importantly, enjoy every bite.
S'mores Bars
These ooey gooey s'mores bars bring the nostalgic flavors of classic s'mores into your kitchen, combining a chewy, crispy crust with melted chocolate and fluffy marshmallow.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 9 sheets graham crackers Crushed, to form the base.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Plus 2 tablespoons for added structure.
- ½ teaspoon salt To elevate the sweetness.
- 1 cup softened butter Can be substituted with a vegan alternative.
- ⅔ cup brown sugar Adds caramel notes; adjust for sweetness preference.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For enhancing overall flavor.
For the Filling
- 3 ½ bars Hershey's chocolate Classic milk chocolate, but dark can be used.
- 3 ½ ounces marshmallow fluff This gives the signature s'mores texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until finely ground.
- In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with the flour and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Fold in the graham cracker mixture until just combined.
Assembly
- Press about ⅔ of the dough evenly into the base of your prepared pan.
- Layer the Hershey's chocolate bars evenly over the crust.
- Dollop the marshmallow fluff evenly on top of the chocolate.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the marshmallow fluff layer and press down gently.
Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown; allow to cool completely before cutting.
Notes
Serve warm for the best experience. Pair with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor.