Smore Bars has been my go-to dessert for years, ever since I first tasted them at a summer potluck. I remember biting into that gooey, chocolatey goodness, and it instantly transported me back to childhood campfires, without the smoky clothes! My kids absolutely adore these S’mores cookie bars, and the smell of toasted marshmallows and melting chocolate filling the kitchen always brings smiles. This easy s’mores bar recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy those classic flavors any time, anywhere. It’s the perfect treat to whip up for a party or just a cozy night in. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Smore Bars

I know you’re going to fall head over heels for these amazing Smore Bars. They bring all the joy of a campfire right into your kitchen, without the fuss. Here’s why I think they’re simply the best:

They deliver that irresistible, gooey combination of toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers in every bite.
This easy s’mores bars recipe is incredibly quick to prepare, perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
You don’t need a bonfire or special equipment; just a few simple ingredients and your oven.
They’re super budget-friendly, using common pantry staples you likely already have.
This easy s’mores bars recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, making them ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.
Kids and adults alike will devour these delightful dessert squares.

Ingredients for Smore Bars

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Smore Bars. I promise, everything you need is readily available and simple to work with. Here’s what we’ll be using to build those irresistible layers:

1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs – This forms the sturdy and flavorful base for our graham cracker s’mores bars.
5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted – It binds the graham cracker crumbs together, creating a perfect crust.
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar – Just a touch of sweetness for the crust to enhance the classic flavor.
1 (14 ounce) can (397g) sweetened condensed milk – This is the secret to the incredibly rich and gooey chocolate layer.
1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter – Adds more richness and helps create that smooth, decadent chocolate filling.
1/4 cup (60ml) corn syrup – Essential for achieving the right texture and preventing crystallization in the chocolate.
1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) salt – A tiny pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the chocolate flavor.
1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract – A must-have for depth of flavor in almost any dessert.
3 cups (510g) milk chocolate chips – I prefer milk chocolate for that traditional s’mores taste, but semi-sweet works too!
4 cups (225g) mini marshmallows – These are piled high on top, ready to toast into golden, gooey perfection.

How to Make Smore Bars

Making these delightful Smore Bars is a fun and straightforward process. I’ll guide you through each step to ensure you get perfectly gooey, delicious results every time. Follow along, and soon you’ll be enjoying your own batch of homemade s’mores bars!

Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave an overhang on the sides; this will be your secret weapon for easily lifting out your finished Smore Bars later.
Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until they resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms the sturdy, flavorful crust for your amazing Smore Bars.
Step 3: Pop the pan with the crust into your preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until you see it turn a beautiful light golden brown. The aroma of toasted graham crackers will start to fill your kitchen! Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the rich chocolate filling for these homemade s’mores bars.
Step 4: While the crust is cooling, it’s time to create that luscious chocolate layer. In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, the second measure of butter, corn syrup, and salt. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or rubber spatula. Keep stirring until the butter is completely melted and the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Take the saucepan off the heat. Immediately stir in the vanilla extract and all those milk chocolate chips. Keep stirring until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the mixture is wonderfully smooth and glossy. This will be the decadent heart of your Smore Bars.
Step 6: Carefully pour the warm chocolate mixture evenly over the partially cooled graham cracker crust. Make sure every inch is covered! Then, generously sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the entire chocolate layer. You want a good, fluffy blanket of marshmallows for that classic s’mores experience.
Step 7: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes. Watch the marshmallows closely; you want them to puff up and turn a lovely golden brown. This is where the magic happens, transforming your dessert into perfect homemade s’mores bars. Be careful not to let them burn!
Step 8: Once the marshmallows are perfectly toasted, remove the pan from the oven. This is the hardest part: you must let the Smore Bars cool completely in the pan. This allows the chocolate to set properly, ensuring clean, neat slices. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Cut them into squares and serve these gooey s’mores bars to your eager friends and family!

Deliciously gooey Smore Bars with toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate, ready to be served

Pro Tips for the Best Smore Bars

I’ve made my fair share of these delicious treats, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that I’m excited to share with you. These expert tips will ensure your Smore Bars turn out perfectly gooey and irresistible every single time. Trust me, these small details make a big difference in achieving that ideal texture and flavor profile.

Don’t Overbake the Marshmallows: Keep a close eye on them! They brown quickly, and overbaking can make them hard and chewy instead of soft and gooey.
Press the Crust Firmly: A well-compacted graham cracker base prevents crumbling when you cut the bars, creating a clean and stable foundation.
Use Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer and more decadent your filling will be, truly elevating your Smore Bars.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool fully ensures a clean cut and prevents the layers from squishing.

What’s the secret to perfect gooey s’mores bars?

The real secret lies in the combination of the sweetened condensed milk and corn syrup in the chocolate layer. This creates a wonderfully rich and chewy base that perfectly complements the toasted marshmallows and crunchy graham crackers, making truly irresistible gooey s’mores bars. It’s what makes these marshmallow chocolate bars so dreamy.

Can I make Smore Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Smore Bars are fantastic for meal prep. You can bake them a day or two in advance. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious, ready to impress your guests or satisfy a sudden craving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Smore Bars?

To avoid common pitfalls, first, don’t rush the cooling process; cutting them warm leads to a messy result. Second, ensure your graham cracker crust is pressed down very firmly to prevent crumbling. Lastly, watch the marshmallows closely during the final bake to achieve a golden, not burnt, top on your Smore Bars.

Best Ways to Serve Smore Bars

Once your amazing Smore Bars have cooled and been cut into perfect squares, it’s time to enjoy them! While they are absolutely divine on their own, I’ve found a few ways to elevate the experience even further. These simple additions can turn a great dessert into an unforgettable treat.

For a classic pairing, I love serving these gooey Smore Bars alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream is a fantastic contrast to the warm, chewy bars. Another delightful option is a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes to enhance the chocolate flavor.

If you’re hosting a gathering, arrange these beautiful s’mores dessert squares on a platter with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the fruit cuts through the sweetness, creating a balanced and refreshing bite. They’re also perfect with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk!

Close-up of a Smore Bar showing the layers of graham cracker, chocolate, and perfectly toasted marshmallow

Nutrition Facts for Smore Bars

I know many of you are curious about the nutritional breakdown of your favorite treats, and these delicious Smore Bars are no exception! Here’s an estimate of what you can expect per serving:

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 350
Protein: 4g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 150mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the brand of chocolate chips or marshmallows in your homemade Smore Bars.

How to Store and Reheat Smore Bars

Proper storage is key to keeping your delicious Smore Bars fresh and gooey for as long as possible! Once they’ve cooled completely, which is crucial for maintaining their structure, I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the graham cracker crust crisp and the chocolate soft.

If you’ve made a big batch of these wonderful s’mores treats no bake style, or just have leftovers, they freeze beautifully! Simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

To reheat, you can pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up, or place it in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 5 minutes until the marshmallows are slightly softened again. This brings back that fresh-baked warmth and gooey texture, making your Smore Bars taste just as good as the day you made them!

Frequently Asked Questions About Smore Bars

What are Smore Bars exactly?

Smore Bars are a delightful dessert that reimagines the classic campfire s’more into a convenient bar form. They typically feature a graham cracker crust, a rich chocolate layer, and a topping of toasted marshmallows. It’s all the gooey, chocolatey, and crunchy goodness of a traditional s’more, but baked into easy-to-eat squares, perfect for sharing without the need for a bonfire.

Can I use different types of chocolate in my Smore Bars?

Absolutely! While I prefer milk chocolate for that traditional s’mores flavor, you can certainly experiment. Semisweet chocolate chips will give your Smore Bars a richer, less sweet profile, while dark chocolate can add a lovely depth of flavor. You could even swirl in some white chocolate chips for a pretty marbled effect. Feel free to customize these gooey Smore Bars to your taste!

Why did my marshmallows get hard instead of gooey?

This usually happens if the marshmallows were overbaked. They brown and soften quickly, but if left in the oven for too long, they can seize up and become hard and brittle. For perfect Smore Bars, watch them carefully during the last few minutes of baking. You want them just puffed and lightly golden brown, not dark or overly crisp.

Are Smore Bars difficult to make?

Not at all! One of the best things about these Smore Bars is how straightforward they are to create. The process involves a simple graham cracker crust, an easy-to-make chocolate filling, and a quick topping of marshmallows. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find this recipe for Smore Bars very approachable and rewarding, delivering delicious results with minimal fuss.

Variations of Smore Bars You Can Try

While my classic Smore Bars recipe is a guaranteed hit, there are so many fun ways to get creative and customize them! I love experimenting with flavors and textures, and these variations can add a delightful twist to your next batch of these gooey treats.

Peanut Butter Swirl: For an extra layer of decadence, swirl a few tablespoons of melted peanut butter into the chocolate layer before adding the marshmallows. It’s a fantastic combination!
No-Bake Option: If you’re short on time or avoiding the oven, you can make no-bake s’mores bars! Simply create a no-bake graham cracker crust, then prepare the chocolate layer on the stovetop. Top with marshmallows and torch them gently with a kitchen torch for that toasted flavor.
Salted Caramel: Drizzle some homemade or store-bought salted caramel over the chocolate layer before baking. The salty-sweet combination with the rich chocolate and toasted marshmallow is absolutely divine.
White Chocolate Raspberry: Swap out the milk chocolate chips for white chocolate, and scatter fresh raspberries over the chocolate layer before adding marshmallows. This creates a bright, fruity twist on your traditional Smore Bars.