The Ultimate S’mores Bars Recipe for Summer Fun

When I think of warm summer evenings, one treat always springs to mind: s’mores. Growing up, roasting marshmallows by the fire and sandwiching them between graham crackers with a square of melting chocolate was a simple joy that brought everyone together. But when campfires aren’t an option, these S’mores Bars come to the rescue. This recipe is a brilliant way to bring that nostalgic flavor indoors — no firepit needed.

I first created this version of s’mores bars when I was experimenting with a dessert for a backyard BBQ. I wanted something that felt rustic and fun, but still clean and easy to serve. The results were everything I hoped for — rich, gooey, golden bars with layers of graham cracker crust, melted chocolate, and toasty marshmallows. They’ve since become a crowd favorite, and not just in summer.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about these s’mores bars. First off, they’re incredibly easy to make — no need for any fancy equipment or complex steps. The flavor is absolutely nostalgic, capturing the essence of classic s’mores in a convenient, shareable bar form.

What makes them stand out even more is the texture: a buttery graham base, melted chocolate that settles into a fudgy layer, and perfectly golden marshmallows with that irresistible chew. Whether you’re baking for a picnic, party, or casual family dessert, these bars always hit the mark.

Versatile

These bars are incredibly adaptable. You can add a spoonful of peanut butter into the chocolate layer for a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped nuts or drizzle with melted dark chocolate once cooled. Even better, they can be cut into small squares for bite-sized snacks or served warm with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Affordable

The ingredients are simple and budget-friendly, making this dessert accessible for all households. Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry, which means you won’t need to make a special trip to the store.

Ingredients for the Recipe

• Graham cracker crumbs – Create the foundation for the crust, offering that classic honeyed crunch.

• Butter – Melted, to hold the crust together and give richness.

• Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor to the base.

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – These melt beautifully for that signature gooey chocolate layer.

• Mini marshmallows – Toast up perfectly in the oven, mimicking the fire-roasted flavor.

• Vanilla extract – Just a splash to enhance the overall flavor.

• Salt – Balances the sweetness and rounds out the taste.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

These S’mores Bars are the kind of dessert that’s simple enough for beginners, yet satisfying enough to impress seasoned bakers. Every layer brings comfort and nostalgia, all while being incredibly easy to pull together in just a few steps.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 23×23 cm (9×9 inch) baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a slight overhang on the sides. This step makes lifting the bars out cleanly much easier once they’ve cooled.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Base

In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Pour it into your prepared baking pan and press it down firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass. This forms a compact crust that holds the bars together.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, just until lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool for a few minutes while you prepare the next layer.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate Layer

Sprinkle 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven for 2 minutes, just until the chocolate chips soften. Remove from the oven, then use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the melted chocolate across the surface. It doesn’t need to be perfect — a few swirls just add to the charm.

Step 4: Top with Marshmallows

Scatter 3 cups of mini marshmallows generously over the chocolate layer. Press them down very slightly so they adhere well once baked.

Place the pan back into the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown on top. For an extra toasty finish, you can switch to the broiler for the last 30–60 seconds, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 5: Cool and Set

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Then transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. This step helps the chocolate layer firm up, which makes slicing the bars much cleaner and easier.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Place them on a cutting board and slice into squares using a sharp knife. For the cleanest cuts, you can lightly grease the knife or run it under hot water and dry between slices.

Quick and Easy

From start to finish, these bars come together in under an hour of active prep and baking. There’s no need for any special equipment or advanced techniques. You can even get the kids involved — they’ll love layering and sprinkling the marshmallows!

Whether you’re in a rush or planning ahead for a gathering, this recipe will never feel like a chore. It’s a stress-free dessert that always earns compliments.

Customizable

There are countless ways to tweak this recipe based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love. Here are some fun twists to try:

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans between the chocolate and marshmallow layers for added crunch.

• Use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.

• Swirl in peanut butter on top of the chocolate layer before adding marshmallows for a nutty kick.

• Crush some cookies or pretzels into the graham cracker base for an unexpected texture.

You can also reduce the marshmallow quantity slightly if you prefer a more balanced sweetness.

Popular with Many People

There’s something about the smell of toasted marshmallows and melting chocolate that brings out the kid in everyone. These bars are beloved by both adults and children, making them ideal for all types of occasions — from backyard BBQs to school bake sales.

Because they’re cut into tidy squares, they’re easy to stack and pack for lunchboxes, picnics, or road trips. You can even freeze them in airtight containers, separating layers with parchment, and enjoy them later — just allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Whether served at a summer celebration or a cozy movie night, these S’mores Bars are guaranteed to steal the spotlight. They capture all the comfort and fun of the traditional fireside treat — no flames required.

Print

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can! If you use regular-sized marshmallows, cut them in halves or thirds so they melt evenly across the bars. This will help achieve the same gooey texture and toasty topping.

How should I store the s’mores bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies. The rest of the recipe stays the same.

Is it possible to make these bars vegan?
To make vegan-friendly bars, use dairy-free butter alternatives, vegan chocolate chips, and marshmallows that are certified vegan. Keep in mind that texture and flavor may vary slightly.

Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the bars and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What is the best way to cut the bars without making a mess?
Use a sharp knife, warmed under hot water and dried, to make clean cuts. Wiping the knife between slices also helps prevent sticking and keeps the bars neat.