Ultimate S’mores Bar Recipe

When I first made this Ultimate S’mores Bar Recipe, it was an instant hit at our family gathering. There’s something delightful about the nostalgia of s’mores combined with the ease of a bar dessert that works any time you want that cozy campfire feel without actually building a fire! Whether you’re hosting kids or just craving a gooey, chocolatey treat, this recipe delivers that perfect mix of crunch, sweetness, and melty marshmallow that everyone loves.

This Ultimate S’mores Bar Recipe is incredibly versatile and easy to make, which means you don’t need to wait for a camping trip to enjoy. It’s great to whip up for parties, potlucks, or even a weekend treat. Plus, I love how it comes together quickly with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand — making it the go-to when you want a crowd-pleasing dessert without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together perfectly because each serves a crucial role: buttery, crunchy base; luscious chocolate layer; and melty, fluffy marshmallows that bring it all together. Make sure to pick good-quality graham crackers and chocolate bars — it really makes a difference in flavor and texture.

• Graham cracker crumbs: I prefer to crush my own from whole crackers for freshness and the right crunch.
• Butter (melted): Use unsalted to control saltiness, and melt gently to avoid burning.
• Powdered sugar: This adds a subtle sweetness and helps bind the crust.
• Hershey Chocolate Bars: Classic milk chocolate gives that nostalgic s’mores flavor.
• Mini marshmallows: These melt evenly on top, giving that signature gooey texture you want.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Ultimate S’mores Bar Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Sometimes I mix things up depending on who’s coming over or what I have in the pantry — feel free to get creative!

• Dark chocolate bars: I’ve tried swapping milk chocolate for dark, and it gives a richer, slightly less sweet edge that adults really appreciate.
• Peanut butter addition: Swirling peanut butter into the crust before baking adds a creamy, nutty twist — my kids adore this one.
• Gluten-free graham crackers: Makes the recipe friendly for gluten-sensitive friends without compromising texture.
• Use jumbo marshmallows: If you want those classic s’mores-looking puffs, cut marshmallows in half and arrange them on top.

How to Make Ultimate S’mores Bar Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Mix the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture feels like wet sand. This is your base, so pack it firmly into a greased baking dish — I find pressing with the back of a measuring cup works wonders for an even layer. Bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This helps the crust set and stay crisp under the gooey toppings.

Step 2: Add the Chocolate

Once the crust is slightly cooled, place the Hershey chocolate bars evenly over the surface. Letting the crust cool a bit before adding chocolate is key; otherwise, the bars melt too fast and become messy. You want the chocolate to soften just enough so it’s easy to spread or even bite into with the marshmallows on top.

Step 3: Top with Marshmallows and Bake Again

Sprinkle the mini marshmallows generously over the chocolate layer. I usually cover every inch — the more marshmallows, the better! Bake for another 5-7 minutes until the marshmallows are golden and puffed. Keep an eye on them — marshmallows can go from perfectly toasted to burnt quickly. For an extra special touch, switch your oven to broil for the last 30 seconds, but don’t walk away!

How to Serve Ultimate S’mores Bar Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top once they come out of the oven to balance the sweetness — it’s a little trick that really amplifies the chocolate flavor. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of caramel or melted peanut butter if I’m feeling fancy, and it just takes these bars to the next level.

Side Dishes

Since these bars are pretty rich, I usually serve them with fresh berries or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. It creates a nice contrast and freshens things up. A cold glass of milk is a must-have in my book — it’s the perfect partner for all that chocolate and marshmallow goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve set up a mini Ultimate S’mores Bar Recipe buffet — cut the bars into small squares and provide toppings like crushed nuts, peppermint bits, or different chocolates. Letting guests customize their squares is such a fun way to get everyone involved, and I love seeing what combos people create!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep surprisingly well. I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days (if they last that long!). The crust stays sturdy and the marshmallows remain delightfully soft without getting too sticky. If you want to keep them overnight, avoid the fridge as it can make the crust less crisp.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil with pretty good results. Just thaw at room temperature and avoid microwaving straight from frozen to keep that marshmallow texture. Freezing is perfect if you want to prep ahead for a big event.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to that fresh-baked feel, I warm them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5-7 minutes. This melts the chocolate a bit and softens the marshmallows without burning. Skip the microwave if you want to avoid chewy marshmallows, though it’s fine for a quick snack.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Ultimate S’mores Bar Recipe enough if you want a fun, easy dessert that brings all the warmth and nostalgia of a campfire treat. It’s just the right balance of crunchy, gooey, and sweet without any of the mess of building a fire or skewering marshmallows. Treat yourself and anyone lucky enough to share these bars — you won’t regret having this one in your dessert rotation!

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