This Layered S’mores Bar Dessert brings the campfire classic indoors with an indulgent twist. Featuring a sweet graham cracker cookie crust, gooey marshmallow creme, and rich chocolate chips, each bite captures the essence of traditional s’mores in a soft, chewy bar. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, these bars are perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars offer everything you love about s’mores—without the fire. The golden graham cracker base is tender and buttery, the marshmallow layer is luxuriously gooey, and the melted chocolate chips tie it all together with richness and depth. They’re simple to make in one pan, slice beautifully once cooled, and are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Whether served alone or with ice cream, they make a delightful and nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- brown sugar
- unsalted butter, softened
- egg
- vanilla extract
- graham cracker crumbs
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
- marshmallow creme
- chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined into a dough.
- Divide the dough in half. Press one half evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Using a greased spatula or spoon, spread the marshmallow creme evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the marshmallow layer.
- Flatten small pieces of the remaining dough and arrange them over the chocolate chips to create a patchwork-style top crust.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean edges.
Servings and timing
Servings: 9–12 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Mixed Chocolate: Use a combination of milk, dark, and white chocolate chips for extra richness.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the chocolate layer for added crunch.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter over the marshmallow layer before baking.
- Graham Sandwich Style: Bake two thinner layers of dough separately and sandwich the filling after baking for a more structured version.
- Mini Version: Make in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. If you prefer them warm, microwave for 10–15 seconds to soften the chocolate and marshmallow layers.
FAQs
Can I use mini marshmallows instead of marshmallow creme?
Yes, but marshmallow creme spreads more evenly. If using mini marshmallows, use enough to cover the crust and press them slightly into place.
How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time slightly, adding 5–10 minutes as needed.
What type of chocolate chips should I use?
Semisweet chocolate chips are classic, but milk or dark chocolate chips can be used depending on your taste preference.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars store well and can be made a day or two in advance.
Are these bars overly sweet?
They are sweet and indulgent by nature, but the slight saltiness in the dough balances the sweetness well.
Can I use homemade graham cracker crumbs?
Yes, crush graham crackers finely in a food processor or with a rolling pin in a zip-top bag.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I serve these warm?
Yes, though they will be gooier and more difficult to slice. For cleaner presentation, cool completely before slicing and reheat individual bars if desired.
What’s the best way to slice these cleanly?
Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts.
Conclusion
Layered S’mores Bar Dessert is a delectable and easy-to-make treat that captures all the nostalgic charm of traditional s’mores with none of the hassle. With its rich chocolate center, soft cookie-like crust, and gooey marshmallow layer, it’s the kind of dessert that’s bound to become a household favorite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging yourself, these bars are a guaranteed sweet success
Print
Layered S’mores Bar Dessert
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes 9–12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Layered S’mores Bars bring the nostalgic campfire flavor indoors with a buttery graham cracker cookie crust, gooey marshmallow creme, and melty chocolate chips. Baked into one decadent dessert bar, they’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Keywords: s’mores bars, layered dessert bars, chocolate marshmallow bars, graham cracker dessert, easy s’mores recipe
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 jar marshmallow creme
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until well combined.
- Divide dough in half. Press one half into the prepared pan to form the base.
- Spread marshmallow creme evenly over the crust using a greased spatula.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly on top of the marshmallow layer.
- Flatten small pieces of the remaining dough and arrange them over the chocolate to form a top crust.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For a cleaner cut, allow bars to cool fully before slicing.
- Mix up the flavors with milk, dark, or even peanut butter chips.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
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