Decadent Baked S’mores Bars Recipe

Looking to satisfy your s’mores cravings without the hassle of a campfire? Look no further than these Gooey Baked S’mores Bars! This recipe is a game-changer, offering all the delicious flavors of a classic s’more in a convenient and mess-free bar form. With a buttery graham cracker crust, layers of rich chocolate chips and marshmallow cream, and a topping of golden toasted marshmallows, these bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time of year.

I first discovered the magic of these Gooey Baked S’mores Bars when my kids were craving s’mores in the dead of winter. Since then, they have become a family favorite, surpassing traditional campfire s’mores in popularity. These bars are a hit at gatherings and cookouts, where they consistently outshine even the most skillfully crafted campfire s’mores. Plus, with a preparation time of just 40 minutes and simple pantry ingredients, they are a go-to dessert option that never fails to impress. So, say goodbye to sticky fingers and burnt marshmallows, and say hello to a delightful s’mores experience with these irresistible bars!

Quick Benefits

• Convenient way to enjoy the classic campfire s’mores taste without the need for a fire or outdoor setting
• Consistent and reliable results compared to traditional s’mores, avoiding issues like burnt marshmallows or messy chocolate
• Versatile dessert option suitable for various occasions such as backyard barbecues, picnics, camping trips, or birthday parties

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Baked S’mores Bars Recipe Recipe

• Convenience: Enjoy the taste of campfire s’mores without the hassle of fire, sticks, or worrying about burnt marshmallows.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love these gooey bars without the mess of melted chocolate and sticky fingers.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or parties, these bars will impress guests and save you from the hassle of individual s’more making.
• Consistent Results: No more unevenly roasted marshmallows or burnt chocolate – these bars deliver the perfect s’mores taste every time.
• Easy to Make: With pantry staples and a quick 40-minute bake time, this recipe is a stress-free way to satisfy your s’mores cravings.
• Tips for Success: Learn from common mistakes like butter temperature and marshmallow cream spreading for a flawless baking experience.

Ingredients for Decadent Baked S’mores Bars Recipe

For the Graham Cracker Base

• 13.5 oz box graham cracker crumbs (about 2 1/3 cups)
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

For the Layers

• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 11.5 oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 7 oz jar marshmallow cream

How to Make Decadent Baked S’mores Bars Recipe

Step 1: Get Ready to Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Combine graham cracker crumbs, flour, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir until well blended.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Combine sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract in a separate large bowl until creamy and well mixed.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Combine the graham cracker mixture with the butter mixture until well mixed.

Step 5: Save Some for Topping

Remove 1 cup of the mixture and reserve for topping.

Step 6: Make the Crust

Transfer the remaining mixture to the prepared baking pan, spreading it into an even layer and pressing firmly to create a solid crust.

Step 7: Add the Chocolate

Evenly distribute the chocolate chips on top of the graham cracker crust.

Step 8: Spread the Marshmallow Cream

Place spoonfuls of marshmallow cream on top of the chocolate chips. Dip an offset spatula in hot water to warm it up, then use it to evenly spread the marshmallow cream over the chocolate, utilizing the heat of the spatula to make the spreading process smoother.

Step 9: Add the Toppings

Top the marshmallow cream layer with mini marshmallows, followed by sprinkling the reserved 1 cup of graham cracker mixture over the top.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden

Bake at 350 degrees for 18 to 22 minutes or until the mini marshmallows are lightly golden brown on top.

Step 11: Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool in the pan, then use the parchment paper to carefully remove them. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Gooey Baked S’mores Bars, allow them to cool completely at room temperature first. Once cooled, carefully cut them into bars or squares, depending on your preference. To maintain their gooey texture, it’s best to store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep the bars looking neat.

These S’mores Bars can be stored for up to 3-4 days at room temperature. If you need to store them for a longer period, you can refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to a week. However, note that refrigeration may change the texture slightly, making them firmer. Before serving refrigerated bars, you can bring them back to room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to restore the gooey, melty goodness. Enjoy these delicious bars as a convenient and tasty treat for any occasion!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have graham cracker crumbs on hand, you can easily make your own by crushing whole graham crackers in a food processor or placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. This homemade version will work just as well for the crust in these s’mores bars.

For a different flavor twist, consider using different types of chocolate chips such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips. This simple swap can give your bars a unique flavor profile while still maintaining that classic s’mores taste. You can also experiment with adding nuts, dried fruits, or coconut flakes to the filling for added texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the quantities to your preference to keep the bars gooey and delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these gooey baked S’mores Bars at your next backyard barbecue or picnic for a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat. To elevate the presentation, cut them into bite-sized squares and skewer each square with a mini bamboo stick to mimic the experience of roasting marshmallows over a fire. This interactive serving style adds a fun and playful element to enjoying these delicious bars.

For a cozy and indulgent dessert experience, serve these S’mores Bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The contrast of the warm, gooey bars with the cold ice cream creates a delightful combination of textures and temperatures. Drizzle some chocolate sauce over the dessert for an extra touch of decadence. This dessert pairing is sure to be a hit at any gathering, bringing the nostalgia of campfire s’mores to a whole new level of deliciousness.

FAQs for Decadent Baked S’mores Bars Recipe

Can I substitute whole graham crackers for graham cracker crumbs in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole graham crackers for graham cracker crumbs. Simply crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin. For this recipe, you’ll need about 2 1/3 cups of graham cracker crumbs.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

While unsalted butter is preferred in baking to control the salt level in the recipe, you can use salted butter in a pinch. Just be mindful of the additional salt content and adjust the added salt in the recipe accordingly or omit it altogether.

How should I store these Gooey Baked S’mores Bars?

Store the baked s’mores bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For best results, bring them back to room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze these S’mores Bars for later?

Yes, you can freeze these s’mores bars for later. Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container before freezing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before bringing them back to room temperature for serving.

Conclusion

As you continue to explore the wonderful world of desserts, I hope these Gooey Baked S’mores Bars become a staple in your recipe collection. They truly are a game-changer, offering all the nostalgic flavors of a classic s’more without the hassle of a campfire. The combination of the golden marshmallows, melty chocolate, and buttery graham cracker crust is simply irresistible.

Whether you’re planning a cozy family gathering or a fun outdoor picnic, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone. Remember, the key to achieving the perfect gooey texture is letting them cool to room temperature before serving. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these Gooey Baked S’mores Bars and treat yourself to a delightful and stress-free dessert that will have everyone coming back for more. Happy baking!