Decadent S’mores Seven Layer Bars

Indulge in the nostalgia of summer nights with a twist in these irresistible S’mores Seven Layer Bars. Imagine the classic s’mores flavors – toasty marshmallows, gooey chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers – all layered in a convenient, portable treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Rain or shine, this recipe brings the essence of a campfire right into your kitchen.

Crafted out of a desire to savor the essence of s’mores without the need for a fire pit, these bars have become a beloved go-to dessert in my household. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, attending a summer gathering, or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these bars deliver a crowd-pleasing experience with minimal effort. Watch as friends and family sneak back for seconds (and thirds) of these delectable treats, justifying each bite as a “camping essential.” With the perfect marshmallow-to-chocolate ratio and a well-balanced flavor profile, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient way to enjoy the classic s’mores flavor without the need for a fire pit
• Crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or any occasion
• Versatile recipe with room for creative variations, such as adding peanut butter cups or peppermint candies
• Can be stored for 3-4 days at room temperature, refrigerated for a firmer texture, or frozen for up to 3 months

Why You’ll Love This Decadent S’mores Seven Layer Bars Recipe

• S’mores Nostalgia: This recipe captures all the magic of traditional campfire s’mores, with toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers in every bite.
• No Need for a Campfire: Enjoy the flavors of s’mores without the hassle of setting up a fire pit or dealing with sticky marshmallows – perfect for rainy days or when you’re craving s’mores indoors.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These bars are a hit at potlucks, summer gatherings, and parties, disappearing within minutes and leaving everyone wanting more.
• Easy to Make: Requires minimal effort and simple ingredients, making it a go-to dessert recipe for busy days or last-minute entertaining.
• Creative Variations: Experiment with different add-ins like peanut butter cups, cinnamon graham crackers, or peppermint candies to customize the bars to your taste or seasonal preferences.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve warm with ice cream, arrange on a themed platter with fresh fruits, or create individual desserts for a charming presentation.
• Storage Friendly: Stays fresh for several days at room temperature, can be refrigerated for a firmer texture, and freezes well for up to 3 months, offering flexibility for enjoying these treats anytime.

Ingredients for Decadent S’mores Seven Layer Bars

Base and Filling

• 1 cup broken graham cracker pieces
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups mini marshmallows, divided
• 2 chocolate bars (1.55 oz each), broken into pieces
• 3/4 cup melted butter
• 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

How to Make Decadent S’mores Seven Layer Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Graham Cracker Base

Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to form the crust.

Step 3: Add First Layer

Evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the graham cracker crust to cover the entire surface.

Step 4: Add Middle Layers

Evenly distribute half of the mini marshmallows (1 cup), all of the chocolate chips, and all of the graham cracker pieces over the condensed milk layer.

Step 5: First Bake

Bake for 15 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the marshmallows are golden and puffed.

Step 6: Add Final Marshmallow Layer

Take out of the oven and evenly sprinkle the remaining cup of mini marshmallows on top to cover any bare spots.

Step 7: Second Bake

Continue baking in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the marshmallows on top are golden brown and the edges of the bars are firm.

Step 8: Add Chocolate Bar Pieces

Take out of the oven and quickly place the chocolate bar pieces on top of the hot marshmallows to allow them to melt slightly.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Cool the bars on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before cutting. For cleaner cuts, allow them to cool completely while still retaining a gooey texture.

Storage Tips

Once you have made a batch of these irresistible S’mores Seven Layer Bars, storing them properly will ensure they stay fresh and delicious. To keep the bars at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to stack the bars, place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking and maintain their shape. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored this way, making them perfect for enjoying over a few days or sharing with family and friends.

If you prefer a firmer texture or want to extend the shelf life of the S’mores Seven Layer Bars, you can refrigerate them. The bars will firm up considerably in the refrigerator, which can be appealing if you enjoy a less gooey consistency. For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the bars at room temperature for about an hour before serving. Whether you savor them fresh, chilled, or after thawing from the freezer, these bars will continue to delight with their nostalgic campfire-inspired flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make ingredient substitutions for these S’mores Seven Layer Bars, there are some options available. For a gluten-free version, you can replace the graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie crumb base. To make this recipe dairy-free, you can use a plant-based butter alternative instead of regular butter and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips and dairy-free sweetened condensed milk. Additionally, you can swap the mini marshmallows for vegan marshmallows to keep the recipe completely plant-based.

For a twist on the flavor profile, consider using different types of chocolate in this recipe. White chocolate chips or chunks could be a fun alternative to the semi-sweet chocolate chips, adding a creamy and sweet element to the bars. You could also experiment with flavored chocolate bars like mint chocolate or orange-flavored chocolate for a unique twist on the classic s’mores taste. Feel free to get creative with your ingredient choices to customize these bars to your liking or dietary needs while still capturing the essence of traditional s’mores.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and indulgent twist, try serving these S’mores Seven Layer Bars as a DIY dessert bar at your next gathering. Set up a station with the bars cut into smaller pieces along with bowls of toppings like crushed nuts, shredded coconut, caramel sauce, and fresh fruit. Let your guests customize their bars with their favorite toppings for a personalized s’mores experience.

To elevate these bars even further, turn them into a decadent s’mores trifle. Layer crumbled S’mores Seven Layer Bars with whipped cream or marshmallow fluff in individual glasses or a large trifle dish. Top with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress your guests. This dessert not only looks beautiful but also allows each layer of the bars to shine in every creamy, crunchy bite.

FAQs for Decadent S’mores Seven Layer Bars

Question?

How can I store the S’mores Seven Layer Bars?

Answer.

These bars stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to stack them, place parchment paper between layers. They can also be refrigerated for a firmer texture or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Question?

Can I make any creative variations to the basic recipe?

Answer.

Yes, you can get creative with the recipe! Try adding a layer of chopped peanut butter cups, substituting cinnamon graham crackers for a spice twist, or incorporating crushed peppermint candies for a festive touch during the holidays. Dark chocolate chips and milk chocolate bars can also be used for a more complex flavor profile.

Question?

What’s the key tip for cutting the bars without making a mess?

Answer.

Patience is the key when cutting the bars. Allow them to cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting to ensure they hold their shape. Cutting them too soon after removing them from the oven may result in a structurally compromised mess.

Question?

How can I elevate serving these S’mores Seven Layer Bars?

Answer.

To elevate serving, try serving the bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For summer gatherings, arrange them on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh berries for a red, white, and blue theme. You can also create individual desserts by cutting them small and serving in cupcake liners on a tiered stand.

Conclusion

These S’mores Seven Layer Bars are truly a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer campfires in every bite. Whether you’re craving a nostalgic snack or need a show-stopping dessert for your next gathering, these bars are sure to impress. The gooey marshmallows, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers come together harmoniously to create a treat that will have everyone coming back for more.

From potlucks to picnics, these S’mores Seven Layer Bars are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dessert option that will leave everyone satisfied. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the recipe and try out different variations to suit your taste preferences. And remember, patience is key when it comes to cutting these bars – allow them to cool slightly before indulging in their irresistible goodness.

So next time you’re looking for a sweet treat that evokes the spirit of summer, whip up a batch of these S’mores Seven Layer Bars and watch as they disappear before your eyes. With their easy preparation and incredible taste, these bars are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.