Name: S’mores Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups graham crackers (1 1/2 sleeves, crushed); 2/3 cup salted butter, melted; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup salted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g); 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (150g); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (310-317g, scooped and leveled); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 3 cups miniature marshmallows, divided (2 cups mixed into dough, 1 cup for topping); 3 Hershey bars, broken into pieces

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 14 reviews

I absolutely love making these S’mores Bars Recipe whenever I need a dessert that feels like a warm hug. It combines the perfect blend of crunchy graham cracker crust, gooey marshmallows, and rich chocolate in a way that tastes just like a campfire classic, but in an easy-to-make bar form that’s ideal for sharing. Every bite bursts with that nostalgic s’mores magic, and I always find myself craving just one more piece.

Why You’ll Love This S’mores Bars Recipe

What makes this S’mores Bars Recipe so special to me is the incredible balance of textures and flavors all working together in perfect harmony. The buttery graham cracker crust offers a crisp foundation, while the soft, chewy interior filled with marshmallows and chocolate chips creates that gooey, melty sensation that I adore. It’s sweet without being overwhelming, with little pockets of toasted marshmallow and chunks of chocolate that feel downright indulgent.

I also love how straightforward and approachable the recipe is. Despite tasting like a treat from a fancy bakery, it requires just a handful of pantry staples and basic kitchen skills. Plus, it comes together quickly – no need for skewers or an outdoor fire. These bars are fantastic for family gatherings, parties, or cozy nights in, and honestly, they never last long in my house because everyone always asks for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of a clear food processor bowl filled with several layers of light brown rectangular crackers standing upright and leaning against the sides, arranged in a circle around the central blade. The food processor base is gray with visible buttons labeled Off, Low, High, and Pulse. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this recipe, I rely on simple yet essential ingredients that each play a key role in creating the perfect S’mores Bars. From the graham cracker crumbs that give texture and flavor to the buttery richness and melty marshmallows, every component is carefully selected to deliver that nostalgic s’mores experience.

Graham crackers (2 1/4 cups crushed): This forms the crispy, flavorful base that mimics traditional s’mores crust perfectly.
Salted butter (2/3 cup melted + 1 cup softened): Using salted butter balances sweetness and adds richness; the melted butter binds the crust while softened butter creams into the cookie layer.
Granulated sugar (1/3 cup + 3/4 cup): Sweetens the crumb crust and cookie batter just right for that classic dessert feel.
Brown sugar (3/4 cup packed): Gives the cookie dough moisture and a deeper caramel flavor.
Eggs (2 large): They provide structure and help bind everything together.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): This is the backbone of the cookie base, giving the bars their chewy texture.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and lifts all the flavors.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps with gentle leavening for a tender crumb.
Miniature marshmallows (3 cups, divided): Essential for that gooey, melty s’mores feeling both inside and on top.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Adds pockets of melted chocolate throughout the bars.
Hershey bars (3 bars, broken up): The iconic chocolate layer on top that melts and browns beautifully.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 13×9-inch rectangular baking dish and grease it well. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar using a fork until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 7 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the cookie batter.

Step 2: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes with a hand mixer. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined—you don’t want to overwork the dough. Next, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and 2 cups of the miniature marshmallows gently by hand.

Step 4: Spoon the cookie dough over the graham cracker crust in dollops spaced evenly. Carefully press the top gently with the back of your spoon to create an even layer without disturbing the crust beneath—this step keeps your crust intact and provides a sturdy base.

Step 5: Bake the bars for 18 minutes at 350°F. As soon as they come out, quickly scatter the broken pieces of Hershey bars all over the surface, followed by the remaining 1 cup of marshmallows. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 9 to 11 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the center appears mostly set but still slightly gooey. Be careful not to overbake — those gooey centers are what make these bars irresistible!

Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into 18 pieces. This resting time helps set everything so your bars hold their shape when sliced.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 18 generous servings, making it perfect for sharing with a crowd or enjoying over several days. Prep time takes about 15 minutes, plus 7 minutes to bake the crust initially. The main baking stages add around 27 minutes in total, so the overall cook time is about 34 minutes. You’ll want to allocate an additional 10 to 15 minutes to cool the bars completely before slicing and serving, which brings the total time to roughly 50 minutes from start to finish.

How to Serve This S’mores Bars Recipe

The image shows a stack of two thick dessert squares with a golden brown base layer that looks soft and chewy. Above the base, there are visible chunks of chocolate pieces mixed inside and melted marshmallow topping covering the surface. The marshmallow layer looks fluffy and white with some golden toasted spots. On top of the marshmallow, there are whole chocolate pieces and a small rectangular Hershey's chocolate bar embedded into the top. Around the stacked squares, there are more similar dessert pieces scattered on a white marbled surface, giving a warm, inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Whenever I serve these S’mores Bars, I love pairing them with fresh, simple accompaniments to balance the richness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side is a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey texture of the bars. Sometimes I add fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the presentation and flavor.

Popping these bars onto a rustic wooden platter with a sprinkle of extra crushed graham crackers or mini marshmallows really makes them feel festive. For drinks, I often go for a chilled glass of cold milk—it’s the quintessential partner to chocolate and marshmallows. On special occasions, I like to pair them with a rich hot chocolate or even a sweet dessert wine like a Tawny Port, which complements the toasty marshmallow notes beautifully.

These bars are perfect for all sorts of occasions, from casual weekend snacks to holiday gatherings or birthday parties. I find they’re best served warm or at room temperature, as heating them just slightly amplifies the gooey, melty center. Just cut into reasonably sized squares, about 2 inches each, so everyone can enjoy a perfect bite without feeling overwhelmed.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this S’mores Bars Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste or dietary needs. If you want to swap up the chocolate, you can experiment with dark chocolate chunks for a richer, slightly less sweet version or white chocolate chips for a fun twist. To add extra texture, try tossing in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter.

If you’re aiming for gluten-free bars, I recommend replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. For a vegan friendly option, you can use vegan butter and a flax egg substitute, plus dairy-free chocolate chips—just keep in mind the texture might be a little different but still delicious. For those who love roasting, you can toast the marshmallows on top briefly with a kitchen torch instead of baking to get that perfectly caramelized finish.

If you want to switch up the cooking method, I’ve even tried making these bars in muffin tins for individual servings, which is great for portion control and fun presentation. You simply adjust the baking time slightly, keeping a close eye until each muffin is golden and set but still fudgy inside.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover S’mores Bars keep beautifully when stored properly. I like to place them in an airtight container with layers separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Stored this way, they’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration helps extend their life to about 5 days, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully and are a fantastic make-ahead treat. To freeze, I wrap the cut bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then warm slightly to bring back that gooey charm.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming individual portions in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, which revives that softness and melty marshmallow quality without drying them out. Avoid overheating or using a high temp oven to reheat, as this can toughen the texture. If you want a toasted marshmallow top, a quick blast with a kitchen torch or placing the bars under a broiler for a minute works wonders.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of miniature ones?

Absolutely! If you only have regular marshmallows, you can chop them into smaller pieces so they distribute evenly in the bars. Miniature marshmallows are easier to spread and melt consistently, but chopped large marshmallows work fine if that’s what you have.

What type of pan is best for making these bars?

I recommend using a 13×9-inch rectangular baking dish, preferably metal or glass. Metal dishes tend to yield a crisper crust while glass heats evenly but may require slightly longer baking times. Just make sure to grease your pan well to prevent sticking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap both the butter and chocolate chips for dairy-free alternatives that melt well. Vegan butter or coconut oil work as good butter substitutes. Be sure your marshmallows are also vegan if you want a fully dairy-free version, as many marshmallows contain gelatin.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should be golden brown and the center mostly set but still a little soft and gooey. The marshmallows on top will be golden and puffed when done. Don’t overbake, as these bars are best enjoyed a bit undercooked in the middle for that melty texture.

Can I add nuts to this S’mores Bars Recipe?

Definitely! Adding chopped nuts like toasted pecans or almonds gives a nice crunch contrast and depth of flavor. Just fold about 1/2 to 1 cup into the batter with the chocolate chips and marshmallows before baking.

Conclusion

I truly hope you try this S’mores Bars Recipe soon because it’s one of those joyful desserts that never fails to bring smiles and feelings of comfort. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but special enough to impress guests or celebrate a weekend with family. I promise, once you experience that perfect gooey, chocolaty, and toasty marshmallow bite, this recipe will be a beloved favorite in your home just like it is in mine.