Summer S’mores Bars

Delicious homemade Summer S'mores Bars with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows

A Sweet Summer Treat You Can’t Resist

Imagine a summer evening, the sun setting, and a warm breeze swirling around as you take a bite of something truly indulgent. Those heavenly Summer S’mores Bars capture all the nostalgia of camping trips, bonfires, and gooey s’mores, but they’re effortlessly easy to make right in your own oven. These bars combine crushed graham crackers, rich chocolate, and fluffy marshmallow creme, bringing a taste of summer with every square. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just anytime you crave a sweet treat, this recipe is destined to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Reasons to Try It

What makes these Summer S’mores Bars a must-try? Well, they’re not just delicious—they’re also unbelievably simple to whip up! With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a dessert that impresses everyone. They’re family-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or want to treat yourself, these bars are the ultimate dessert for any occasion.

"These S’mores Bars are a hit! I made them for a family barbecue, and they were gone in minutes. Everyone raved about how gooey and delicious they were!" – Happy Baker

Preparing Summer S’mores Bars

Creating these delightful bars involves a few simple steps, making the process straightforward for even novice bakers. You’ll start by preparing the graham cracker crust, followed by mixing the delectable chocolate filling, and finally baking it all together. The recipe is quick enough for a weeknight treat, but impressive enough for a special occasion.

What You’ll Need

Gather these items to create your Summer S’mores Bars:

  • Graham Cracker Crust:

    • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
    • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • Chocolate Layer:

    • 2 cups milk chocolate chips (divided into 1 cup and 1 cup)
    • 1 cup marshmallow creme
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Final Touches:

    • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
    • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch

Feel free to substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor!

Directions to Follow

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to help lift the bars out later.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
  4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form your crust.
  5. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cornstarch—this is your dry mixture.
  7. Melt 1 cup of the milk chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth.
  8. Take off the heat and stir in the marshmallow creme and vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly combined.
  9. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly across the surface.
  10. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of milk chocolate chips and mini marshmallows on top of the chocolate layer.
  11. Finally, evenly sprinkle the flour mixture over the entire dish.
  12. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the marshmallows are beautifully toasted.
  13. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, carefully use the parchment paper to lift the bars out before cutting into squares to serve.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

These Summer S’mores Bars shine on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce on the side. For a refreshing twist, serve them with fresh fruit—think strawberries or peaches for a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate. You can also pair them with a cold glass of milk or iced coffee for a perfectly balanced treat!

How to Store & Freeze

To keep your S’mores Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to save them for longer, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. They can be kept frozen for up to three months. Just remember to let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

Pro Chef Tips

  • For an extra crispy crust, consider toasting the graham cracker crumbs in the oven for a few minutes before mixing with butter and sugar.
  • If you prefer a little crunch, add chopped nuts or crushed pretzels to the chocolate layer for added texture.
  • Don’t skip the parchment paper—it makes removing the bars from the pan a breeze!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Switch up the flavor by using dark chocolate or white chocolate chips instead. You can also try adding peanut butter on the chocolate layer for a nutty twist, or top it with crushed Oreos for an exciting cookie variation. For a fun seasonal touch, cooking these with pumpkin spice during fall could add an entirely new taste experience!

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare these bars?

The overall time for preparation and baking is about 30-40 minutes.

Can I use a different type of cracker?

Absolutely! You can experiment with digestive biscuits or chocolate cookie crumbs for a unique flavor profile.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the graham crackers with a gluten-free variant and use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead.

With these Summer S’mores Bars at your disposal, you’ll have a delectable treat that evokes the carefree spirit of summer in every bite. Dive in, enjoy, and share the love of this classic favorite!

Summer S'mores Bars

Summer S'mores Bars

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These Summer S'mores Bars capture the nostalgia of camping trips with a combination of graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallow creme, creating an indulgent dessert that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 9 squares
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Graham Cracker Crust
  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.25 cups granulated sugar Can be substituted with brown sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Layer
  • 2 cups milk chocolate chips, divided into 1 cup and 1 cup
  • 1 cup marshmallow creme
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Final Touches
  • 0.5 cups mini marshmallows
  • 0.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon cornstarch

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  4. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form your crust.
  5. Bake the crust for 10 minutes and let it cool slightly.
Chocolate Layer
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cornstarch.
  2. Melt 1 cup of the milk chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the marshmallow creme and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
  4. Pour the chocolate mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
Final Assembly
  1. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of milk chocolate chips and mini marshmallows on top.
  2. Evenly sprinkle the flour mixture over the entire dish.
  3. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and marshmallows are toasted.
  4. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20g

Notes

For an extra crispy crust, toast graham cracker crumbs in the oven for a few minutes before mixing with butter. Consider adding nuts or pretzels for texture, and always use parchment paper for easy removal.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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