S'mores Bars Recipe - Cooked By Mia

I am so excited to share with you my absolute favorite S’mores Bars Recipe that brings all the magic of campfire s’mores indoors with incredibly easy steps and irresistible flavor. From the perfect buttery graham cracker crust to layers of melty Hershey’s chocolate and gooey toasted marshmallows, these bars capture everything I love about s’mores, but in a neat, sliceable form that’s perfect for sharing. Each bite bursts with nostalgia and sweetness, making it one of my go-to treats to make for friends, family, or just a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This S’mores Bars Recipe

When I first made this S’mores Bars Recipe, I was amazed at the incredible balance of flavors it offers. The buttery, slightly crunchy graham cracker base perfectly complements the rich, creamy Hershey’s chocolate, while the toasted marshmallows on top add that iconic, gooey sweetness and a touch of caramelized crispness. Every bite feels like a warm hug, and honestly, it never fails to put a smile on my face.

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to make—no fancy tools or complicated steps required. I love that I can whip it up quickly with ingredients I usually have on hand, and it fits perfectly into busy days or last-minute gatherings. Whether I’m hosting a casual party, treating the kids after school, or craving a nostalgic dessert, these bars stand out and never disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several ingredients for a dessert neatly arranged. In the top left, three unwrapped chocolate bars with a rich brown color lie flat. To their right, a small wooden measuring cup filled with bright white powdered sugar sits close to some small white marshmallows scattered around. Below is a clear white bowl filled with melted yellow butter. Next to it is a clear ziplock bag filled with fine light brown graham cracker crumbs, partially covered by a worn wooden rolling pin with a smooth, darker brown texture lying diagonally across the bag. The scene is bright and clean, with natural soft lighting highlighting the colors and textures of each item. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All you need are a handful of simple, classic ingredients that each play their important part in creating the perfect texture, taste, and appearance of these bars.

Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups): The base of our crust that brings a sweet, crunchy foundation reminiscent of traditional s’mores.
Melted butter (8-12 tablespoons): Binds the crust together and adds rich moisture for that perfect crumbly yet sturdy texture.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and helps with the smoothness of the crust mixture.
Hershey chocolate bars (4 bars, 4.4 ounces each): The star chocolate layer that melts beautifully and is true to classic s’mores flavor.
Mini marshmallows (1 package): These create the soft, gooey, and toasted topping that brings the s’mores magic to life.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the crust just right.

Step 2: Grease a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick butter spray to ensure the bars don’t stick and come out cleanly.

Step 3: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter with a spoon until it forms a crumbly, well-combined mixture.

Step 4: Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and sides of the pan using your fingers. Packing it tightly ensures the crust holds together after baking.

Step 5: Bake the crust for about 5-8 minutes, just until the edges turn a light golden brown. This step toasts the crust lightly and will help it set as it cools.

Step 6: Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely before moving on to the chocolate layer.

Step 7: Place the Hershey’s bars side by side on top of the cooled crust, covering it as completely as possible to ensure every bite is chocolatey.

Step 8: Return the pan to the oven for about 3 minutes, just enough for the chocolate to soften and become shiny but not fully melted.

Step 9: Take the pan out and let it cool for 1-2 minutes to ensure the chocolate sets slightly before the marshmallows go on.

Step 10: Spread the mini marshmallows evenly over the chocolate, packing them closely together to create that thick, fluffy layer.

Step 11: Switch your oven to “broil” and carefully place the pan inside. Watch the marshmallows closely—they only need about 2 minutes to get perfectly toasted and golden brown. Be vigilant here to avoid burning or flaming.

Step 12: Once toasted, remove the pan and let it cool completely. I like to put mine in the fridge for a bit so the bars firm up and slice more cleanly.

Step 13: Finally, use a sharp knife warmed with hot water and dried before slicing to cut the bars. This helps avoid sticky messes and gives you neat squares to serve.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 16 delicious servings, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying over several days. Prep time is approximately 10 minutes, with baking and broiling combined taking around 10-15 minutes. Allow about 20 minutes for cooling and setting time so the layers firm up nicely. Overall, you’re looking at just about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick yet impressive dessert to whip up whenever the craving strikes.

How to Serve This S’mores Bars Recipe

The image shows three stacked dessert bars with three layers each. The bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown cookie crust with a sandy texture. The middle layer is thick, smooth, and made of solid dark brown chocolate pieces. The top layer is a fluffy, white marshmallow layer with toasted, lightly browned tops giving a soft, airy look. The bars are placed directly on a white marbled surface with some crumbs scattered around and a few pieces of chocolate in the front right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serving these s’mores bars brings me so much joy because they’re versatile and perfect for so many occasions. I often like to serve them at casual get-togethers, family movie nights, or even as a fun dessert after a homemade dinner. The portion size is just right for those who want something indulgent but not overwhelming. I usually cut them into small squares so everyone can grab a piece without feeling guilty.

To elevate the presentation, I love placing the bars on a pretty platter garnished with additional mini marshmallows or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on the side. Serving them at room temperature works wonderfully, but for a different experience, chilling them slightly enhances the bar’s firmness and makes slicing much easier. For a cozy touch, I recommend pairing the bars with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of hot cocoa. If you’re feeling fancy, a light, fruity red wine or a sweet dessert cocktail can also complement the chocolate and marshmallow beautifully.

For parties or holiday gatherings, these bars are crowd-pleasers every time. They’re easy to grab and eat, kid-friendly but loved by adults too, and they bring that nostalgic campfire feel inside any time of year. Whether served warm right out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, these bars never fail to delight and create smiles.

Variations

I love experimenting with this S’mores Bars Recipe because it’s so adaptable! For a gluten-free twist, swapping the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free versions works perfectly without sacrificing flavor or texture. If you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative and use dairy-free chocolate bars and marshmallows—vegan marshmallows have come such a long way and melt just as nicely.

If you want to amp up the flavor, adding a sprinkle of sea salt over the chocolate before layering the marshmallows adds a wonderful contrast. Some days, I like to mix in crushed peppermint candies into the marshmallow layer for a festive holiday feel. You can also drizzle caramel sauce on top after baking for an extra decadent treat.

In terms of cooking methods, while this recipe is best in the oven, you can experiment with a toaster oven or even a campfire-safe pan for a smoky, authentic flair. Just be incredibly careful with the broiling step and watch your marshmallows closely to avoid burning. No matter how you customize it, this S’mores Bars Recipe delivers pure joy every time.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After indulging, any leftover s’mores bars should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. I usually prefer the fridge because it keeps the marshmallows and chocolate firm, especially in warmer climates. Stored this way, they’ll stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving if you want that soft, gooey texture back.

Freezing

These bars freeze wonderfully if you want to keep them longer. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving. Avoid thawing at room temperature directly from frozen, as condensation can make the crust soggy.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the bars in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes to revive that melted chocolate and soft marshmallow without burning. Microwave reheating works, but be careful as it can quickly overheat the marshmallows and make them tough or chewy. Using the oven method preserves the best texture and flavor, making the bars feel freshly made again.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

You can, but I recommend cutting regular marshmallows into smaller pieces so they spread evenly and toast properly. Mini marshmallows melt and brown more uniformly, giving that signature s’mores texture, so they’re ideal for this recipe.

What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs? Can I make my own?

Absolutely! Just crush graham crackers in a food processor or place them in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin until fine. This homemade crumb approach works perfectly and gives you control over the crumb size.

Is it okay to skip the powdered sugar in the crust? What does it do?

Powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and helps create a smooth, combined crust texture. You can skip it if you prefer, but it might make the crust slightly less sweet and a bit more crumbly when baked.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Yes! These bars are fantastic for make-ahead desserts. Just prepare and bake them completely, then store covered in the fridge. You can also broil the marshmallows just before serving for extra fresh toastiness if you want a last-minute flair.

Why do the marshmallows sometimes burn under the broiler?

Broilers vary widely in heat intensity and positioning. Because marshmallows brown so quickly, it’s important to watch them constantly and keep the pan at a distance from the heating element. Removing the bars as soon as they start turning golden brown will prevent burning or flames.

Conclusion

I truly hope you enjoy making and eating this S’mores Bars Recipe as much as I do. It’s such a happy little dessert that brings warm memories and delight to any table, with so much ease and simple ingredients. Give it a try, get creative with your spin, and prepare for plenty of compliments and smiles at your next gathering!