The Bonfire Bars recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. With a graham cracker base, a luscious chocolate caramel middle, and a fluffy marshmallow topping, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy bonfire night, Bonfire Bars are a delightful twist on traditional s’mores that everyone will love.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these Bonfire Bars in no time.
Rich Flavor: The combination of chocolate, caramel, and marshmallow creates an irresistible taste that satisfies any sweet tooth.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, picnics, or just an indulgent snack at home. These bars are suitable for various occasions.
Great for Sharing: Cut them into squares for easy serving, making them an excellent choice for gatherings and celebrations.
S’mores Twist: Enjoy the classic flavors of s’mores in a new and exciting format that everyone can appreciate.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of Bonfire Bars, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking dish
Mixing bowls
Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Whisk
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Baking dish: Ensures even cooking for your Bonfire Bars, giving them the perfect texture.
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients effectively without any mess.
Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for melting chocolate without burning it.
Spatula: Helps in mixing and spreading your ingredients evenly.

Ingredients

A graham cracker base, soft chocolate caramel middle, and marshmallow top.

For the Base

680 grams evaporated milk
120 grams heavy cream
380 grams sugar
285 grams corn syrup
113 grams butter
2 grams salt

For the Chocolate Caramel Middle

8 ounces bakers chocolate, unsweetened
300 grams chocolate or candy melts

For the Crust

340 grams graham cracker crumbs
300 grams flour
150 grams brown sugar
3 grams salt

For the Topping

170 grams butter, cold, cut into small cubes
30 grams unflavored gelatin
120 grams cold water

For the Final Layer

380 grams sugar
285 grams corn syrup
180 grams honey
150 grams water
10 grams vanilla
3 lbs dark chocolate, tempered

How to Make Bonfire Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by greasing your baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Make the Base

In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, flour, brown sugar, and salt.
Add cold butter cubes into the mixture. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend until crumbly.
Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the greased baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Caramel Middle

In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt together evaporated milk, heavy cream, sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt until smooth.
Stir in unsweetened bakers chocolate until fully melted and combined.
Pour this chocolate caramel mixture over the graham cracker base evenly.

Step 4: Create the Marshmallow Topping

In a separate bowl, dissolve unflavored gelatin in cold water; let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Heat sugar, corn syrup, honey, water, and vanilla in a saucepan until it reaches soft ball stage (240°F/115°C).
Remove from heat and carefully mix in gelatin until dissolved.
Whip this mixture until it turns white and fluffy; then pour over the chocolate layer.

Step 5: Finish with Dark Chocolate Layer

Temper dark chocolate according to package instructions.
Pour tempered dark chocolate over marshmallow topping evenly.
Allow everything to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious Bonfire Bars!

How to Serve Bonfire Bars

Bonfire Bars are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or enjoying a cozy night by the fire, these bars are sure to impress your guests.

With Ice Cream

Pair your Bonfire Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

S’mores Style

Serve them alongside graham crackers and roasted marshmallows for a fun DIY s’mores experience.

Drizzled with Chocolate

Enhance the chocolate flavor by drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top before serving.

Fruit Garnish

Add some fresh berries or banana slices on the side to balance the sweetness of the bars.

Coffee or Hot Chocolate

Complement your Bonfire Bars with a warm drink like coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

How to Perfect Bonfire Bars

To achieve the ultimate Bonfire Bars, follow these simple tips that will enhance their taste and texture.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially chocolate and cream, are fresh for the best flavor.
Chill Before Serving: Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier.
Experiment with Toppings: Try adding nuts or different flavored chocolates for unique twists on your Bonfire Bars.
Check Consistency: Make sure your caramel layer is thick enough; it should not be too runny when assembling.
Layer Properly: Spread each layer evenly to ensure balanced flavors in every bite.
Store Correctly: Keep leftover Bonfire Bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to a week.

Best Side Dishes for Bonfire Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Bonfire Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some suggestions that complement their flavors beautifully.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: The salty crunch of pretzels dipped in chocolate provides a delightful contrast.
Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses that pair well with sweet treats, enhancing flavors.
Caramel Popcorn: Sweet and crunchy popcorn adds another layer of fun and flavor alongside your dessert.
Mini Cheesecakes: Small bites of cheesecake offer creamy richness that pairs nicely with the texture of Bonfire Bars.
Coffee Cake: The cinnamon notes from coffee cake create an interesting pairing with rich chocolate desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Bonfire Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Overmixing the dough – This can lead to tough bars. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender bite.
Skipping the cooling time – Patience is key! Allow your bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent messy edges.
Not using tempered chocolate – Using untempered chocolate can lead to a dull finish and less snap. Take the time to temper for an appealing look and texture.
Ignoring ingredient temperatures – Ensure butter and cream are at room temperature for proper blending and even cooking. Cold ingredients can affect the final texture.
Using stale graham crackers – Fresh graham crackers yield a better flavor and texture. Check expiration dates before use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Keep layers separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Bonfire Bars

Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Bonfire Bars

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm bars for about 10 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Microwave – Heat on low power in 15-second intervals until warm, being careful not to overheat.
Stovetop – Place bars in a pan on low heat, cover, and warm gently until soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Bonfire Bars.

What are Bonfire Bars?

Bonfire Bars are delicious dessert bars featuring a graham cracker base topped with a soft chocolate caramel layer and marshmallows.

Can I customize my Bonfire Bars?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, different chocolates, or flavored extracts to give your bars a unique twist.

How do I know when my Bonfire Bars are done?

The top should be lightly golden, and the edges will pull away slightly from the sides of the pan when they’re ready.

Should I let Bonfire Bars cool before cutting?

Yes, letting them cool completely helps maintain their shape and makes slicing easier.

Can I make Bonfire Bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars store well, making them perfect for preparing in advance for parties or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Bonfire Bars are not only delightful treats but also offer wonderful opportunities for customization. Their rich flavors make them perfect for any occasion. We encourage you to try this recipe and put your spin on it!

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Bonfire Bars

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Bonfire Bars are a delightful twist on the classic s’mores, combining layers of graham crackers, rich chocolate caramel, and fluffy marshmallows into an irresistible treat. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy nights by the fire, these bars are not only easy to make but also a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Their sweet and savory balance satisfies cravings while offering a unique dessert experience. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create this nostalgic dessert that sparks joy and brings friends and family together.

Ingredients

Scale

340g graham cracker crumbs
113g butter
680g evaporated milk
300g sugar
8 ounces unsweetened baker’s chocolate
170g cold butter (for topping)
30g unflavored gelatin
280g flour
150g brown sugar
3g salt
380g sugar (final layer)
285g corn syrup (final layer)
180g honey
150g water
10g vanilla
3 lbs dark chocolate, tempered

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
For the base, mix graham cracker crumbs, flour, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl; incorporate cold butter until crumbly. Press into the baking dish.
Melt evaporated milk, heavy cream, sugar, corn syrup, butter, and salt in a double boiler; stir in baker’s chocolate until smooth. Pour over the graham cracker base.
For the topping, dissolve gelatin in cold water; heat sugar, corn syrup, honey, water, and vanilla until soft ball stage. Mix in gelatin then whip until fluffy; pour over the chocolate layer.
Temper dark chocolate and pour it over the marshmallow topping. Cool completely before cutting.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American