S’more Bars
When it comes to S’more Bars, you can’t go wrong with this delightful dessert. These bars encapsulate the classic campfire treat in a simple, baked format that’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home. With just four ingredients, they are not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor. You’ll love how the combination of gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate creates a sweet indulgence that elevates any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal preparation time, making it a great choice for beginners.
- Four Simple Ingredients: With just graham crackers, chocolate chips, marshmallows, and butter, you can whip up these treats without a long shopping list.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of toasted marshmallows and melted chocolate delivers a nostalgic taste that everyone loves.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for camping trips or backyard barbecues, these bars are sure to impress guests of all ages.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare them in advance and chill them in the refrigerator for convenient serving later.
Tools and Preparation
To make your S’more Bars efficiently, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand. These will help streamline the process and ensure your bars turn out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick cooking spray
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick cooking spray: Prevents the bars from sticking to the pan, ensuring easy removal and neat presentation.
- Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan is ideal for achieving the perfect thickness for your S’more Bars.
- Mixing bowl: Allows you to easily combine ingredients without spills or messes.
- Spoon or spatula: Essential for mixing and spreading ingredients evenly in the pan.
Ingredients
When it comes to S’more Bars, the fewer the ingredients the better. These S’more bars only require four ingredients: Marshmallows, chocolate chips, graham crackers, and butter. Because butter makes everything better.
For the Base
- 2 cups Graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup Melted butter
For Topping
- 4 cups Chocolate chips
- 1 package Mini marshmallows
How to Make S’more Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking your delicious S’more Bars.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan
Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix Graham Cracker Crust
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with 1/2 cup of melted butter.
2. Stir until well mixed.
Step 4: Press Into Baking Dish
Sprinkle the graham cracker mixture into the greased baking dish:
1. Press it firmly on the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan to form a crust.
Step 5: Bake the Base
Place the pan in your preheated oven:
– Bake for about 8 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Remove from oven:
1. Sprinkle 4 cups of chocolate chips evenly over the baked crust.
2. Add 1 package of mini marshmallows on top of the chocolate.
Step 7: Final Bake
Return to oven:
– Bake for an additional 20 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown.
Step 8: Cool Down
Allow your S’more Bars to cool at room temperature before placing them in the fridge:
– Chill for easier cutting later.
Step 9: Serve It Up
Once chilled, cut into squares and serve these delightful S’more Bars at your next gathering! Enjoy!
How to Serve S’more Bars
S’more Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any gathering or family night. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these delicious bars that will impress your guests.
With Ice Cream
- Pairing S’more Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast to the chewy texture. The cold ice cream melts into the warm bars, creating a heavenly combination.
At Campouts
- S’more Bars make an excellent dessert for camping trips. They are easy to transport and can be enjoyed around the campfire, enhancing that nostalgic s’mores experience.
As Party Favors
- Cut S’more Bars into small squares and package them in cute bags as party favors. This way, guests can take home a sweet reminder of the fun.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve S’more Bars alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries. The fruity freshness balances out the richness of the bars, making for a well-rounded dessert plate.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- Elevate your S’more Bars by drizzling melted chocolate sauce on top before serving. This extra layer of chocolate makes them even more indulgent and appealing.
How to Perfect S’more Bars
To ensure your S’more Bars come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh marshmallows and high-quality chocolate chips enhance flavor and texture.
- Don’t overbake – Keep an eye on your bars while baking; overbaking can lead to dry edges.
- Let them cool – Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them hold their shape better.
- Experiment with toppings – Feel free to add toppings like crushed nuts or peanut butter chips for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
Best Side Dishes for S’more Bars
S’more Bars can be complemented beautifully with various side dishes. Here are some delicious options that pair well with this treat.
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that provides a light contrast to the rich bars.
- Chocolate Fondue – Set up a chocolate fountain for dipping fruits or pretzels, adding another layer of sweetness.
- Mini Cupcakes – Serve bite-sized cupcakes for an additional sweet option that guests will love.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses offers a savory balance to the sweetness of S’more Bars.
- Caramel Popcorn – Sweet and crunchy popcorn is an addictive snack that complements the chewy bars.
- Yogurt Parfaits – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, healthy side dish alongside dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making S’more Bars, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the perfect treat.
- Using stale graham crackers: Fresh graham crackers provide better flavor and texture. Check the expiration date before using.
- Not pressing down firmly: Failing to press the graham cracker mixture firmly can lead to a crumbly base. Use a flat object to ensure it’s compact.
- Overbaking marshmallows: Keep an eye on the marshmallows; burning them will ruin the dessert’s taste. Bake just until golden brown.
- Skipping cooling time: Cutting into warm bars can make them fall apart. Allow them to cool completely before slicing.
- Using the wrong pan size: Ensure you use a 9×13-inch pan. A different size can affect cooking time and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing S’more Bars
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil for freezing.
- They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating S’more Bars
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual squares for about 15-20 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat, cover with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making S’more Bars.
What are S’more Bars?
S’more Bars are a simplified version of traditional s’mores, combining graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows into an easy-to-bake dessert.
Can I customize my S’more Bars?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, different types of chocolate, or even peanut butter for extra flavor.
How do I know when my S’more Bars are done?
Look for golden brown marshmallows on top. This usually indicates they are ready!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers instead of regular ones to accommodate dietary needs.
What should I serve with S’more Bars?
Pair them with ice cream or fresh fruit for a delightful dessert experience.
Final Thoughts
These S’more Bars are not only delicious but also versatile. Their simple ingredients make them ideal for any occasion, from camping trips to cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins and enjoy this delightful treat with friends and family!
S’more Bars
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
S’more Bars are a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat, bringing the nostalgic flavors of gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate into an easy-to-bake dessert. Perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering, a summer barbecue, or a cozy night in—these bars require just four simple ingredients: graham crackers, chocolate chips, marshmallows, and butter. With a quick preparation time and minimal effort, you can whip up this irresistible dessert that is sure to impress guests of all ages. Enjoy them chilled or warm, with creative serving suggestions like pairing them with ice cream or fresh fruit for an even more satisfying experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 4 cups chocolate chips
- 1 package mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well mixed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Bake for about 8 minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the crust. Top with mini marshmallows.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes until marshmallows are golden brown.
- Let cool at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for easier cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
