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To create these S'mores Dream Bars, you will need: - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/3 cup brown sugar - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows - 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional) These simple ingredients come together to make a treat that everyone loves. You can easily swap some ingredients for your needs: - Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free option. - Replace cocoa powder with carob powder for a different flavor. - If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar works too. - Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version. These swaps keep the spirit of the bars while catering to different diets. Feel free to customize your bars with these add-ins: - Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts for extra crunch. - Use white chocolate chips for a sweeter touch. - Mix in crushed candy bars for a fun twist. - Try adding a pinch of sea salt on top for a flavor boost. These optional add-ins make the bars unique and fun to share! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, brown sugar, salt, butter, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and nuts if you want. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave a little overhang to help remove the bars later. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and salt. Stir until it is well combined. Pour in the melted butter and mix. You want it to look like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will form your crust. Bake the crust in the oven for 10 minutes. After baking, take it out and let it cool for 5 minutes. Now, sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust. Then, add the mini marshmallows on top. If you choose to use nuts, sprinkle them over the marshmallows. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. Look for golden brown and gooey marshmallows. This will give your bars a special texture and taste. Once baked, take the S'mores Dream Bars out of the oven. Let them cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out easily. Cut them into squares. For a fun touch, drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving. Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board with extra chocolate pieces for decoration. Adding toasted mini marshmallows on top makes them look even better! To make the best S'more Bars, I recommend using fresh ingredients. Fresh marshmallows melt better and give a nice gooey texture. Use high-quality chocolate chips for a rich flavor. If you prefer dark chocolate, go for it! It adds a deep taste to the bars. When mixing the crust, make sure the butter is fully melted. This helps the crumbs stick together. Press the crust firmly into the pan. A well-pressed crust keeps the bars from falling apart. Bake it just until firm and slightly set. One common mistake is overbaking the marshmallows. Watch them closely as they bake. You want them golden and gooey, not burnt. If you bake too long, they can turn hard. Another mistake is using too many toppings. While nuts can add crunch, too many can overwhelm the flavors. Stick to one or two add-ins for balance. Lastly, don’t skip cooling time. Letting the bars cool helps them set properly. You can easily boost flavor with simple tweaks. Try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the crust. This small addition makes a big difference in taste. For a fun twist, mix in some peanut butter with the chocolate. Peanut butter and chocolate pair perfectly! You can also sprinkle sea salt on top before baking. The salt enhances the sweetness and adds a nice contrast. Lastly, drizzling melted chocolate on top adds a beautiful finish. It also makes the bars even more indulgent. Enjoy your S'more Bars as a delightful treat! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh mini marshmallows and chocolate chips for the best flavor and texture. Stale ingredients can affect the final outcome. Chill Before Cutting: After cooling, refrigerate the bars for about 15 minutes before cutting. This helps them set up better and makes slicing easier. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to customize your S'mores Dream Bars by adding flavored chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch. Double the Recipe: If you're serving a crowd, consider doubling the recipe and using a larger baking dish to ensure everyone gets a taste! {{image_2}} Get creative with your S'mores bars! You can add different flavors to make them special. Try peanut butter by mixing in 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter with the melted butter. This will give your bars a rich, nutty taste. You can also use caramel. Just drizzle warm caramel over the chocolate chips before adding marshmallows. These flavors will change the game! If you want a healthier treat, use oats or whole wheat flour. Swap out graham cracker crumbs with 1 cup of rolled oats or whole wheat flour. This change adds fiber and nutrients. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter. This option makes the bars dairy-free. Look for sugar substitutes like coconut sugar or honey for a lower calorie count. Make your S'mores bars fit the seasons. In fall, add pumpkin spice to the crust. Mix 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice into the graham cracker mixture. You can also use crushed candy canes during the winter holidays. Just sprinkle them on top of the marshmallows before baking. These small changes add fun flavors that match the time of year. To keep your S'mores Dream Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can layer parchment paper between bars to avoid sticking. Keep them in a cool, dry place. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is best. You can freeze S'more Bars for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. They will last up to three months in the freezer. When you want a bar, just take it out and let it thaw. To enjoy warm S'mores Bars again, reheat them in the oven. Preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. This will make the chocolate melty and the marshmallows gooey again. You can also microwave a single bar for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy the gooey goodness! Yes, you can make S'more Bars ahead of time. I often prepare them the night before a gathering. This way, they cool overnight and are ready to serve the next day. Just store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. S'more Bars stay fresh for about five days when stored properly. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving. Absolutely! You can use any chocolate you like. Milk chocolate gives a sweet flavor, while dark chocolate adds richness. White chocolate can also work well. If you want something special, try flavored chocolate, like mint or raspberry. The choice is yours! In this article, we explored how to make delicious s'more bars. We covered the ingredients, including substitutes and add-ins, to enhance flavor. I provided step-by-step instructions for preparation, baking, and serving. You learned vital tips to perfect your bars, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy various flavor options. Storing and reheating tips help keep your s'more bars fresh. Now, you have all the tools to bake amazing s'more bars, share with friends, and enjoy for yourself. Happy baking!

S'mores Dream Bars

Deliciously gooey bars combining graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or dark as per preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, for added crunch)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  • Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
  • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the warm crust, followed by the mini marshmallows. If using, add the chopped nuts on top.
  • Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and gooey.
  • Allow the S'mores Dream Bars to cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes before using the parchment overhang to lift them out.
  • Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

For an extra indulgent experience, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving.
Keyword bars, chocolate, dessert, marshmallows, s'mores