S’mores Bars

Indoor S’mores Bars bring the nostalgic flavors of campfire s’mores—graham crackers, melty chocolate, and toasted vegan marshmallows—into your kitchen. They’re less messy, easy to make, and perfect for parties, bake sales, or rainy day fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious bars in no time.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These S’mores Bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering or celebration.
• No Mess: Enjoy all the flavors of traditional s’mores without the hassle of a campfire.
• Versatile Treat: Change up the chocolate types or add nuts for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Get the little ones involved in making these tasty bars—they’ll love helping out!

Tools and Preparation

To create these delightful S’mores Bars, you’ll need some essential tools to make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Oven mitts

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking pan: Ensures even cooking and proper shaping of your bars.
• Mixing bowls: Allows for easy combining of ingredients without mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Guarantees accurate ingredient portions for perfect results.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for mixing and scraping down sides to avoid waste.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 cups Graham cracker crumbs (About 14 full crackers)
• 1/2 cup Butter (Melted)
• 1/4 cup Brown sugar (Packed)
• 1 pinch Salt (Optional)

For the Filling

• 4 bars Hershey’s chocolate (Roughly chopped)
• 1 cup Chocolate chips (Semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• 1/3 cup Heavy cream
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract (Optional)

For Topping

• 1 1/2 cups Mini vegan marshmallows
• 1/2 cup Large vegan marshmallows (Cut in half or quarters)

How to Make S’mores Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the Graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate Mixture

In a saucepan over low heat, combine chopped Hershey’s chocolate, chocolate chips, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until melted and smooth. Pour this chocolate mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

Step 5: Add Marshmallows

Top the melted chocolate with mini vegan marshmallows and arrange large vegan marshmallows cut side up on top.

Step 6: Toast Marshmallows

Return to oven for another 5-7 minutes or until marshmallows are toasted to your liking.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the S’mores Bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!

How to Serve S’mores Bars

S’mores Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or having a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

For a Classic Dessert

• Serve warm: Enjoy the bars straight from the oven for a melty chocolate and marshmallow experience.
• Add ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top adds creaminess and contrast to the bars.

For Family Gatherings

• Individual servings: Cut the bars into small squares for easy serving; perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Pair with fruit: Fresh strawberries or bananas complement the sweetness of the bars and add freshness.

For Special Occasions

• Garnish with toppings: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top before serving.
• Create a s’mores platter: Include graham crackers, chocolate squares, and marshmallows for guests to build their own treats.

How to Perfect S’mores Bars

Creating the ideal S’mores Bars can be simple with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your bars turn out delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh graham crackers and chocolate enhance flavor and texture, making your bars even tastier.
• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on your crust while baking; you want it lightly golden but not burnt.
• Experiment with chocolates: Try using dark chocolate or flavored chocolates for a unique twist on classic s’mores.
• Ensure even marshmallow toasting: Rotate your baking dish halfway through to achieve uniform toasting of the marshmallows.
• Cool completely before slicing: Allowing the bars to cool helps them set properly, making slicing easier and cleaner.

Best Side Dishes for S’mores Bars

S’mores Bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes that can enhance your dessert experience. Consider adding these tasty options to your menu.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
2. Ice Cream Sundae Bar – Set up toppings like nuts, sprinkles, and syrups for guests to create their own sundaes alongside the s’mores.
3. Chocolate Fondue – A warm pot of melted chocolate allows for dipping fruits, pretzels, or extra graham crackers.
4. Popcorn Mix – Sweet popcorn mixed with chocolate and nuts makes for a fun snack that complements s’mores flavors.
5. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses pairs surprisingly well with sweet treats and adds variety to your spread.
6. Milkshakes – Creamy milkshakes in flavors like vanilla or chocolate make an indulgent pairing with S’mores Bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making S’mores Bars can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes you should avoid:

• Using uncrushed crackers: Not crushing the Graham crackers finely enough can lead to a crust that doesn’t hold together well. Make sure to crush them into fine crumbs for the best texture.
• Skipping the butter: Forgetting to add melted butter can result in a dry crust. Ensure you mix the butter thoroughly with the cracker crumbs before baking.
• Overbaking the crust: Baking the crust too long can make it hard and difficult to slice later. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven once it’s lightly golden.
• Not using enough chocolate: Using less chocolate than recommended can make your bars less indulgent. Stick to the specified amount for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
• Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into the bars before they cool completely can cause them to fall apart. Allow them to cool at room temperature before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store S’mores Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing S’mores Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating S’mores Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just until warm.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through, taking care not to burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making S’mores Bars:

Can I use different types of chocolate for S’mores Bars?

Yes! You can substitute dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even flavored chocolates based on your preference.

How do I make vegan S’mores Bars?

Use plant-based butter instead of regular butter and ensure that all chocolates and marshmallows are vegan-friendly.

Can I customize my S’mores Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or other candies into your mixture for added flavor and texture.

How long do S’mores Bars last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.

What is the best way to cut S’mores Bars?

Use a sharp knife that has been warmed (by dipping it in hot water) and dried off before cutting. This helps create clean slices without sticking.

Final Thoughts

Indoor S’mores Bars capture all the joy of traditional s’mores while being easy and mess-free. From parties to cozy nights at home, these bars offer versatility and fun! Don’t hesitate to customize with your favorite ingredients—be creative!