When you don't have a campfire, these Smores Bars are perfectly easy with a crunchy graham cracker crust, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallows on top!
**This post has been edited with new copy, photos, and a slight recipe upgrade in September 2020. I hope you enjoy!**
We took the kids camping this weekend -- and there was a lot of build-up leading into this weekend which I was a little nervous about because I wasn't sure if they would actually like it but OH, MAN! The kids had a total blast. The worst part? We have to go again!
When I originally published this post on s'mores bars two years ago with some of the most God awful pictures, here's what I said about camping:
I've always really liked the idea of camping, but I'm never thrilled to actually go. There's all of the equipment you have to lug in and out, and your reward at the end of the day is to sleep on an uncomfortable bed in the excessive heat or cold? Nah, I'm good. Maybe in my next life I'll be super outdoorsy, drive a Subaru, and drip dry my way to the mountains once in awhile. And when I just can't face the pressures of the real world (isn't that what wine's for?) I'll load up my hatchback, pack some hotdogs, and drive away blasting "Life is A Highway" until I get to some remote woods. But in this stage of life -- when showers are already infrequent and little people are always around -- when I get a weekend away, it'll be in a place with a pillow-top mattress and black-out curtains uh-thank-you-very-much.
I was certainly feeling sassy that day -- but I must say, my feelings on camping haven't changed a single bit. I'm glad my kids really loved it though. I see more camping trips in my future, and mum's the word on mom's true feelings.
One Thing We Can Agree on: S'mores Bars are Amazing
Even if you're an avid camper and don't agree with any of the above, we can agree on s'mores bars being delicious and being absolutely essential to any summer or fall dessert menu. Here's what I love about these ones in particular:
- Can be made in 20 minutes
- Require only the basic ingredients
- Don't need a campfire, just a minimal amount of oven time (you could get by with a no-bake crust if you were okay with a much thinner crust like on this no bake strawberry cheesecake)
How to Make Smores Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Spread out the graham cracker mixture in a 8x8 cake pan lined with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray (just to ensure there is zero sticking...I know this is a little excessive). Set aside.
Step 2: Make your Crust
Process graham crackers, salt, and sugar in a food processor until there's only crumbs. Add melted butter and pulse until the mixture turns into the consistency of wet sand. Pour graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the pan and press crumbs down using a measuring cup. Bake at 350˚ F for 12-15 minutes. Let cool.
Step 3: Top with Chocolate and Marshmallows
Meanwhile, melt chocolate and vanilla extract in the microwave in 30 second increments so it doesn't' burn. Pour melted chocolate over the cooled graham cracker crust, then add about 3 cups of mini marshmallows in a single layer over the chocolate. Gently push down on the marshmallows so they are resting in the chocolate.
Step 4: Broil, Baby, Broil
This is where YOU HAVE TO BE SO CAREFUL (YES! I'm YELLING!) because broilers are dangerously hot and marshmallows are so easily burnable. (True story -- I recently made these again for the fam and burned the heck out of the marshmallows because I wasn't paying attention. Instead of starting over, I just scraped the burnt marshmallows on top and added fresh ones and watched them in the broiler.)
Place s'mores until the broiler for about a minute. HOWEVER, if your broiler is very hot, then it could be even less.
Other Desserts You Can Make in a Flash
- Nothing Bundt Cake Copycat Vanilla Cake -- need I say more?
- Brownie Pizza Cake with Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries - a family favorite over here that uses our favorite boxed brownie mix
- Semi-Homemade Banana Pudding
- Bailey's Chocolate Poke Cake that uses chocolate cake mix because #shortcuts
- Easy Rainbow Cake that just makes everyone happy
- Apple Cider Poundcake as we transition into fall
xox,
kathryn
As always, if you make anything from the blog, be sure to let me know! I love hearing from you in the comments on this post below or find Worn Slap Out on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Easy S'mores Bars
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 2 packs of graham crackers (about 18 full crackers)
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (1 ½ sticks)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 cups milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line an 8x8" or 9x9" cake pan with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Process graham crackers, sugar, and salt in a food processor until the crackers are crumbs. Add the melted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Spread the graham cracker mixture into the square cake pan, pressing down firmly with a measuring cup until the mixture is packed (don't forget the sides, too).
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes. Let the graham crackers cool for a few minutes.
- Melt your chocolate and vanilla extract in the microwave very carefully in 30 second increments. Then stir and repeat process until all chocolate is melted. This will ensure your chocolate doesn't burn. Pour warm chocolate over the cooled graham cracker crust.
- Gently place about 3 cups of marshmallows over the chocolate in a single layer, pressing gently down on the marshmallows so they are securely resting in the chocolate.
- Place whole pan until the broiler for 1-2 minutes or until the marshmallows are toasted on top (DON'T LET THEM BURN!). Let the bars cool slightly before cutting them with a greased knife.
Notes
Arenthia
These look so yummy! And easy to make gluten free.
Kathryn
Yes, lady! I actually was thinking about you when I made them and how easily you could do these, too! <3