Indulge in Homemade Bliss: The Ultimate Ooey Gooey S’mores Bars Recipe
Craving the classic taste of s’mores but without the hassle of a campfire? Look no further! These Ooey Gooey S’mores Bars are an absolute dream come true for anyone who loves that iconic combination of toasted marshmallow, melted chocolate, and crunchy graham cracker. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, and deliver all the nostalgic flavor you adore in a convenient, irresistible bar form.
A Quick Look At The Recipe
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Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Servings
16 Bars
Difficulty
Easy
Calories *
229 kcal per serving
Technique
Make graham crust, layer chocolate and marshmallows, and condensed milk and bake.
Flavor Profile
Graham cracker crust with milk chocolate and caramelized marshmallows!
* Based on nutrition panel
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Why These S’mores Bars Are Your New Favorite Dessert
Imagine a chewy, soft, and utterly decadent treat that captures the essence of a perfectly toasted s’more, all within a neat, portable bar. That’s exactly what you get with these incredible S’mores Bars. The top layer of beautifully toasted marshmallows, combined with a secret ingredient – caramelized sweetened condensed milk – takes these bars to an entirely new level of deliciousness. Once you taste them, you’ll understand why it’s so hard to stop at just one.
Just made these last night, and I have to say, you are a GENIUS!!! I’ve been craving s’mores for weeks when I came across your recipe. It will definitely be my go to recipe when I need a fix of marshmallows!!! I died and went to heaven! Thank you so much. You’ve created a S’mores bar monster! LOL!!!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Michelle
S’mores have always held a special place in my heart, a blend of childhood nostalgia and a deep affection for graham cracker crusts. If you share this love, you’ll want to explore my other s’mores creations, like these Chewy S’mores Crumble Bars, No-Bake Golden Graham S’mores Bars, Toasted Marshmallow S’mores Ice Cream, and even Mini S’mores Cheesecakes. My No-Bake Whiskey S’mores Pie even had the honor of being a signature dessert during my time as Executive Pastry Chef at Restaurant Marc Forgione.
The Anatomy of a Perfect S’mores Bar
Creating the ultimate S’mores Bar is all about understanding the interplay of textures and flavors in each distinct layer. From the foundational crust to the glorious, golden topping, every component contributes to the irresistible magic of this dessert.
The Foundation: A Flawless Graham Cracker Crust
The journey to S’mores bar perfection begins with an impeccable graham cracker crust. I credit Averie’s recipe for this base, which is simply divine. It’s buttery, subtly sweet, and forms the ideal counterpoint to the rich layers above. Making this crust is surprisingly straightforward: crushed graham crackers, melted butter, a touch of dark brown sugar for depth, and cornstarch for structure. The resulting crust is sturdy enough to hold its shape but tender enough to melt in your mouth.
The Heart: Melted Milk Chocolate Bliss
Next comes the layer that truly defines a S’more: the chocolate. While my palate has evolved over the years, there’s no denying that Hershey’s milk chocolate bars are quintessential to the authentic S’mores experience. Their classic, creamy sweetness is a magical surprise when layered over the graham cracker crust. I like to arrange them in neat rows, but if you’re feeling a bit wild and want more chocolate, go for it! Just be warned, these bars are inherently sweet, so a little restraint goes a long way to maintain balance. To complement the Hershey’s, I also sprinkle Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips. Why two types? Because you get the nostalgic flavor of Hershey’s alongside the superior melt and richness of Ghirardelli – the best of both worlds!
The Crown: Toasted Marshmallow Perfection
No S’mores bar is complete without a generous topping of marshmallows. Mini marshmallows are the star here, transforming into golden, gooey clouds in the oven. For those with an “unnatural obsession” (you know who you are!) with mini marshmallows, feel absolutely free to pile them high! In this case, more truly is more. The fluffy, caramelized marshmallows provide that signature stretchy, sticky texture that makes S’mores so irresistible.
The Secret Weapon: Caramelized Sweetened Condensed Milk
What truly elevates these S’mores Bars, setting them apart from other recipes, is the simple yet brilliant addition of sweetened condensed milk drizzled over the top. As it bakes in the oven, this milky elixir caramelizes on top of the marshmallows, creating a deeply flavorful, slightly chewy, and perfectly golden crust that replicates the campfire char without any of the smoke or fuss. Do you see that caramelized goodness in the photo? That’s the magic!
This ingenious step adds an unparalleled depth of flavor and texture, mimicking that perfect slightly-burnt sugar taste you get from a marshmallow roasted over an open flame. It’s a game-changer for homemade S’mores bars.
Baking These S’mores Bars: An Effortless Process
One of the most appealing aspects of these S’mores Bars is how quickly and effortlessly they come together. In fact, it was one of the fastest desserts I’ve ever made. The most “laborious” step is crushing the graham crackers, which can be quite therapeutic. Simply place them in a ziplock bag and use a rolling pin, a can, or even your hand to break them down into fine crumbs. Or, to save even more time, simply buy pre-crushed graham cracker crumbs! You’ll have these bars assembled before your oven even finishes preheating.
This ease of preparation makes them a fantastic choice for a fun baking project with children. It’s a dessert that almost anyone can master, offering a delightful experience in the kitchen and an even more delightful reward!
For the graham cracker crust, I use AverieCooks’ fantastic recipe, ensuring a perfectly balanced base for our S’mores masterpiece.
Ooey Gooey S’mores Bars
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Ingredients
For the Bars:
- 3 oz Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bars (2 bars)
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips
- 7 oz sweetened condensed milk (about ½ a can)
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (~10 sheets)
- ¾ cups dark brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- pinch of salt optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish by buttering it thoroughly or lining it with criss-crossed parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the bars out later.
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To make the graham cracker crumbs, either crush whole graham cracker sheets into fine crumbs or use pre-made crumbs for convenience. A fun, therapeutic method is to place the sheets in a ziplock plastic bag and gently whack them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a can until finely crushed.
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Melt the butter in a medium, microwave-safe bowl. Add the graham cracker crumbs, dark brown sugar, and cornstarch to the melted butter. Mix everything until well combined and the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish to form the crust.
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Carefully arrange the Hershey’s milk chocolate bars in a single layer over the graham cracker crust. Feel free to break them into smaller pieces to cover the surface as much as possible, creating a wonderful melted chocolate layer.
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Generously sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the chocolate layer. If you’re a true marshmallow enthusiast, don’t hold back! Pile them high to ensure every bite is packed with gooey goodness.
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Evenly scatter the milk chocolate chips over the marshmallow layer. This adds extra chocolatey pockets and a beautiful visual appeal to the finished bars.
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Drizzle the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the marshmallows and chocolate chips. There’s no need to cover every inch; an uneven drizzle works perfectly, allowing for delightful pockets of caramelization. If you have leftover condensed milk, you can store it in a small airtight container or freezer baggie in the freezer for future use. Just be sure to label it!
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Place the S’mores Bars into the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are beautifully golden brown and caramelized on top. For a darker, slightly “burnt” s’mores flavor, bake a few minutes longer, but watch them closely to avoid burning.
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Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes. While still warm, gently run a metal spatula or knife around the edges of the marshmallows to prevent them from sticking to the dish. Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before attempting to cut them. This is crucial for achieving clean, perfectly formed bars; otherwise, you’ll have a wonderfully messy (but still delicious!) pile.
Nutrition
Tips for Perfect S’mores Bars and Serving Suggestions
To ensure your S’mores Bars turn out absolutely perfect every time, remember these key tips:
- Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh marshmallows and good quality chocolate for the best flavor. While Hershey’s provides nostalgia, using a higher quality milk chocolate chip for the sprinkle can enhance the overall taste.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the marshmallows. You want them golden and toasted, not burnt (unless that’s your specific preference!).
- Cool Completely: This is perhaps the most important tip. Resisting the urge to cut into warm, gooey bars is tough, but it’s essential for clean, defined squares. If you cut them too soon, they will be a delicious, but messy, pile.
- Storage: Store leftover S’mores Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For an extra treat, warm them slightly in the microwave before serving to bring back that ooey-gooey texture.
These bars are fantastic on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an even more decadent experience. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking can also enhance the chocolate flavor and balance the sweetness.
Variations to Explore
While the classic S’mores combination is unbeatable, feel free to experiment with these delicious variations:
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Swap out some or all of the milk chocolate for dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate bars for a richer, less sweet profile.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drizzle a little melted peanut butter over the chocolate layer before adding marshmallows for a delightful twist.
- Flavored Marshmallows: If you can find them, try using flavored marshmallows (like strawberry or caramel) for a unique spin.
- Nutty Addition: Add a layer of chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts) on top of the chocolate for extra crunch and flavor.
- Cookie Crust: Instead of graham crackers, try an OREO cookie crust for a chocolatey base.
Before You Go: Your Next Sweet Indulgence Awaits
I genuinely hope you enjoyed this professionally crafted recipe for Ooey Gooey S’mores Bars. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a touch of culinary insight, can create truly unforgettable desserts. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your sweet journey, these bars are a perfect choice.
Don’t forget to explore all our other delicious brownies & bars recipes for more inspiration. Or, if you’re looking for another easy, comforting dessert that uses a baking dish, why not try my incredible Pumpkin Dump Cake recipe?
Happy baking, and enjoy every blissful bite!