S’mores Bars: The Ultimate No-Campfire Treat

Have you ever craved the taste of campfire s’mores but didn’t want to deal with the hassle of starting a fire? Chances are, you’re not alone. According to a survey by Statista, 63% of people in the U.S. prefer making treats at home rather than outdoors. Enter S’mores Bars—a delightful, gooey, and easy-to-make dessert that packs all the flavor of traditional s’mores into a convenient bar form. In this blog post, we will walk you through a simple and mouth-watering recipe, while also providing tips and tricks for making the perfect S’mores Bars.

Ingredients Needed

To bring your S’mores Bars to life, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs (2 cups): These provide the essential base and crunchy texture. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using crushed gluten-free cookies instead.

• Powdered Sugar (½ cup): This adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together. For a healthier choice, you might try coconut sugar.

• Butter (8 to 12 tablespoons, melted): Rich and buttery goodness holds the crust together. Substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

• Hershey’s Chocolate Bars (4 bars, 4.4 oz each): This classic chocolate is a staple in many s’mores recipes. Feel free to experiment with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor.

• Mini Marshmallows (10 ounces, 1 package): These are the stars of the show! You can opt for organic marshmallows if you’re keen on a more natural treat.

Timing

Making S’mores Bars takes approximately 90 minutes, including preparation and cooking time. That’s 20% less time than the average dessert recipe, allowing you to indulge sooner!

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Cooling time: 60 minutes

How to Make S’mores Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan with non-stick butter spray. This step ensures your S’mores Bars come out easily once they’re done baking.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Base

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Using a spoon, mix until well incorporated.

Step 3: Pack the Base

Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of the pan. Make sure to pack it firmly—it’s crucial for the structure of your bars!

Step 4: Bake the Base

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 5 to 8 minutes, until the edges start to turn golden brown. Remove it from the oven and let it cool.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate

Lay the Hershey’s bars atop the cooled crust, covering it as much as possible. Return the pan to the oven for about 3 minutes, just long enough for the chocolate to melt nicely.

Step 6: Add the Marshmallows

When the chocolate is shiny, take the pan out and let it cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Then, pack the marshmallows closely on top of the melted chocolate.

Step 7: Broil the Marshmallows

Switch your oven to broil and put the pan back in. Keep an eye on it—broil for up to 2 minutes until the marshmallows turn golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Cut

Once perfectly toasted, remove the pan, let it cool completely, and cut into bars before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 16 servings), your S’mores Bars will contain:

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 2g

These delicious bars provide a sweet treat while remaining an indulgent occasion dessert.

Healthier Alternatives For S’mores Bars

If you’re looking for a healthier twist, here are a few substitutions you can make:

• Use whole grain graham crackers for added fiber.
• Swap out butter for a healthier fat alternative like applesauce or coconut oil.
• Reduce sugar content by using less powdered sugar or incorporating honey instead.
• Try adding peanut butter between layers for extra flavor and protein.

Serving Suggestions

S’mores Bars are incredibly versatile. Here are a few creative serving ideas:

• Top with a drizzle of dark chocolate for an extra indulgence.
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
• Pair with fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, to cut through the sweetness.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

To ensure your S’mores Bars turn out perfectly, watch out for these common mistakes:

• Not packing the crust tightly can lead to crumbly bars.
• Overcooking the marshmallows during broiling—stay vigilant!
• Using cold butter in the crust mixture can prevent your bars from binding properly.

Storing Tips For S’mores Bars

Upon cooling, store your S’mores Bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their gooey texture. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, but make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for optimal enjoyment.

Conclusion

Now that you have the complete guide to making delicious S’mores Bars, it’s time to get in the kitchen! Not only do these bars deliver on flavor, but they also capture the essence of a classic campfire treat without the mess. We invite you to try this recipe and share your baking triumphs in the comments below. Don’t forget to explore more of our dessert recipes for more delicious options!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make S’mores Bars in advance?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with your favorite chocolate or even a combination of milk, dark, and white chocolates for a unique twist.

Are S’mores Bars gluten-free?

To make S’mores Bars gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham crackers or another suitable alternative.

How can I make these bars more chocolatey?

Add mini chocolate chips in addition to or in place of the Hershey’s bars for an extra chocolatey experience!

Are S’mores Bars suitable for kids?

Absolutely! This fun, no-bake recipe is perfect for children and can be a great way to involve them in the kitchen!

Now it’s over to you—let’s get baking!

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