Smores Bars Recipe

The Ultimate S’mores Bars Recipe: Gooey Campfire Magic at Home

S’mores bars embody the quintessential campfire dessert enhanceed into an irresistible treat.

Sweet memories dance across these layered confections, blending childhood nostalgia with pure culinary delight.

Graham cracker crumbs create a sturdy foundation for the decadent combination of melted chocolate and pillowy marshmallows.

Texture and taste intertwine in a harmonious symphony that beckons both young and seasoned sweet enthusiasts.

Crafting these bars requires minimal kitchen skills and maximum enjoyment, making them a foolproof dessert for any occasion.

Each bite promises a whimsical journey through comfort and indulgence, transporting you to carefree summer evenings.

Prepare to fall in love with this simple yet magical dessert that guarantees smiles all around.

Gooey S’mores Bars That Will Melt Your Heart

  • Craft Layered Texture Delight: These s'mores bars offer a perfect harmony of crispy graham cracker base, smooth chocolate layer, and fluffy marshmallow topping that creates an irresistible multi-dimensional eating experience.
  • Elevate Classic Campfire Treat: Transform the traditional s'mores into an elegant dessert that brings nostalgic camping memories right to your kitchen with professional bakery-style presentation and gourmet preparation techniques.
  • Impressive Yet Achievable Challenge: Despite multiple complex steps involving precise temperature control and technical cooking methods like whisking egg whites and creating marshmallow fluff, this recipe provides an exciting culinary adventure for intermediate home bakers wanting to expand their skills.
  • Make-Ahead Crowd-Pleaser: Conveniently prepare these bars in advance, store them refrigerated for up to five days, and effortlessly serve a delightful dessert that will wow friends and family at gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend celebrations.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect S’mores Bars

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers: Classic base for smores with a sweet, crumbly texture and traditional campfire flavor.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides moisture and helps compress the crust into a solid base.
Chocolate Layer Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Rich, melty chocolate core that mimics traditional smores flavor.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates smooth, creamy chocolate filling with rich texture.
Marshmallow Topping Ingredients:
  • Egg Whites: Creates light, fluffy marshmallow texture with stable structure.
  • Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes egg whites during whipping process.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create glossy marshmallow meringue.
  • Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and adds smooth consistency.
  • Water: Helps dissolve sugar and create syrup for marshmallow topping.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to marshmallow layer.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

How to Make Irresistible S’mores Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with foil for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Graham Cracker Base

Gather ingredients for crust:
  • Graham crackers
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Melted butter

Pulse graham crackers, sugar, and salt in food processor until finely ground. Mix in melted butter until mixture becomes moist. Press firmly into prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool in refrigerator.

Step 3: Craft Chocolate Layer

Combine:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Condensed milk

Melt ingredients in small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Pour over cooled crust. Refrigerate.

Step 4: Whip Egg Whites

Use electric mixer with whisk attachment. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form, approximately 7 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare Syrup

Combine in saucepan:
  • Sugar
  • Corn syrup
  • Water
  • Salt

Bring to boil without stirring. Heat until reaching 240°F on candy thermometer, about 8 minutes.

Step 6: Create Marshmallow Topping

Gradually add hot syrup to egg whites while mixer runs on low speed. Increase speed to medium-high. Continue mixing 6-7 minutes. Add vanilla extract near end of mixing.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

Spread marshmallow topping evenly over chocolate layer. Brown top using kitchen torch or broiler, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for 1 hour. Slice into squares. Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips for Making the Ultimate S’mores Bars

  • Crush Crackers Perfectly: Use a food processor for uniform graham cracker crumbs, ensuring a consistent and crisp crust that holds together beautifully.
  • Temperature Control Matters: Watch your candy thermometer carefully when making marshmallow topping to hit exactly 240°F for the perfect glossy, stable meringue.
  • Smooth Chocolate Technique: Stir chocolate and condensed milk constantly over low heat to prevent burning and achieve a silky, even chocolate layer.
  • Whip Egg Whites Strategically: Beat egg whites slowly at first, then increase mixer speed to create stable, voluminous marshmallow topping that holds its shape.
  • Torch with Caution: When browning the marshmallow top, move quickly and keep the torch moving to avoid burning, creating a golden, toasty surface without charring.

Storing and Reheating S’mores Bars

  • Refrigeration: Carefully place s'mores bars in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping the bars fresh and delicious.
  • Room Temperature: Let bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the chocolate and marshmallow layers. This brings out the rich, gooey texture that makes these treats irresistible.
  • Reheating: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain their soft, creamy consistency. Avoid overheating, which can cause the marshmallow to become tough or the chocolate to separate.

Pairing S’mores Bars with Delicious Sides

  • Pair with Sweet Sips: Enjoy these decadent s'mores bars alongside a cold glass of milk or creamy hot chocolate. The richness of chocolate complements the marshmallow's sweetness perfectly.
  • Match with Fruity Contrast: Serve with raspberry sorbet or a tart berry compote. The bright, tangy flavors cut through the dense chocolate and marshmallow, creating a balanced dessert experience.
  • Boost with Coffee Companion: Brew a strong espresso or cappuccino to accompany these bars. The robust coffee notes enhance the deep chocolate flavor and provide a delightful grown-up twist to this childhood-inspired treat.
  • Elevate with Nutty Sidekick: Include a handful of toasted almonds or pecans on the side. Their crunchy texture and subtle nuttiness add depth and complexity to each bite of the gooey s'mores bars.

Creative Variations of S’mores Bars

  • Campfire Classic: Swap kitchen torch for graham cracker crust sprinkled with smoked sea salt, enhancing traditional s'mores flavor profile.
  • Nutty Chocolate Companion: Mix chopped almonds or pecans into chocolate layer for added crunch and deeper nutty undertones.
  • Berry Summer Edition: Incorporate fresh raspberry or strawberry preserves between chocolate and marshmallow layers, creating fruity complexity.
  • Dark Chocolate Dream: Replace milk chocolate chips with rich dark chocolate containing 70% cocoa for more intense, sophisticated taste.
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Smores Bars Recipe

Smores Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Campfire-inspired S’mores Bars bring nostalgic graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow magic to your kitchen. Gooey layers of classic American summer flavors promise a delightful dessert experience you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Marshmallow Base:

  • 2 large egg whites
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

Flavorings and Stabilizers:

  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, ensuring easy extraction of the bars later.
  2. Pulverize graham crackers, granulated sugar, and salt in a food processor until finely ground. Incorporate melted unsalted butter, mixing until the crumb mixture becomes uniformly moist. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan’s bottom.
  3. Bake the graham cracker crust for 10 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to cool completely while preparing subsequent layers.
  4. Create the chocolate layer by combining chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk in a small saucepan. Melt over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. Pour the molten chocolate mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the refrigerator to set while preparing the marshmallow topping.
  6. In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form, approximately 7 minutes.
  7. Simultaneously, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and a pinch of salt in a separate saucepan. Heat over medium-high temperature without stirring until the syrup reaches exactly 240°F (116°C) on a candy thermometer, which typically takes about 8 minutes.
  8. With the mixer running at low speed, carefully stream the hot syrup along the bowl’s side while whisking continuously. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue beating for an additional 6-7 minutes.
  9. Add vanilla extract during the final minute of mixing, ensuring the marshmallow topping becomes light, fluffy, and glossy.
  10. Spread the marshmallow topping uniformly over the chocolate layer, creating elegant peaks and swirls.
  11. Using a kitchen torch, carefully brown the marshmallow surface until golden and slightly caramelized. Alternatively, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  12. Refrigerate the completed dessert for a minimum of one hour to allow complete setting. Slice into squares and serve chilled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Notes

  • Chill the bars completely before cutting to ensure clean, picture-perfect slices that hold their shape.
  • Torching marshmallow topping creates a delightful caramelized flavor and golden-brown exterior that elevates the entire dessert experience.
  • Homemade marshmallow layer transforms ordinary bar cookies into an extraordinary treat with professional bakery-quality texture and taste.
  • Using an electric mixer ensures smooth, fluffy marshmallow topping without lumps or inconsistent texture.
  • Precise temperature control when making sugar syrup guarantees perfect marshmallow consistency every single time.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 130 kcal
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 0.1 g
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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