If you’ve ever found yourself craving the nostalgic comfort of campfire treats but without the actual campfire, then this S’mores Bar Recipe: Gooey, Chocolatey Campfire-Inspired Oven-Baked Dessert Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It captures all the magic of those gooey marshmallow toasts and melted chocolate bites, but in an easy-to-make, oven-baked bar form. These bars are perfectly golden and sticky with a crispy graham cracker crust that holds a luscious blanket of sweetened condensed milk, topped with melty chocolate chips and fluffy marshmallows. It’s that perfect bite of childhood sweetness that’s quick enough for any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple by relying on a few key ingredients, each chosen to bring out the classic s’mores flavors while adding texture and richness. From the buttery graham cracker base to the soft, marshmallowy topping, each component plays a vital role in making this dessert truly irresistible.
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides the crisp, slightly sweet foundation that holds everything together.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the crust for that perfect crunch.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: Gives a creamy, sweet base layer that adds gooeyness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cups mini marshmallows: Melts to a fluffy, golden topping that’s soft and inviting.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of rich, chocolatey goodness complementing the marshmallows perfectly.
How to Make S’mores Bar Recipe: Gooey, Chocolatey Campfire-Inspired Oven-Baked Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nice and ready for baking. Line your 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and less mess, a little trick that will save you both time and stress later on.
Step 2: Create the Graham Cracker Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Stir them together until all the crumbs are evenly coated and pack the mixture firmly into the prepared pan. This crust is the crunchy base that will support the gooey toppings beautifully, so press it down well but don’t compact it too hard.
Step 3: Pour on the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Next, pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust. This layer is what makes the bars luxuriously creamy and sweet, giving that signature gooey texture that everyone loves in s’mores.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate and Marshmallows
Scatter the chocolate chips evenly over the condensed milk layer, then top everything with the mini marshmallows. The marshmallows will puff up and turn golden as they bake, creating that perfect soft fluff topping that melts right into the chocolate.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection and Cool
Bake the bars for 20 to 25 minutes until the marshmallows are golden on top and everything is melting together wonderfully. Once out of the oven, allow the bars to cool completely — this makes cutting easier and lets those layers set just the right way without losing their gooey magic.
How to Serve S’mores Bar Recipe: Gooey, Chocolatey Campfire-Inspired Oven-Baked Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before serving to elevate the chocolate flavor and balance the sweetness. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add extra flair if you want to impress guests with your creative touch.
Side Dishes
This dessert excels on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of warm, gooey bars and cool, creamy sides makes every bite unforgettable. Fresh berries can add a refreshing note to cut through the sweetness too!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars in rustic wooden trays for a campfire vibe at your next gathering or cut into bite-sized squares for a fun party tray. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming take-home treat or gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days. The bars will maintain their gooey texture but chilling them may slightly firm up the marshmallows and chocolate.
Freezing
You can freeze these s’mores bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently in the oven for that freshly baked experience.
Reheating
To bring back their warmth and softness, reheat the bars in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. Be careful not to overheat or the marshmallows might harden. A quick zap in the microwave for 15–20 seconds can also revive the gooey goodness.
FAQs
Can I use jumbo marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Absolutely! If using jumbo marshmallows, simply cut them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly and cover the bars properly.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and look for dairy-free chocolate chips and sweetened condensed coconut milk to make a vegan-friendly version.
What pan size is best for this recipe?
A 9×9-inch square pan is perfect to achieve the right thickness and baking time, but an 8×8-inch pan will work if you want thicker bars — just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped toasted pecans, almonds, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut can add interesting texture and flavor to the bars.
Why should I use parchment paper?
Using parchment paper makes it so much easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they’re baked and cooled, giving you clean edges and less stickiness to worry about.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a dessert that reminds you of childhood campfire moments, and this S’mores Bar Recipe: Gooey, Chocolatey Campfire-Inspired Oven-Baked Dessert Recipe does exactly that, all while being so easy to make in your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, delight your family, or simply treat yourself, these bars deliver on nostalgia and deliciousness in every bite. Give it a try and bring a little warmth and sweetness to your day!
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S’mores Bar Recipe: Gooey, Chocolatey Campfire-Inspired Oven-Baked Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the classic flavors of campfire s’mores in a convenient oven-baked bar form, featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust layered with sweetened condensed milk, melted chocolate chips, and gooey marshmallows for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup butter, melted
Filling & Topping
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bars.
- Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan to form an even crust layer.
- Add Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the graham cracker crust, ensuring full coverage to help bind and sweeten the bars.
- Layer Chocolate and Marshmallows: Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the condensed milk layer, then top with the mini marshmallows to create the gooey finishing layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown and the filling is bubbly and gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares. This helps them set for easier cutting and serving.
Notes
- Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.
- For best flavor and texture, serve the bars slightly warm to enjoy the melty chocolate and marshmallows.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
