If you adore the nostalgic joy of campfire s’mores but crave something a bit more indulgent and sophisticated, this S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a luscious, creamy cheesecake layered right over a buttery graham cracker crust, swirled with rich melted chocolate, and crowned with perfectly toasted marshmallows that give you that classic campfire experience in every bite. These bars are a crowd-pleaser, effortlessly combining familiar flavors into a decadent dessert that feels both cozy and elegant at the same time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a breeze thanks to the simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial part — from that crunchy graham cracker base to the dreamy cream cheese filling and the delightfully toasted marshmallow topping.
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides the perfect sweet and crumbly crust foundation with a hint of honey flavor.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Binds the crust crumbs for that buttery, crisp texture you want.
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened: The star of the cheesecake, providing the rich and silky base.
- ½ cup sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right without overpowering.
- 2 eggs: Adds structure and a creamy consistency to the filling.
- ½ cup melted chocolate chips: Swirled into the filling for decadent bursts of chocolate throughout.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: The crowning glory — toasted to golden perfection for that signature s’mores finish.
How to Make S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start off by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the base of the pan, creating that all-important crust layer that supports the cheesecake filling beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Next, grab a mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese together with the sugar and eggs until the texture is silky smooth without any lumps. This step is essential for that creamy and dreamy cheesecake consistency you’re craving.
Step 3: Assemble and Swirl
Pour the cheesecake mixture over your prepared crust, smoothing it out evenly. Now comes the fun part: drizzle the melted chocolate chips over the top and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the chocolate into the cheesecake for gorgeous marbled pockets of chocolatey goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bars in your preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes, until the center is just about set but still slightly jiggly. This ensures that the bars are creamy and not overcooked. Once baked, allow them to cool completely to set up nicely.
Step 5: Toast the Marshmallows
Finally, sprinkle mini marshmallows generously over the top of the cooled bars. Turn your oven’s broiler on and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely until the marshmallows puff up and toast to a beautiful golden brown. This step captures that classic s’mores flair and adds textural contrast.
How to Serve S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe even more, consider adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top right after broiling. A few whole mini marshmallows or a dusting of cocoa powder can also add delightful visual appeal and extra flavor layers.
Side Dishes
These bars are rich and satisfying on their own but make an incredible pairing with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a fruity raspberry coulis to cut through the sweetness. A warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or even a cold glass of milk complements these bars perfectly for a balanced indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these bars on a rustic wooden board for a cozy gathering or plate individual squares on dessert plates with a toasted marshmallow skewer on the side for a playful twist. You could even package them as delightful homemade gifts, wrapped with twine and a handwritten tag for a personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe pieces keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled firm up the bars and maintain that luscious texture while preserving freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
If you prefer your cheesecake bars a bit warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until just warmed through, but avoid overdoing it as the marshmallow top can melt quickly. Warmed bars bring out the chocolate’s gooey notes beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, but you may want to cut standard marshmallows into smaller pieces for more even coverage and faster toasting. Mini marshmallows toast more evenly and quickly, which helps achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.
What kind of chocolate chips work best for this recipe?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal because they provide a balanced chocolate flavor without being too bitter or too sweet. However, feel free to experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate based on your preference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies to keep the crust crumbly and delicious without gluten.
Why should I chill the bars before slicing?
Chilling the bars for at least 2 hours helps them set properly, making clean, neat slices much easier. Without chilling, the bars might crumble or look messy when cut.
Is it possible to double this recipe?
Yes, doubling the recipe works well. Use a larger pan, like a 9×13-inch, and adjust baking time slightly, keeping a close eye to avoid overbaking. The layers and flavors hold up beautifully even in bigger batches.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that brings all those warm, nostalgic campfire vibes right into your kitchen, this S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try. Decadent yet approachable, every bite delivers creamy, chocolaty, and toasty marshmallow magic that’s sure to wow your friends and family. Go ahead — bake a batch, share the love, and savor that irresistible blend of classic favorite flavors with a rich cheesecake twist!
Print
S’mores Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These S’mores Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nostalgic flavors of campfire s’mores. Featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling swirled with melted chocolate, and a toasted mini marshmallow topping, these bars deliver a decadent layered dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup butter, melted
Filling
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup melted chocolate chips
Topping
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake bars.
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until fully combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking pan to form an even crust layer.
- Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and eggs together until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust in the pan. Drizzle the melted chocolate chips over the filling, then gently swirl the chocolate into the batter using a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is nearly set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool the bars: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
- Add marshmallow topping and broil: Evenly spread the mini marshmallows over the cooled cheesecake bars. Place the pan under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully until the marshmallows are toasted golden brown.
- Chill before serving: Allow the bars to cool again, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up before slicing into 9 neat bars.
Notes
- Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing to ensure clean, firm bars.
- Store the cheesecake bars in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Watch the marshmallows closely when broiling to prevent burning.
- For easier cleanup, line the baking pan with parchment paper allowing for easy removal of bars.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
