Smore Bars

Nothing beats the gooey, chocolatey goodness of Smore Bars when you want a taste of campfire comfort without leaving your kitchen. These bars bring together a buttery graham crust, rich melted chocolate, and perfectly toasted marshmallows in every bite. This recipe keeps the magic simple and reliable, so you get chewy, crisp, and melty layers every time. Whether you’re baking for a family treat or planning a party tray, this version makes it easy to enjoy that classic smores flavor indoors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick prep, big payoff: You can have these ready in under an hour.
• Simple pantry staples: No fancy ingredients, just graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows.
• Crowd favorite: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or casual family nights.
• Clean slices without the mess: Tips included so every square looks bakery-worthy.
• Make ahead and freeze friendly: Bake now, save some for later.

What makes this version special is the balance of textures: a crisp crust, melty chocolate center, and gooey top that toasts just right under the broiler. You get all the nostalgia of a campfire smore, but with the convenience of a pan of bars.

Ingredients Needed

For the Graham Crust

• 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup white sugar
• ⅔ cup melted unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt (balances sweetness)

For the Chocolate Layer

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (or chopped bars for a richer melt)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts for crunch

For the Marshmallow Topping

• 2 cups miniature marshmallows
• 14 graham crackers (whole, to layer in)
• ⅓ cup chocolate syrup (for drizzle)

Notes & Substitutions

• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
• Dairy-free swap: Plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips melt beautifully.
• Nut-free: Skip walnuts or swap with pretzel pieces for crunch.
• Budget tip: Store-brand crackers and chocolate still give great flavor.
• Flavor twist: Dark chocolate chips add a bolder taste, while milk chocolate keeps it classic, and you can see our chocolate ganache tips for best melt and sheen.

How to Make Smore Bars

Before You Start

• Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C).
• Line a 9×13 inch metal pan with parchment, leaving an overhang so you can lift the bars out easily.

Step-by-Step

1. Build the crust – In a bowl, stir graham cracker crumbs with sugar, then pour in melted butter and mix until sandy. Press firmly into the pan to form an even base. A flat-bottomed cup helps pack it tightly.
2. Par-bake the crust – Bake for about 8–10 minutes to set the structure. This step keeps it from crumbling later.
3. Add the chocolate – Scatter chocolate chips evenly across the hot crust. They’ll start to soften right away.
4. Optional crunch – Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the chocolate for extra texture.
5. Layer and top – Place half of the whole graham crackers over the chocolate, then scatter marshmallows in an even layer. Top with the remaining graham crackers and drizzle chocolate syrup on top.
6. Bake and toast – Return the pan to the oven for about 20 minutes until marshmallows puff. For that golden finish, switch to the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching closely so they don’t burn.
7. Cool and slice – Let bars cool at least 30 minutes. For bakery-style edges, chill in the fridge for 20 minutes before cutting with a hot, clean knife.

Doneness Cues You Can Trust

• Edges look firm while the center stays soft but not runny.
• Marshmallows should be golden, lightly crisp, and not scorched.
• Chocolate should be melted and glossy.

Pan Sizes and Batch Scaling

• 9×13 pan: Standard recipe as written.
• 8×8 pan: Halve the recipe for a smaller batch.
• Sheet pan: Double the recipe for a big party tray; baking time may need a few extra minutes.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Expert Tips

• Press the crust firmly using the bottom of a measuring cup so it holds together and slices clean.
• Chill before slicing, a 20–30 minute chill gives sharp edges and neater squares; browse our chocolate baking tips for more smart tricks.
• Use a hot knife dip in hot water, wipe clean between cuts, and you’ll get bakery-quality bars every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-broiling: marshmallows burn in seconds, so never walk away from the oven.
• Loose crust: if you don’t pack the crumbs tightly, the base will crumble when cut.
• Cutting too soon: warm bars fall apart; let them cool slightly before slicing.

Quick Fixes

• If the tops are too dark, cover loosely with foil next time to prevent over-toasting.
• If the crust crumbles, mix in an extra tablespoon of butter to help it bind.
• If the knife drags through the marshmallows, rewarm the blade and wipe it clean after each cut.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Ideas

• Cut into small squares for dessert trays or bake sales.
• Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty finish.
• Drizzle melted peanut butter or extra chocolate for added richness.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Storage

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for 4–5 days, though marshmallows will firm slightly.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight, as guided by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. For extra insurance, check our freezer tips for baked treats.

Reheating

• Warm individual bars in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore gooey texture.
• Microwave briefly (10–15 seconds) if you’re in a rush.

Variations

• No-bake cereal version: Use cereal instead of crackers and skip the oven.
• Peanut butter twist: Swirl in peanut butter before adding the marshmallows, or explore trending chocolate ideas for a new flavor path.
• Gluten-free option: Swap in gluten-free graham crackers with no change in flavor.
• Dark chocolate lovers: Replace semisweet with dark chocolate for a bolder taste, or try our Dubai chocolate bar recipe for a luxe twist.

Nutritional Information

The values below are based on one serving when the recipe is cut into 16 squares. Numbers may vary if substitutions are used.

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	489
Total Fat	26 g
Saturated Fat	13 g
Cholesterol	27 mg
Sodium	297 mg
Carbohydrates	66 g
Fiber	3 g
Total Sugars	44 g
Protein	5 g
Calcium	26 mg
Iron	3 mg
Potassium	194 mg

Nutrition benefits:

• Graham-style crackers contribute some dietary fiber, according to USDA FoodData Central.
• Dark chocolate adds antioxidants from cocoa flavanols, as reported by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
• Walnuts provide unsaturated fats linked with better heart health, as confirmed by Harvard’s Nutrition Source.

Tip: Use online tools like Cronometer or MyFitnessPal if you change ingredients and want to double-check values.

Conclusion

Smore Bars bring the campfire classic straight into your kitchen with layers of buttery crust, melted chocolate, and gooey toasted marshmallows. They’re simple to make, customizable, and always a crowd favorite. From weeknight cravings to party platters, these bars deliver comfort and nostalgia in every square.

The best part? You don’t need a fire pit or fancy tools just a pan, a few pantry staples, and a little time. Whether you serve them fresh from the oven or pull them from the freezer for a last-minute treat, they’re guaranteed to please.

If you try this recipe, drop a comment and leave a star rating. Share your version with friends on Pinterest or Facebook and let us know, what’s your favorite twist on classic smores?

Frequently Asked Questions