The Ultimate Guide to Homemade S’mores Bars

Gooey chocolate and toasted marshmallow come together in a crowd-pleasing treat.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 17, 2025

Gooey chocolate and toasted marshmallow come together in a crowd-pleasing treat.

S’mores—the very word conjures up images of bonfires, laughter, and gooey marshmallows melting between chocolate and crunchy graham crackers. But what if you could bring that iconic campfire treat home in a convenient bar form? This comprehensive guide shows you how to craft perfect homemade s’mores bars that deliver all the nostalgia and deliciousness of the original, no campfire needed.

Why S’mores Bars?

Traditional s’mores require a fire and often a bit of a mess. S’mores bars pack all the classic flavors—golden graham cracker, luscious chocolate, and toasted marshmallow—into a portable, shareable dessert. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or just treating yourself, these bars are a modern twist on a beloved favorite.

Ingredients for Classic S’mores Bars

28 sheets graham crackers
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, melted
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
2 cups (12 oz.) milk chocolate, finely chopped or chips (plus extra for sprinkling, if desired)
1 (14-oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (10-oz.) bag mini marshmallows
Nonstick cooking spray
Foil, for easy pan removal

Step-by-Step: How to Make S’mores Bars

1. Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 325ºF. Line a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with foil and spray generously with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your bars won’t stick and will lift out easily for neat slicing.

2. Make the Graham Cracker Crust

Pulse graham crackers in a food processor until you have fine crumbs. Remove 1/4 cup and set aside for later.
Add melted butter and brown sugar. Pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.
Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan, using the bottom of a measuring cup to flatten and pack it in tightly.
Bake on the center oven rack until the crust is golden brown (about 10–12 minutes). Let cool completely on a wire rack—this prevents the chocolate layer from melting into the crust.

3. Whip Up the Chocolate Fudge Layer

Combine milk chocolate chips/chunks and sweetened condensed milk in a medium heatproof bowl. Set over a pan of simmering water (double boiler) and stir until melted and smooth.
Spread the chocolate fudge evenly over the cooled crust. Work quickly—this mixture sets fast!

4. Marshmallow Topping

Immediately scatter the mini marshmallows evenly over the top of the chocolate layer. (No need for perfection; the marshmallows will puff and expand in the oven.)

5. Toast the Marshmallows

Move the oven rack to the upper third. Turn the oven to broil.
Broil the pan for 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully! Marshmallows toast—and burn—very quickly. Remove as soon as they’re golden brown.

6. Finish and Serve

Sprinkle reserved graham cracker crumbs over the toasted marshmallows.
Optional: Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top while still warm.
Pop the pan in the freezer for 20 minutes. This helps the bars set for clean cutting.
Lift out of the pan using the foil, transfer to a cutting board, slice, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect S’mores Bars

Chill before cutting: Briefly freezing the bars ensures sharp, clean edges for impressive presentation.
Keep an eye on the broiler: Never walk away while broiling. Marshmallows can burn in seconds.
Use high-quality chocolate: The better your chocolate, the richer the flavor. Try semi-sweet or dark for a gourmet twist.
Add-ins: Fold in chopped nuts, peanut butter cups, or a sprinkle of sea salt for custom variations.
Line your pan: Foil and spray prevent sticking—a must for gooey bars.

Creative S’mores Bar Variations

Double Chocolate: Use both milk and dark chocolate layers for intense flavor depth.
Salted Caramel S’mores: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the chocolate layer before adding marshmallows.
No-Bake S’mores Bars: For a quick alternative, combine melted butter, marshmallows, chocolate, and graham pieces; press into a pan and chill to set.
Cookie Crust: Substitute graham crackers with chocolate or Biscoff cookies for a unique crust twist.
Nutty S’mores: Top with chopped toasted pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds.

Serving Suggestions

S’mores bars can be made ahead for parties, picnics, or family gatherings. Try these fun serving ideas:

Cut into squares or rectangles for easy portioning.
Serve slightly warm (just a few seconds in the microwave) for maximum gooeyness.
Pair with ice cream, especially vanilla or chocolate, for a show-stopping dessert.
Pack for picnics or lunchboxes—the crust helps these bars travel well!

Storing and Freezing S’mores Bars

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to three days.
Refrigeration: Keeps bars fresher and firmer—ideal in warm climates.
Freezing: Freeze for up to one month. Wrap first in plastic then foil. Defrost at room temperature before serving.

S’mores Bars vs. Classic Campfire S’mores

Feature	S’mores Bars	Classic Campfire S’mores
Prep Time	~30 minutes plus cooling	Just a few minutes per s’more
Mess Level	Low (contained, portable)	High (sticky hands, face, and sticks!)
Portability	High (perfect for parties/events)	Low (best eaten on the spot)
Flavor	Rich, fudgy, evenly toasted	Smoky, rustic, classic
Special Equipment	Oven, pan, broiler	Campfire, skewers

Nutritional Information

S’mores bars are a dessert best enjoyed in moderation. Each serving (1 bar, assuming 20 bars per pan) contains approximately:

Calories: 245
Fat: 11g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 2g
Carbohydrates: 33g

*Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients and serving size.*

S’mores Bar Recipe Variations to Try Next

S’mores Cookies: Make cookie dough with graham crumbs and marshmallows, press chocolate and marshmallow on top, and bake for a chewy s’mores treat.
S’mores Dip: Combine melted chocolate and heavy cream in a dish, top with marshmallows, and broil until gooey; scoop with graham crackers or fruit.
No-Bake S’mores Bars: Use a melted marshmallow and chocolate mixture with graham crackers pressed into a pan—no oven required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use different types of chocolate?

A: Absolutely! Try dark, white, or flavored chocolate chips. The higher the quality, the more decadent the result.

Q: Can I make s’mores bars ahead of time?

A: Yes. S’mores bars can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored at room temperature or in the fridge for extra freshness.

Q: How do I keep marshmallows from burning?

A: Watch closely under the broiler and rotate the pan if needed. Remove promptly when golden.

Q: Can I substitute marshmallow creme for mini marshmallows?

A: Marshmallow creme can add a gooey layer, but won’t toast in the same way. Use mini marshmallows for that classic toasted look and taste.

Q: How do I cut s’mores bars without them sticking?

A: Chill bars to set the chocolate, use a sharp knife, and wipe between cuts for neat squares.

Q: Are there gluten-free s’mores bars?

A: Yes! Simply use certified gluten-free graham crackers and confirm the remaining ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: Can I make these bars vegan?

A: Use vegan butter, plant-based chocolate, marshmallows, and sweetened condensed coconut milk to create a vegan version.

Final Thoughts: S’mores Bars for Every Occasion

S’mores bars aren’t just for summer—they’re a year-round treat perfect for family gatherings, holiday bake sales, or whenever you’re craving a dose of nostalgia. With endless ways to customize, easy make-ahead convenience, and all the flavors of the fireside classic, s’mores bars are destined to become your new go-to treat at home.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb