How to Create Decadent S’mores Bars: A Simple Guide
What comes to mind when you think of sitting around a campfire? For many, it’s the sweet, gooey delight of s’mores. But what if you could enjoy that delicious combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers without a campfire? Enter the decadent s’mores bars, a baked treat that brings all the joy of traditional s’mores to your kitchen. If you’re craving this campfire classic but want to enjoy it in the comfort of your home (and without the sticky fingers), this guide is for you. Here’s how to whip up decadent s’mores bars in simple steps.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup of milk chocolate chips (for that extra gooeyness)
- 2 cups of mini marshmallows
- A 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk
Equipment:
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making your s’mores bars!
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take your baking pan and lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper. This makes sure your s’mores bars don’t stick and are easy to get out of the pan once they’re done.
Step 2: Layer the Graham Cracker Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine your melted butter with the graham cracker crumbs until the mixture is well combined. The trick to a great crust is making sure every crumb is coated with butter for that perfect crunch. Once mixed, press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a crust. Try to press it down evenly so you’ll end up with a nice, level base for your toppings.
Step 3: The Chocolate Layer
Now, sprinkle your chocolate chips (both semi-sweet and milk chocolate, because why not?) evenly over the graham cracker crust. The dual types of chocolate give these bars an extra rich flavor that really mimics that gooey s’mores heart. Feel free to add more chips if you’re a chocolate lover—this recipe is all about indulgence.
Step 4: Marvellous Marshmallows
It’s marshmallow time! Scatter your mini marshmallows evenly over the layer of chocolate chips. They’ll puff up and turn golden in the oven, giving that quintessential s’mores look and taste.
Step 5: Drizzle with Sweetness
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top of your marshmallows. This might sound a bit unusual, but trust me, it brings everything together, creating a rich, gooey bar that’s impossible to resist. Make sure to cover as much of the surface as you can—it acts as a glue, binding all the layers together.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for the marshmallows to turn slightly golden brown on top and for the edges to be bubbly and delicious. This is the hard part—waiting for it to bake without peeking every two minutes!
Step 7: Cool, Slice, Enjoy!
Once your s’mores bars are golden and gorgeous, take them out of the oven. Here comes the most challenging part: letting them cool before slicing. Let the bars sit for at least an hour (if you can resist), as this helps them set and makes slicing easier. Once cool, cut them into squares, serve, and watch them disappear!
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple guide to making decadent s’mores bars that everyone will love. Whether for a party, a family treat, or just because you deserve something sweet, these bars are sure to hit the spot. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and the fact that you can’t really go wrong. Feel free to get creative — add nuts, caramel, or even a peanut butter layer if you’re feeling adventurous. Happy baking!
