No Bake S’mores Bars Recipe

If you’re craving that classic campfire treat without ever lighting a match, this No Bake S’mores Bars Recipe is your new best friend. Seriously, I absolutely love how this recipe captures all the gooey, chocolatey goodness of s’mores in a super easy bar you can whip up in minutes. Whether you’re in a rush or just want a mess-free dessert, you’re going to be so glad you tried this.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that nostalgic s’mores flavor, but in an easy bar form you can make anytime. I recommend using good quality chocolate chips, and personally, I like semi-sweet to balance the sweetness of the marshmallows and cereal.

• Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or milk work well here; the melting chocolate ties all the flavors together.
• Crisco shortening or vegetable oil: This helps the chocolate melt smoothly and keeps the bars from being too thick or hard.
• Mini marshmallows: You want lots of gooeyness, so don’t skimp—they soften beautifully when mixed in.
• Golden Grahams cereal: Their crunch is key, mimicking graham crackers in classic s’mores.

Variations

I love that this No Bake S’mores Bars Recipe is so adaptable. You can tweak it to suit your pantry, dietary needs, or just to have a little fun with flavors.

• Peanut Butter Swirl: Stir in a few spoonfuls of peanut butter to the melted chocolate for a rich, nutty twist—my family goes crazy for this version.
• Gluten-Free: Swap Golden Grahams for your favorite gluten-free graham cereal or crushed gluten-free crackers.
• Dark Chocolate Swap: If you love a deeper chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
• Extra Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for a little added texture.

How to Make No Bake S’mores Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan for Easy Removal

Start by lining an 8×8-inch pan with foil and give it a light spray of cooking spray. This step is a lifesaver—I discovered that without foil, the bars stuck like crazy and made cutting a nightmare. With the foil, you just lift them right out when they’re set.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Smoothly

Place your chocolate chips and shortening or oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring really well after each, until you have a smooth, glossy chocolate mixture. This usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes, but power and microwave strength vary, so don’t rush. Stirring after every interval is key—trust me, you don’t want scorched chocolate.

Step 3: Mix in the Marshmallows and Cereal

Once your chocolate is ready, stir in the Golden Grahams and mini marshmallows. The marshmallows might start softening a bit, which is exactly what you want for that gooey texture. Take your time folding in everything evenly so you get that perfect balance of crunchy and melty in every bite.

Step 4: Press and Chill Until Set

Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press it down firmly to compact it—brace yourself, this is a little messy, but totally worth it. Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set. Once chilled, use the foil to lift the entire block out and slice into squares.

How to Serve No Bake S’mores Bars Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra mini marshmallows or some crushed graham cracker crumbs on top just before serving—it adds a cute touch and a little extra texture. Sometimes, a drizzle of melted chocolate over the bars amps up the chocolatey feel, especially if you’re serving these for a crowd.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a cup of hot chocolate or a cold glass of milk for an ultimate cozy combo. I’ve also paired them with fresh berries to cut through the sweetness and add a refreshing surprise.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love arranging these bars on a platter with colorful napkins and adding little wooden skewers for people to grab. They’re also a huge hit in lunchboxes or picnic baskets because they’re perfectly portable and don’t crumble easily.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

They keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. I try to keep them tightly covered to avoid the marshmallows getting too firm or drying out—that way they stay nice and soft.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, just freeze the bars in a sealed container or freezer bag. I usually slice them first, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper, then freeze. They thaw quickly on the counter or in the fridge.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed slightly melty, I like to let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before eating straight from the fridge. If you prefer them warmer, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave does the trick—just don’t overdo it or the marshmallows might melt too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this No Bake S’mores Bars Recipe, I was amazed at how the flavors instantly transported me back to summer nights around the campfire—minus the smoke and mess! It’s such a simple, quick treat that delivers that classic s’mores experience any time of year. I’m confident you’ll find it becomes a go-to favorite, whether you want a last-minute dessert or an easy snack that feels like a little celebration. Go ahead, give it a try—I promise your sweet tooth will thank you!

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