Imagine the perfect summer campfire treat, but made indoors and available year-round: that’s the magic waiting in these Smores Bars. Gooey, chocolatey, and packed with that signature toasted graham flavor, this recipe transforms those beloved classic flavors into thick, chewy bars that are always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing dessert for a party or just indulging a sweet craving, Smores Bars promise a bite of nostalgia in every layer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Smores Bars is in their simplicity—each ingredient is essential, playing its own role in creating layers of flavor and texture. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll be amazed at how much they taste like the real campfire treat!

Unsalted butter: Gives richness and moisture to the base while keeping it wonderfully soft.
Light brown sugar (or dark brown sugar): Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and a subtle chew.
Large egg: Binds everything together and creates the classic cookie-like structure.
Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweet flavors and brings warmth to every bite.
Baking powder: Helps the bars rise just enough without being cakey.
Graham cracker crumbs: The heart of the recipe, giving Smores Bars their signature flavor and golden color.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Marshmallow creme: Spreads into a dreamy, gooey layer that stays soft even after baking.
Large chocolate bars: Melt in the middle, creating delicious pockets of chocolate in every slice.

How to Make Smores Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8-inch glass baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave extra hanging over two opposite sides—this little trick will help you lift the Smores Bars out with zero fuss. Set your pan aside for now.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine the unsalted butter and brown sugar. Beat them together with a hand mixer or the paddle attachment on medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes and forms the base of your delicious graham cracker cookie dough.

Step 3: Mix in the Egg and Vanilla

Once your butter and sugar are creamed, add the egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is smooth and fully incorporated. You’ll notice the dough starts to smell like fresh cookies—already a good sign!

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the baking powder, graham cracker crumbs, and salt. This blend ensures there are no clumps and that every bite has a perfect balance of flavor.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry graham cracker mixture into your butter mixture, mixing just until you have a thick, cohesive dough. Don’t over-mix; you want to keep the crumbly texture that makes Smores Bars so irresistible.

Step 6: Press and Layer

Take about half to two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. You want a solid, flat layer—use a spatula or even your fingertips. Next, pour the marshmallow creme over the dough and spread it out as evenly as possible. Pro tip: wet your spatula with hot water to keep the sticky creme from clinging! Lay out your chocolate bar pieces on top; it’s okay if there are gaps, as they’ll melt and spread as they bake.

Step 7: Top With the Remaining Dough

Divide your reserved dough into smaller portions, flattening each with your hands. Layer these dough pieces over the chocolate. It’s totally fine if you can still see marshmallow or chocolate peeking through!

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean of wet dough. Once done, set the pan on a wire rack and let the bars cool completely before slicing. This will help the layers set and make for cleaner, gooier squares.

How to Serve Smores Bars

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle crushed graham crackers, mini chocolate chips, or even a few extra mini marshmallows on top just after baking, while the bars are still warm. A dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty touch when they’ve cooled.

Side Dishes

Smores Bars pair wonderfully with cold milk, hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving them at a party, add some fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruit-forward contrast to all that gooey sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut Smores Bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter for a dessert buffet. Or, try wrapping individual bars in parchment paper and twine for a picnic or edible gift. For a decadent sundae, crumble a bar over ice cream and drizzle with chocolate sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Smores Bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to seven days—though good luck making them last that long!

Freezing

If you need to make them ahead, Smores Bars freeze beautifully. Once completely cool, slice them and layer between parchment in a freezer-safe, airtight container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just bring to room temp or zap them in the microwave to taste their original glory.

Reheating

Pop a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to rekindle that gooey, campfire vibe. Alternatively, a quick warming in the oven at 300 degrees for a few minutes will do the trick and make your kitchen smell heavenly.

FAQs

Can I use chocolate chips instead of chocolate bars?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips will melt into the marshmallow layer and taste just as delicious. You might not get quite as dramatic of those iconic melted chocolate chunks, but the flavor will be spot on.

How can I make Smores Bars gluten free?

Just swap out the regular graham crackers with a gluten-free variety. Many brands offer gluten-free graham cracker crumbs; use them in the same amount for a safe and scrumptious result.

Why won’t my marshmallow creme spread easily?

Marshmallow creme is sticky by nature, but running your spatula (or even a butter knife) under hot water before spreading works wonders. Wipe and re-wet the spatula as needed to keep things smooth!

Can I make these in advance for a party?

Definitely! Smores Bars are perfect for making ahead since they actually taste even better the next day. Just store them covered at room temperature, and slice right before serving for the freshest look.

Do Smores Bars need to be refrigerated?

Nope—room temperature is just right. While you can refrigerate them if you prefer a firmer texture, it’s not required for freshness or food safety.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been missing the taste of summertime campfires (or just love a delightfully gooey dessert), give these Smores Bars a try. They’re simple, nostalgic, and impossible to resist—sharing is optional, but highly encouraged!