Golden Graham S'mores Bars

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The nostalgia of a campfire classic is captured in every bite of these Golden Graham S’mores Bars. Made with crunchy cereal, melty chocolate, and soft, gooey marshmallows, this no-bake dessert is a playful twist on the traditional s’mores we all love.

Whether you’re prepping a sweet treat for movie night, looking for a quick dessert for your family, or just in need of something to satisfy your sweet tooth without turning on the oven, these bars are the answer. They’re a perfect balance of crunchy and chewy and are sure to be devoured in minutes, no campfire required.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

6 cups Golden Grahams cereal
5 cups mini marshmallows (divided)
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add 4 cups of mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir until completely melted and smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and salt.
Add Golden Grahams cereal and stir until evenly coated.
Fold in the remaining 1 cup of mini marshmallows and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Stir gently to distribute.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press down gently using a spatula or parchment paper to flatten evenly.
Immediately sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips on top and lightly press them into the surface.
Let cool at room temperature for about 1 hour or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to set.
Cut into bars and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 16 bars

Golden Graham S’mores Bars: The Ultimate No-Bake Nostalgic Dessert

There’s something undeniably magical about s’mores. That melty, chocolatey, marshmallow goodness sandwiched between crunchy graham crackers has been a summertime favorite for generations. But what if you could capture all of that campfire flavor without needing a fire pit or skewers? Enter: Golden Graham S’mores Bars, the chewy, crunchy, gooey, chocolate-studded treat that brings the cozy nostalgia of s’mores right to your kitchen.

Perfect for busy families, kids’ lunchboxes, birthday parties, or weeknight indulgences, this no-bake dessert is a game-changer. The Golden Grahams cereal brings that familiar honey-cinnamon crunch, while marshmallows and chocolate chips recreate the texture and flavor of traditional s’mores. Plus, it’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making it ideal for beginner bakers or anyone looking to whip up something sweet in under 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love These Golden Graham S’mores Bars

1. No Campfire Required:
Say goodbye to sticky fingers and smoky clothes. These bars don’t require a flame or even an oven, making them ideal for indoor snacking year-round.

2. Incredibly Easy:
This is a true “dump and mix” kind of recipe. Melt the marshmallows, stir in cereal and chocolate, press into a dish, and you’re done. No mixers, no baking sheets, and no chill time (unless you want firmer bars quickly).

3. Nostalgia in Every Bite:
With every chewy, crunchy square, you’ll be transported back to childhood camping trips and summer sleepovers.

4. Perfect for Sharing:
These bars are easy to slice and pack, making them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, picnics, or after-school snacks.

5. Customizable:
You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking, swap in dark chocolate, add peanut butter, throw in some pretzels, or use flavored marshmallows for an extra twist.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

Golden Grahams Cereal:
These cereal mimics graham crackers perfectly, with its golden color and subtle sweetness. It holds up well to the melted marshmallow mixture and provides the essential crunch you want in a s’mores treat.

Mini Marshmallows:
Mini marshmallows are ideal because they melt quickly and evenly. A portion is melted to act as the “glue,” while the rest are folded in for gooey, pillowy pockets in every bite.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips:
Classic s’mores flavor depends on chocolate, and semi-sweet chips balance the sweetness of the marshmallows. You could also use milk or dark chocolate, depending on your preference.

Unsalted Butter:
Butter helps the marshmallows melt smoothly and adds a hint of richness. Salted butter can be used, but if so, skip the added salt in the recipe.

Vanilla Extract & Salt:
A touch of vanilla enhances the sweetness, and a pinch of salt balances the flavors to prevent the dessert from becoming overly sweet.

Tips for the Perfect S’mores Bars

Press Gently: Don’t press the mixture too hard into the pan or the bars will be tough. Use a spatula or parchment paper to press them lightly and evenly.
Don’t Overmix the Chocolate Chips: Add them at the end so they melt just a little and retain their shape. If the mixture is too hot, they’ll melt entirely and you’ll lose that chip texture.
Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper or wax paper to make removing and cutting the bars easier and it helps with cleanup too.
Chill to Set Faster: If you’re in a rush, place the bars in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. Otherwise, they’ll set nicely at room temperature in about an hour.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These bars are great for prepping in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but be aware that the cold can make them a little firmer (a few seconds in the microwave helps if needed).

They can also be frozen, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing. If you freeze them, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

Backyard BBQs: Serve as a fun and fuss-free dessert at your next cookout. Everyone loves a handheld treat!
Lunchbox Surprise: Wrap one up and tuck it into your kid’s lunchbox for a special midday delight.
Holiday Cookie Swaps: Think outside the cookie tin and bring a tray of these bars to a cookie exchange or potluck.
S’mores Board: Create a dessert charcuterie board with various s’mores-inspired treats including these bars, chocolate squares, marshmallow candies, and graham crackers.

Variations to Try

Peanut Butter S’mores Bars: Stir in ½ cup of creamy peanut butter with the melted marshmallows for a nutty twist.
Cookies & Cream S’mores: Add crushed Oreos to the cereal mixture and swap milk chocolate chips for white chocolate.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts for extra texture.
Caramel Drizzle: Top with a light drizzle of caramel sauce before serving for a gourmet touch.
Holiday Themed: Use colored marshmallows or sprinkle holiday-themed sprinkles on top to match the season.

Why This Recipe Works for Families

This recipe is a huge hit with both kids and adults. Parents love it because it’s low-mess, budget-friendly, and can be thrown together with pantry staples. Kids love it because… well, chocolate, cereal, and marshmallows! It’s also a great recipe to get children involved in the kitchen. Supervised melting is required, but kids can help mix and press the bars, which makes them feel proud of their contribution.

Nutrition Information (per bar)

While this isn’t a health food by any stretch, it’s nice to know what you’re getting. Each bar is about 210–230 calories, depending on the brand of cereal and chocolate used. They’re low in sodium and provide a quick burst of energy, making them a fun occasional treat.

Conclusion

Golden Graham S’mores Bars are everything you love about s’mores, minus the hassle. They’re sweet, nostalgic, satisfying, and wildly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a rainy-day treat, a no-bake party dessert, or just something fun to whip up with the kids, these bars tick all the boxes. They’ll transport you back to summer nights by the fire, no roasting sticks required.

So the next time that s’mores craving hits, don’t worry about gathering firewood. Just grab a box of Golden Grahams, some marshmallows, and a handful of chocolate chips, and let the magic happen in your kitchen.

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