Golden Grahams S’mores Bars Recipe
If you’ve been dreaming of a nostalgic treat that’s both gooey and crunchy with that unmistakable campfire vibe, then you’re going to love this Golden Grahams S’mores Bars Recipe. I promise you, it’s the easiest way to get all the best parts of s’mores in a convenient bar form – no fire pit required. Whether it’s for a weekend snack or a crowd-pleasing dessert, these bars bring that perfect combo of chocolate, marshmallow, and crispy cereal that just hits the spot every single time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy pantry items needed, just Golden Grahams, marshmallows, chocolate chips, butter, and corn syrup.
- Perfect Texture: Melty marshmallows combine with crispy cereal for a chewy yet crunchy bite that’s hard to resist.
- No Oven Needed: This recipe comes together on your stovetop, making it quick and perfect for warm-weather treats.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with different chocolates or mix-ins to fit your flavor cravings.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a key role here, melding together classic s’mores flavors with that cereal crunch we all adore. I always recommend grabbing fresh mini marshmallows and trusty Golden Grahams for the best results. Here’s a quick peek at what each component does:
- Mini Marshmallows: They melt down into a sticky binder that holds everything together – and the little pockets of whole marshmallows add softness and gooeyness.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: Classic creamy chocolate that melts evenly, infusing every bite with that signature s’mores sweetness.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps everything meld without drying out the bars.
- Corn Syrup: Keeps the bars soft by preventing crystallization and gives a glossy, chewy finish. If you don’t have it handy, a simple sugar-water mix works too.
- Golden Grahams: The star cereal here! Its cinnamon-honey flavor echoes traditional graham crackers, giving the bars crunch and authenticity.
Tweak to Your Taste
I like mixing things up depending on my mood or who I’m making these for. It’s so easy to customize these bars — I often add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before they set for a salty-sweet contrast, but feel free to get creative with mix-ins!
- Chocolate Variety: I’ve swapped milk chocolate chips for dark or even white chocolate chips, and the bars turned out delicious. Each gives a slightly different flavor profile.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Sometimes I swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter before letting the bars set – because, well, peanut butter makes everything better.
- Nutty Touch: Chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans) stirred in give these bars an extra crunch for texture lovers.
- Gluten-Free Option: Just use a gluten-free graham cereal alternative to make these bars safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Golden Grahams S’mores Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Get Cozy
Start by buttering or greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan. This helps the bars release easily once they’ve set. While I usually use a silicone spatula for mixing, I lightly grease it too, so the sticky mixture doesn’t cling. Having everything ready makes the whole process smoother — trust me, these bars get sticky fast!
Step 2: Melt the Marshmallow-Chocolate Mixture
Next, toss 5 cups of mini marshmallows, 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips, 5 tablespoons butter, and 1/4 cup corn syrup into a large saucepan. Set your stove to low heat and stir gently but constantly with your spatula. This slow melting ensures everything melds perfectly without burning. When the mixture is fully melted and smooth, take the pan off the heat and place it on a heatproof surface. This step is crucial to prevent overcooking.
Step 3: Fold in the Cereal and Marshmallows
Immediately add 7 cups of Golden Grahams and 1 cup of mini marshmallows to the melted mixture. Stir quickly but carefully — the mixture will be hot and sticky! Use a folding motion to evenly coat the cereal without breaking it too much. This is where your bars start to take shape and get that irresistible texture.
Step 4: Press and Set
Spoon the sticky mixture into your prepared pan. Using the back of your lightly greased spatula, press the bars down firmly and evenly. The firmer you press (without crushing the cereal), the better the bars hold their shape once set. Then, let them sit at room temperature for about 60 minutes until hardened. This step is key — if you cut them too soon, they’ll be messier and won’t hold together as well.
Pro Tips for Making Golden Grahams S’mores Bars Recipe
- Low and Slow Melting: Keep your heat low to avoid scorching the marshmallows or chocolate, which can turn the bars grainy.
- Grease Your Tools: Lightly greasing your spatula and pan will save you from dealing with sticky fingers and crumbs everywhere.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh mini marshmallows since older ones can be drier and less sticky, affecting the bar texture.
- Don’t Rush the Set Time: Resist the urge to cut them too soon; letting them set fully ensures neat squares that hold together.
How to Serve Golden Grahams S’mores Bars Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top just before they set—it adds that extra wow-factor without overwhelming the s’mores flavor. Toasted coconut flakes or chopped nuts work great too if you want to fancy them up for company.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy combo. If I’m serving these at a party, I’ll set up a fresh fruit platter alongside to balance all that sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, I’ve layered the bars in individual clear glass jars with whipped cream and fresh berries to mimic a s’mores parfait. It’s always a hit at summer picnics or kids’ parties, making these bars feel extra special without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover Golden Grahams S’mores Bars in an airtight container at room temperature — this keeps them chewy and soft. Storing them in the fridge tends to make them too hard, which defeats the whole point of that melty marshmallow texture.
Freezing
Surprisingly, these bars freeze well! I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, I let them thaw at room temperature. They might lose a bit of their fresh gooeyness, but the crunch remains delightful.
Reheating
If you want that freshly made softness back, gently warm bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or they’ll turn too melty and messy. A quick warm-up really revives that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cereal instead of Golden Grahams?
Absolutely! While Golden Grahams bring that signature graham cracker flavor, you can try crisp rice cereal or even cinnamon-flavored cereals for a new twist. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture may change slightly.
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What if I don’t have corn syrup on hand?
No worries! You can substitute the 1/4 cup corn syrup with 1/4 cup sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon water, heated until clear. This helps keep your bars chewy without crystallizing.
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Can I make these bars vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan butter or coconut oil, dairy-free chocolate chips, and check for vegan marshmallows (since most traditional marshmallows contain gelatin). The result will be just as delicious and friendly for special diets.
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How long do the bars last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these bars keep well for up to 4-5 days. After that, they may start to dry out or lose their gooey texture.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Golden Grahams S’mores Bars Recipe is one of those easy, crowd-pleasing treats that I always keep in my back pocket. Every time I make it, whether for a casual afternoon snack or a last-minute dessert, it disappears fast—no surprise there! I hope you’ll try it out and enjoy how simple ingredients come together to create something so magically delicious. If you’re anything like me, it’ll quickly become a recipe you return to again and again.
Print
Golden Grahams S’mores Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden Grahams S’Mores Bars are a delightful treat combining the classic flavors of marshmallows, milk chocolate, and crispy cereal. These no-bake bars are easy to make and perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 5 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 7 cups Golden Grahams cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Butter or grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Melt Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine 5 cups of mini marshmallows, milk chocolate chips, butter, and corn syrup. Melt over low heat, stirring gently with a rubber spatula until smooth.
- Mix in Cereal: Remove the mixture from heat onto a heatproof surface, then immediately stir in the Golden Grahams cereal and remaining 1 cup of mini marshmallows. The mixture will be very sticky.
- Press into Pan: Spoon the sticky batter into the prepared pan and flatten it down evenly using the back of a spatula. Lightly greasing the spatula can help manage stickiness.
- Set and Cool: Allow the bars to harden at room temperature for 60 minutes before cutting into 16 squares.
Notes
- If corn syrup is unavailable, substitute with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon water.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature; refrigeration is not recommended as it can cause the bars to become too hard.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
