How to Make S’mores Dessert Bars

If you’ve ever stood by a campfire balancing a toasted marshmallow between graham crackers and melty chocolate, you already know the magic of s’mores.

These s’mores dessert bars bring that same nostalgic flavor into your kitchen—without needing a firepit.

You’ll layer a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich chocolate center, and gooey marshmallows into one pan, then bake until golden and melty.

I usually prefer to start by crushing graham crackers into fine crumbs and mixing them with melted butter and a bit of sugar to form a thick base.

A smooth chocolate layer follows—sometimes just chocolate chips, sometimes a ganache.

Then comes the fun part.

Topping it with mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff and broiling until they’re golden-brown and toasted like the real thing.

The result? Sticky, chocolatey, crunchy bars that disappear quickly from the plate.

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Recipe Overview

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Ingredients

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Tools You’ll Need (with Alternatives)

• Mixing bowls (or any deep containers)
• Measuring cups and spoons (or digital scale)
• 8×8 inch baking pan (or round cake pan)
• Rubber spatula (or spoon)
• Oven with broiler (or kitchen torch)
• Parchment paper (or greased foil)

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How to Make S’mores Dessert Bars

Here’s how to build that gooey, toasty, layered bar that feels like summer—even in winter.

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Step 1: Prep the Crust Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand.

Press it firmly into the bottom of your parchment-lined baking pan using a flat-bottomed glass or spoon.

What to look for: the crust should be packed down tightly and evenly so it holds its shape after baking.

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Step 2: Make the Chocolate Layer

Spread your chocolate chips evenly over the graham crust. You can use a mix of chips for added depth.

Some people prefer pouring a ganache (melted chocolate + warm cream) instead, which gives a smoother result.

Tip: Press the chips lightly into the crust so they melt into place.

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Step 3: Mix and Add Topping Dough

In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, egg, vanilla, and a bit of sugar.

Stir into a soft dough and gently spread it in dollops over the chocolate layer—it won’t cover the whole surface and that’s fine.

Optional: Add a handful of mini marshmallows into the dough for extra goo.

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Step 4: Bake the Base

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 22–25 minutes, or until the dough topping starts to turn golden and the chocolate is just bubbling around the edges.

Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking.

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Step 5: Add and Toast the Marshmallows

Scatter mini marshmallows across the surface. Pop the pan under the broiler (top rack) for 30–45 seconds—just long enough for the tops to brown lightly.

Watch carefully! They go from golden to burnt in seconds.

If you prefer control, use a kitchen torch instead.

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Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Serve

Cool the bars completely in the pan (about 1 hour). Use a sharp knife to slice into 12 even squares.

If marshmallow sticks, dip the knife in warm water between cuts.

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Decoration & Serving Tips

• Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top for a bakery-style finish
• Add crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs on top for crunch
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

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Variations to Try

• Peanut Butter S’mores: Add a swirl of peanut butter between the chocolate and marshmallow layers
• Salted Caramel S’mores: Drizzle salted caramel over the marshmallow layer before broiling
• Cookie S’mores: Use a chocolate chip cookie dough base instead of graham cracker
• Triple Chocolate: Use milk, dark, and white chocolate chips together

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Storing Tips

• Keep bars in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days
• For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days
• Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving

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Extra Tips

• Always watch marshmallows under the broiler—they toast quickly
• Cool completely before slicing for clean, firm edges
• Press crust very firmly for a solid base that doesn’t crumble when cutting

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Common Mistakes & Solutions

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Let’s Bake and Share the Toasty Goodness

There’s no wrong time for s’mores bars—whether for summer cookouts or cozy nights in.

Try this batch and let me know if you went classic or added a twist!