If you’re craving the nostalgic flavor of classic campfire treats without lighting a single flame, these S’mores Bars are your answer. Made with just four ingredients and no baking required, this gooey, chocolatey dessert is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Perfect for potlucks, after-school snacks, or summer get-togethers, these bars deliver that classic graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate combo in a crunchy, chewy bite. Even better — they’re ready in under 35 minutes and hold up beautifully without the mess of traditional s’mores.
Table of Contents
Why These S’mores Bars Are a Must-Try Dessert
These no-bake S’mores Bars offer everything you love about the original treat with none of the hassle. You don’t need a campfire or skewers — just a microwave, a pan, and a sweet tooth.
- Quick and Easy: Only 10 minutes of hands-on prep.
- No-Bake Convenience: Ideal for summer when you want to avoid the oven.
- 4 Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy, just pantry staples.
- Texture Heaven: Crunchy graham cereal meets gooey marshmallow and melty chocolate.
- Family Friendly: A fun recipe for kids to help make.
What You’ll Need to Make These Irresistible Bars
• Graham Cereal: Adds crunch and brings the classic graham cracker flavor. Golden Grahams work best for structure and flavor.
• Marshmallows: The sticky binder and signature “s’mores” flavor. Large or mini marshmallows work equally well.
• Chocolate Chips: Melt into pockets of goodness throughout the bars. Use dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate based on your preference.
• Salted Butter: Helps melt the marshmallows smoothly and cuts their sweetness slightly for better balance.
Smart Swaps for Every Pantry
Out of Something? Try These Tasty Alternatives
• Cereal Swap: No Golden Grahams? Try Cinnamon Toast Crunch or broken-up graham crackers for a slightly different twist.
• Marshmallow Options: If you’re out of regular marshmallows, marshmallow fluff can be used, though it may result in a softer texture.
• Chocolate Variety: Use chopped Hershey’s bars, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for a creative spin on the classic.
• Butter Substitute: Coconut oil or vegan butter works well for dairy-free versions.
How to Make S’mores Bars Without Baking
- Melt the Marshmallows and Butter
In a large microwave-safe bowl, add butter and marshmallows. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each round. Repeat until marshmallows are fully melted and fluffy — about 2 minutes total. - Stir in Graham Cereal
Add 5 cups of graham cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir gently to coat. If you prefer a crunchier texture, add up to 1 more cup of cereal. - Layer and Press into Pan
Press half of the mixture into a 9×13 pan. Sprinkle with half of the chocolate chips. Add the remaining cereal mixture and gently press again. Top with the rest of the chocolate chips and extra cereal if desired. - Set and Slice
Allow the bars to set at room temperature for 20–30 minutes. Once firm, cut into squares and serve.
Pro Tips for Perfect No-Bake S’mores Bars
- Don’t Overheat Marshmallows: Stop microwaving once they puff up; overheating makes them too stiff.
- Use Parchment Paper: For easy removal and cleaner slicing.
- Wet Your Hands or Spatula: Helps press the sticky mixture without it clinging.
- Let Them Set Fully: Cutting too early leads to sticky, messy slices.
- Adjust Sweetness: Use dark chocolate to balance the sweet marshmallow base.
Delicious Pairings & Flavor Variations
- Add Crushed Pretzels: For a salty-sweet combo.
- Drizzle with Caramel or Peanut Butter: Elevate the flavor with extra gooeyness.
- Add Extra Marshmallows on Top: Broil for a toasted s’mores effect.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for heat lovers.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free graham cereal or crackers.
For storage, keep your S’mores Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh but still delicious even after a couple of days.
Toasted Marshmallow Upgrade (Optional)
For that classic toasted finish, reserve ⅓ of your mini marshmallows and scatter them on top after assembling. Use a kitchen torch or broil for 1–2 minutes until golden. Let cool completely before slicing.
These S’mores Bars with Golden Grahams are the ultimate nostalgic treat made simple. With minimal effort and major payoff, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you make them for a backyard BBQ or a rainy-day kitchen activity, this easy dessert will have everyone asking for seconds.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a quick, foolproof dessert that delivers all the nostalgic flavors of your favorite campfire treat, S’mores Bars are the ultimate solution. With just four pantry staples and no oven time, these chewy, chocolatey cereal bars are perfect for summer parties, school events, or simply indulging at home. The balance of gooey marshmallow, rich chocolate, and crunchy graham cereal is nothing short of irresistible. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or keeping a batch all to yourself, this easy recipe is guaranteed to satisfy every sweet tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions About S’mores Bars
Can I make S’mores Bars ahead of time?
Yes, S’mores Bars can be made up to 2–3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results, don’t refrigerate them, as that can harden the marshmallows and affect the texture. These bars are ideal for prepping before a party or road trip.
How do I prevent S’mores Bars from sticking to the pan?
To avoid a sticky mess, line your 9×13 pan with parchment paper before pressing in the cereal mixture. You can also lightly grease the pan with butter or non-stick spray. Once the bars have set, lifting them out is a breeze, and cleanup is minimal.
Are there any tips for making S’mores Bars more gooey or less sweet?
For extra gooey bars, reduce the amount of cereal slightly or add a handful of mini marshmallows at the end without melting them fully. To tone down the sweetness, opt for dark chocolate chips and a pinch of sea salt on top to balance the flavors. You can also use unsalted butter if you’re sensitive to salt-sweet combinations.
More Relevant Recipes
- Chocolate Lasagna No-Bake Dessert: This layered no-bake dessert features a crunchy cookie base, creamy layers of pudding and whipped topping, and a generous amount of chocolate — making it a perfect cousin to S’mores Bars in both flavor and ease.
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars: Rich with peanut butter and chocolate, these no-bake bars offer the same indulgent, chewy texture as S’mores Bars. They’re a quick treat ideal for chocolate lovers and fans of simple desserts.
- Chex Scotcheroos – Easy No-Bake Bars: Featuring crispy cereal, melted marshmallows, and chocolate-peanut butter topping, these no-bake bars bring a familiar crunch and gooeyness that echoes the best parts of classic S’mores Bars.
S’mores Bars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These easy S’mores Bars are a no-bake dessert made with just 4 ingredients — Golden Grahams cereal, marshmallows, butter, and chocolate chips. They deliver all the nostalgic flavor of classic campfire s’mores in a chewy, crunchy, mess-free bar that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons salted butter: helps melt the marshmallows smoothly and balances sweetness
- 1 (12 oz) package jet-puffed marshmallows: provides gooey texture and classic s’mores flavor
- 5–6 cups Golden Grahams cereal: adds crunch and graham cracker taste
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips, divided: melts into rich chocolate pockets throughout the bars
Instructions
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and marshmallows.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until marshmallows are puffed and fully melted (about 2 minutes total).
- Stir in 5 cups of Golden Grahams cereal until evenly coated. Add up to 1 additional cup if a crunchier texture is desired.
- Press half of the mixture into a 9×13-inch pan.
- Sprinkle half of the chocolate chips over the bottom layer.
- Press the remaining cereal mixture over the top.
- Top with remaining chocolate chips and optional extra cereal pieces.
- Let the bars set at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper in the pan for easy removal and less mess.
- Mini marshmallows work just as well as large ones.
- Dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips are all great options.
- To enhance the flavor, try sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on top.
- Bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 232
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 215mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg